My New Book: 3D Printing – A Complete Beginner’s Guide

When I bought my first 3D printer in January 2025, I genuinely believed the process would be simple: download a model, open the file and press print.

I soon discovered there was much more to learn.

There were different types of filament, slicer settings, supports, build-plate preparation, print failures and maintenance to understand. Like most beginners, I learned through a mixture of research, experimenting and making plenty of mistakes.

That first Bambu Lab A1 Mini eventually led to the creation of the Gift & Receive 3D-printing shop and studio in Sale. We now operate more than 17 printers, produce a wide variety of items and help other people learn through our beginner lessons, group sessions and 3D-printing parties.

I have now brought those experiences together in my new book:

3D Printing: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

This is a practical 294-page guide written for people who are completely new to filament 3D printing.

You do not need any previous technical or design experience. Everything is explained using straightforward language, real examples and lessons learned from running a working 3D-printing studio.

What Does the Book Cover?

The book follows the complete beginner’s journey, starting before you purchase a printer and continuing through to completing, improving and troubleshooting your prints.

Inside the book, you will learn about:

– How filament 3D printing works
– Whether 3D printing is right for you
– Choosing your first printer
– The tools and equipment you may need
– Understanding different types of filament
– Setting up and preparing your printer
– Finding suitable models to print
– Understanding slicer software and settings
– Positioning and resizing models
– Using standard and tree supports
– Preparing your first proper print
– Checking the sliced preview
– Watching and assessing the first layer
– Recognising common print failures
– Maintaining and looking after your printer
– Taking your first steps into 3D design
– Improving the appearance and strength of your prints
– Understanding licences and commercial permissions
– The realities of turning 3D printing into a small business

The book also contains a detailed glossary explaining common 3D-printing terms and a complete beginner’s checklist that you can follow whenever you prepare a new print.

Based on Real Experience

This is not a book written purely from technical specifications.

It is based on what I have learned while operating different printers, producing customer orders, solving failed prints, teaching beginners and developing Gift & Receive from one small printer into a busy shop and studio.

I have included the things that worked, the mistakes I made and the information I wish someone had explained when I opened my first printer.

My aim is to help beginners understand the complete process and start printing with greater confidence.

Where Is the Book Available?

You can choose the version that suits you best.

Digital PDF

The complete PDF edition is available directly from the Gift & Receive website for £7.99.

Once purchased, it can be downloaded and read on a computer, tablet or other suitable device.

Visit:

http://www.giftandreceive.co.uk

Paperback

If you prefer having a physical book beside your printer, the paperback edition is available through Amazon.

Search Amazon for:

3D Printing: A Complete Beginner’s Guide by Andrew Jenkinson

Kindle

The book is also available as a Kindle eBook, allowing you to read it using a Kindle device or the Kindle app.

You can find the Kindle edition on Amazon alongside the paperback version.

Start Printing with Confidence

Your first prints will not always work perfectly—and that is completely normal.

Every successful print, failed attempt and small adjustment teaches you something new. The important thing is understanding what to check and knowing how to move forward when something goes wrong.

Whether you are deciding which printer to buy, opening your first machine or trying to achieve more reliable results from one you already own, I hope this book becomes a useful companion throughout your 3D-printing journey.

3D Printing: A Complete Beginner’s Guide is available now as a downloadable PDF from http://www.giftandreceive.co.uk, and as a paperback and Kindle eBook through Amazon.