It's hard to answer that question as I never though about getting one. Right now, I see no practical use of a 3D printer anytime. I will not say no or yes, but maybe if it is affordable.

If it was affordable, and if it came with Linux drivers, yes - less scratchbuilding when modelling.

But I'd find more use for an affordable (for hobby use) laser cutter that came with Linux drivers. Almost there with affordability.

I agree there has to be some linux drivers. But as we know in the computer industry. MS windows will get first dibs on everything.

I have no use for one at this point.

If I developed a use for one, I'd certainly consider getting one.

Who wouldn't want their own replicator?

I'm more into destroying stuff than building up.

Just don't have a use for it.

What about when you've destroyed everything and the shops are closed?

I've been looking at these since day 1 since I occasionally produce prototypes of things.
The technology may work one day but for now don't waste your money unless:

1. You're REALLY good at 3D CAD drawing - learn that first - see how you get on
2. You don't need anything accurate (you can use a scanner instead of CAD to some degree but it isnt good)
3. You're prepared to wait a very long time - then keep re-waiting because something went wrong
4. You know in advance the sizes and colours etc. you're ever going to want
5. You're happy at being upset

I did see a nice one at a trade show that used paper that turned out multi-colours that became
very wood like - to be honest I was tempted (I think it was Irish manufactured) but then I came to
my senses.

When you can do it without CAD and make something useful other than ashtrays or Klingon models
then maybe.

Until then - sorry not interested. I'll go on using an agency - its 1000 times cheaper.

Most of the things I want to build are wood or metal so the earliest 3D printer I can imagine useful to me is likely a decade away. Perhaps by then a paper than can be activated, maybe with a resin or catalyst, that could approximate wood well enough to have some use. As it is I rather enjoy hands-on so "affordable" has to come a LONG way down.

Yes, soon if not "affordable"( or make one)!

No, I have no room for one, and no real use for one.

Limited... don't you mean decades ago‽ (Like 1 always equaling 1...)

Wood, rocks, them too; but... planet cancers enevadabal just look at the TF&RMT!

I have a good Dremal, two welders as well as crucibles, silica sand &c but the more the,,, transmission hult: mass graves are evadable be part of the solution.

I've just got one a couple of weeks ago, a Geeetech Prusa i3 Pro B, comes as a kit and costs about £200.00 (though I've since seen it cheaper!) It's a RepRap open source printer clone from one designed by Josef Prusa
It took me about a week to build, not because it was difficult but because I wanted to take my time and enjoy the build. It came with no instructions but I got an email from the company with links to the pdf build manual and a suite of YouTube videos. Some of the straight rods needed a bit of attention; the worst had a 0.020" deviation which I managed to reduce to 0.0035" using an arrow straightener, carefully, as aluminium arrows are easier to bend than stainless steel rods!

I'm now getting reasonable prints out after having to learn about extruders, hot beds, nozzle diameters, X,Y an Z stepper motors, print speed, rafts and brims, etc. It uses a GT2560 modified Ardino board with all the stepper drivers as plug in modules. cheap as chips.

Software? You use a program called Repetier-Host , available for Linux, to drive the printer ( or you can print off-line via an SD card)
Windows and Mac users have to find drivers for the USB serial link, Linux? It just works, what can I say. You just need to give the user access to the comms port.
You also need a program to slice your models from .stl code to Gcode which the printer understands. Slic3r is available in Linux Repos, at least for Mint. I think it also comes with Repetier. Version 2.0 has just become available so I'll probably break my machine.

I spent 15 years of my life maintaining vector photoplotters used to produce phototools for printed circuits, maps, IC leadframe production, etc, so this little beauty is like coming home. It's fantastic fun and there are loads of models at Thingiverse.com which you can print. You can also print parts to build your own printer. I've a few things of my own which I'll design with FreeCAD

Why do you need a reason to get one?

Play Bonny!

No. I meant exactly what I said... emphasis on "well enough" with "to suit my taste" implied. I hate particle board with extremely few exceptions in application and other plastics are generally worse. This is without even considering ecology. That currently takes it to a whole other level.

PS - You seem concerned about . Do you have some example of a circumstance in which this is even doubtful?