Re: Filastruder Kit Gallery - Pictures of Filastruders in the wild!
Thanks!
Quick update. I've run about 1/2 of the initial pellets now. I had 2 false starts. The first issue was not having the nipple tight enough. Once the auger was under compression the nipple started to turn. That was easy to fix. The second problem was that somehow the washer that gets used as a "key" in the hex socket got warped and stopped doing its job. Again, an easy fix.
Once I got plastic extruding consistently I had a couple of issues with it bunching up at the nozzle. I read through the forums here and realized I needed better clearance around the floor for it to spool, and to ensure there was no interference with the side of the workbench that it's sitting on. Since making these adjustments I've not had any further issues. I took a segment of my homemade filament and compared it with some commercially bought filament from Octave, and it's hard to tell the difference. I don't have a digital caliper, but testing with my vernier caliper shows that it is virtually indistinguishable from the Octave filament, and very consistent.
I know this is a 1st gen product and basically experimental, but I have to say I am thrilled with its performance. Assembly was straightforward, the support of this community, and Tim in particular, has addressed every question that arose quickly and effectively. And the end result is a product that is doing exactly what I had hoped for. Obviously I've just barely begun, but I can't imagine a better start. Thanks!!!