3-d printing (I'm including SLS in this) is easier, cheaper, and safer. 3-d printers don't need to be nearly as rigid as machine tools and can be much lighter

3-d printing (I'm including SLS in this) is easier, cheaper, and safer. 3-d printers don't need to be nearly as rigid as machine tools and can be much lighter as a result. Machine tools have a limited set of operations because the cutter head has to reach what it is cutting without interference. Complex parts require can require several tool changes as a result. Printers can create overhangs and cavities that would be very difficult or impossible with machine tools. 3-d printed objects also don't need to be clamped down while working, which makes setup much faster. Though machines and setup are still very expensive, the raw materials in 3d printing can be very cheap compared to steel or aluminum. (And more advanced materials are available if you need greater structural integrity.) Mills are significantly more dangerous than printers as well. Even with "advanced safety protocols" mills have heavy rotating components and very sharp cutters backed with powerful motors (otherwise they would be pretty worthless tools.) The products that come out of them often have sharp edges that need additional operations to clean up. Printers can get hot or pinch you and require respect, but I think they are significantly less scary. I could see a world where 5-axis CNC mills were much more pervasive, but I don't see them in every garage.