There is probably no point in printing spare parts till you actually calibrate the printer to the point where the dimensions it prints are the same dimensions the model asks for, otherwise when you go to use the spare, you'll find it doesn't actually fit right :-).
I agree that calibration is one of the most important steps that needs to be done. That being said and knowing that out of the box the SD3 most certainly is out of calibration. It was calibrated by Solidoodle and actually printed the spool holder bracket before they are shipped.
Before I calibrated anything my first print was an MK4 as my jigsaw was broke during shipping. The replacement that I received from Solidoodle cracked during installation but held together long enough to print the MK4. I was worried that it wouldn't fit but to my surprise it bolted right on.
The first thing I realized when I unpacked my SD3 was that I would need to make some changes (Hacks and Mods).
But wait! I just want to print something now! What Should I do first? I have given this question a lot of thought since I got my printer.
I fully expect and encourage others to toss in their two cents worth (just think back to those first few days with your printer and what things you wish you had a quick solution or answer for).
All of this is assuming your printer...
1. showed up in one piece and is basically ready to print. (mine did not)
2. that you have all the software downloaded and functioning correctly.
3. Set your Z-endstop I would be willing to bet it is not correct out of the box.
So for me the first thing I needed a quick solution for was some form of enclosure.
Turns out your average kitchen plastic wrap quickly wrapped around and taped to the three sides works very well and you can see through it. Better yet, it is most likely in the drawer next to the stove.
The second thing I wanted to address was getting my prints (ABS) to stick better and there are a lot of different ideas but hairspray will get you started and adding more heat to the bed doesn't hurt either. (more is better here... I now use 108 deg)
Adding a cheap piece of glass cut to size will make your life so much easier but here is a TIP.
instead of clips or some other contraption to hold your glass just spray both sides of your glass with hairspray and leave the Kapton tape on your bed. The glass will stick nicely and is still removable. (Don't forget to adjust your Z-stop for the extra height) I have hundreds of prints this way and never has my glass moved or shifted and it is easy to switch out and start the next print with another piece of glass.
The third thing and one of the most important things is to start printing spare parts. I strongly recommend Lawsy's MK5
at some point you're going to need it and it is a fairly simple print job.
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:111213
The fourth was some form of spool holder and for that you can just take your pick from many designs on thingiverse. Just make sure it allows for tangle free operation.
I hope others will chime in with some quick fix solutions that you have come up with from your first few days with your printer.
I will update this post as other thoughts come to mind.
Happy Printing.
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