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What are the Best Miniature Models to Try Out on Your New Resin 3D Printer?
If you’ve just bought a nice new shiny resin 3D printer (I’m jealous!), you’ll no doubt be excited to try printing your first minis, but where do you start?
The best idea is to download some of the fantastically detailed mini models freely available from some highly talented designers.
In this article, I’ll highlight some of the best miniature designers and recommend any of their models that are relatively easy to print and will show off the abilities of your resin 3D printer.
If you don’t have a 3D printer then I recommend you check out my guide to 3D printing miniatures, which will tell you everything you need to know about the subject.
Testing Your 3D Printer
Before printing any miniatures, you should print the same model every knowledgeable maker prints – Benchy! This little boat is an easy way to make sure everything is working as it should on your 3D printer before you get going on more complicated prints.
Your second print should be the AmeraLabs Town test print. This is a mini townscape that neatly tests several printing parameters in one. It’s specifically designed to highlight issues that are relevant to modeling, such as opening widths and tiny pillars.
Best Miniature Models for Resin 3D Printing
Vae Victis Miniatures
A great starting point for printing miniatures is the Vae Victus Minis. You can start with their free offerings on Thingiverse which are all supportless, hence easy to print and less likely to fail. If you like the freebies you can go on to support them on Patreon and get access to the full collection including the Unlucky Lady, Orc Pirate, and the Keeper of Rituals.
GloomyKid Minis
GloomyKidMinis is an amateur sculptor who creates fantastically imaginative and detailed figures for tabletop and wargames. You can try out some of his models for free on Thingiverse, like the popular Naga Warriors and Kenku Death Cleric and you can get access to his full library of models by supporting him on Patreon.
