1 Topic by XistenZ (edited by XistenZ 2014-07-22 11:57:37)

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Topic: A random nut just dropped unto my bed!

I was happily printing when a nut fell out from somewhere on the printer. It continued printing with no problem so I checked where it might have come from after it finished. I found a bolt on the underside of the extruder, I think it's one that keeps the fan in place but I don't know :S
I tried to screw it back into place but it's hard to reach with any tools and it never really "sets". After I got it on as best as I could it didn't take long until it once again dropped back unto the bed. This time I got it back as best as I could and then another nut to make it stick better (I think it only works when the nuts has actually been screwed as far as possible, which these hasn't because of no room to work!). Anyway, this resulted in the whole bolt broke and now it just spins together with the nuts. I can't print anything anymore, no "perfect circles" or hard edges are possible...

What did I brake, and how do I fix it?

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/280x200q90/537/2295ba.jpg
It's the bolt closest to the extruder.

2 Reply by grob

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Re: A random nut just dropped unto my bed!

Would it be at all possible for you to upload a photo with the offending bolt pointed out? This would ensure we advise you correctly...

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3 Reply by XistenZ

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Re: A random nut just dropped unto my bed!

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/280x200q90/540/3b5da8.jpg
It's the one in the red circle smile

4 Reply by wardjr

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Re: A random nut just dropped unto my bed!

If it fell all the way through, things are getting too hot.  It might be time for some upgrades but you could try a washer up top.  This may create a clearance issue for the motor though.

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5 Reply by XistenZ

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Re: A random nut just dropped unto my bed!

I don't even know how to dissasemble the thing to get to what need to be replaced. What do you mean by washer? Dishwasher? Would the printer handle that kind of weight? Don't know what good it would do but I'm no expert so.

Anyone know what the bolt does? I was guessing it was to hold the fan, but I was a bit too hasty, I think it holds the motor and that's why my prints are being so bad. I'm afraid that the whole thing will just collapse and I'll never be able to put everything together if I try to dissasemble it without knowing what's what :S

6 Reply by mdrVB6 (edited by mdrVB6 2014-07-24 17:37:26)

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Re: A random nut just dropped unto my bed!

I'm not in front of my printer, but if I remember correctly, the stock carriage is a 2 piece printed part and those screws are the ones that hold it together.  I could see how it would not work well if that piece is loose.  The way to disassemble it is to go at it with a screw driver and pay enough attention that you can put it back together again.  There are no written instructions.

You can print a replacement if the printer will limp along for enough time.  If you can't print, try taking it apart and gluing it together.  If you can't glue it, get someone here or on reddit.com/reprappif to print you a replacement and go with the upgraded carriage that is stickied over in the hacks and mods section (just order the bearings to replace your bushings).  Whatever you do, don't pay solidoodle inflated prices for the stock replacement carriages.

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7 Reply by XistenZ

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Re: A random nut just dropped unto my bed!

I managed to get the nut somewhat in place and it seems to hold. I tried dissasembling it but all the bolts on this damn machine is loose and will rotate with the nuts. So, I'll print out spares in case now that it's "working" again, until it dies on me again.
Thanks for the tips smile