# Do I really need 3 machines for one project? **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [September 4, 2026, 10:30am UTC](https://3dprintingspace.com/t/do-i-really-need-3-machines-for-one-project/10461 "2026-09-04T10:30:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![realbecca](https://3dps-assets.b-cdn.net/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/r/898d66/32.png) [@realbecca](https://3dprintingspace.com/u/realbecca)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2026, 10:30am UTC](https://3dprintingspace.com/t/do-i-really-need-3-machines-for-one-project/10461/1 "2026-09-04T10:30:08Z")
Trying to keep my setup small, but every project seems to need a bit of everything: FDM for the part, laser for a panel/marking, CNC for the bits that need actual cutting. The annoying part isn’t even the work. It’s moving the material, re-fixturing it, re-zeroing, cleaning the laser/CNC mess, then getting the printer back in shape. Three dedicated machines would be nice, but I don’t have a spare room (or the budget tbh). How are ppl handling this at home? Outsource 2 of the 3? Use a combo machine? Just accept that every project takes 3x longer? ---
**Author:** ![Loosenut](https://3dps-assets.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/3dprintingspace.com/loosenut/32/3612_2.png) [@Loosenut](https://3dprintingspace.com/u/Loosenut)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2026, 5:08pm UTC](https://3dprintingspace.com/t/do-i-really-need-3-machines-for-one-project/10461/2 "2026-09-04T17:08:47Z")
So far I don’t believe that there are any “all in one” machines, at least that anyone could afford. Using hand tools, like a caveman, would work for some things but that takes longer and you have to learn the skills. Anyway welcome to the forum, maybe somebody else has a solution. ---
**Author:** ![TimInElmira](https://3dps-assets.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/3dprintingspace.com/timinelmira/32/8902_2.png) [@TimInElmira](https://3dprintingspace.com/u/TimInElmira)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2026, 4:46am UTC](https://3dprintingspace.com/t/do-i-really-need-3-machines-for-one-project/10461/3 "2026-09-06T04:46:51Z")
Probably like you, I live in an apartment. I have enough room for one 3D printer. Fortunately, there is a maker space near me, that has all that you seek, plus more (e.g. wood shop, machine shop, etc.) From there, I’ve met other like minded makers, so I trade 3d Printer time with someone that has a CNC. I have two friends close by that each has a band saw and a table saw. All of this requires planning and coordination, as well as time, but nothing I do is critical and has to be done NOW! ---
**Author:** ![Loosenut](https://3dps-assets.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/3dprintingspace.com/loosenut/32/3612_2.png) [@Loosenut](https://3dprintingspace.com/u/Loosenut)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2026, 7:57pm UTC](https://3dprintingspace.com/t/do-i-really-need-3-machines-for-one-project/10461/4 "2026-09-06T19:57:20Z")
> [@TimInElmira](#): > > but nothing I do is critical and has to be done NOW! Well your obviously not doing it right. Panic is a motivator. 😝 ---
**Author:** ![kitedemon](https://3dps-assets.b-cdn.net/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/k/ecae2f/32.png) [@kitedemon](https://3dprintingspace.com/u/kitedemon)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2026, 6:28pm UTC](https://3dprintingspace.com/t/do-i-really-need-3-machines-for-one-project/10461/5 "2026-09-09T18:28:07Z")
It is a bit of a chore by times. I run 6 FDM printers, and a laser cutter / engraver. I am often fiddling with something. I don’t run a CNC but that is likely soon or maybe a foundry for casting… it’s hard to say. There is a versatility to using two printers for one project and using the laser for more parts. I outsource the CNC / waterjet that has become my biggest expense. I have used one of the older snap makers with a laser module it is ok. Not great at cutting but marking it is fantastic. I own a U1 which is a fantastic printer perhaps my favorite I own. I don’t know if the newer multi units are better than the original is but it might be a real option. I have looked hard at a decent cnc. I think that a good one will take much of the laser jobs and it could reduce the switch some? Maybe.