The Basics of 3D Printing

a very elaborate intro, and an inspiring podcast interview

The Basics of 3D Printing in 2015 - from someone with 16 WHOLE HOURS' experience - Scott Hanselman:

March Is For Makers: 3D Printing with Printrbot's Brook Drumm on the Hanselminutes Technology Podcast: Fresh Air for Developers

Printrbot Assembled Metal Simple 3D Printer, Black, PLA Filament, 1.75mm Ubis Hot End, 6" x 6" x 6" Build Volume: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific