Ender 3 3d printer about 6 years ago. I bought it used for $100 on a whim with no knowledge on how to use one. Now it's the most useful tool in my house. Need a slightly bigger hollow wall anchor? You can print one. Custom desk organizer? Print one. Name plates for a dinner party. Stamp to impress into wax or leather. Fantasy scatter terrain.
There is certainly a learning curve but if you can get proficient you can make countless helpful things that would would not be able to buy.
I agree but having a more reliable printer you don’t have to fix is even better. It allowed me to start teaching myself CAD and now I spend time designing stuff around the house rather than fixing or upgrading the printer. I use Alibre Design, allows you to buy outright and no subscription if you don’t mind being on an older version.
Oh, I agree. I use a different printer now too for most things but I still have the original one. The technology has really advanced in the intervening years.