Ask HN: What are the best 3D Scanner and 3D printers out there?

Being in the process of assembling one, I believe the best and most cost-effective printer (though not the simplest) is the one you build for yourself. See the RepRap project and printer models at www.reprap.org. If you want a ready-to-print model, I've heard many good things about Makerbot.

As far as scanners go, I do not have much experience. Most of the projects I have seen are either way too expensive or lack in detail. There is a project named FabScanner that looks promising, though (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:14198).

http://www.wired.com/design/2012/04/10-things-3d-printers-ca.... This link may be useful to you.