Your Favorite CAD software and 3D printer for an M1 macOS is...?

[IceMan30]

I want to finally take the plunge into 3D printing with my 9 year old son. I'm modestly capable in most CAD environments from work, though no expert (but hey, I can read a tutorial or watch a YouTube video like a pro). For now just looking to print some fun around-the-house things or whatever toy/toy accessory he's come up with, and we'll see where it goes from there.

So I'm looking for any and all input. What's YOUR preferred or favorite 3D printer and software? Is there a better printer (or type) for certain applications?

I know for software there's the stalwarts like SolidWorks (maybe just the online version for macOS?) and AutoCAD; but on a quick search looks like there's plenty of free/open source/cheap packages that are specifically geared towards 3D printing, or maybe adapted from 3D modeling software. Names that jumped out or that I recognized (not that that means anything) were Blender

I'm on an M1 MacBook Pro (the little guy, 13")

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I like TinkerCAD, I’ve designed & printed some pretty detailed items for my N scale model railroad. I love that it has an iPad app, I actually do most of my design work on the iPad and then just pull the STL off on the Mac to run it through the slicer. On the Mac, it’s literally just a browser app - really good for a shared situation where you’re working with the kid on your own computer, if they can then continue the work on their own computer or iPad it’s much easier than a local app with local data files.

As far as which printer, I’m using a SLA (resin) printer but I would not recommend that for a 9-year-old, or for anyone not needing 1:160 level detail.

 

[Heindijs]

For slicing I use Ultimaker Cura. It supports all kinds of printers and is fully featured and best of all it's free!

 

[crashnburn]

I wonder if any serious ME/ CAD folks on here?