Well, gotta get up early so I'm off to count sheep

To explain the issue a little bit more another thought as to the cause was a clogged nozzle (which is why I had dis-assembled my hot end). I was noticing in my last print that the stringed globs were forming at the start of a new layer and at the start of a new extruded line following a retraction command. After about an inch or so of extrusion the extruded line evened out and there was no more globs. In addition to that the extruder seemed to be slipping on the filament and the filament looked like it was getting backed up appearing slighlty bent in the jigsaw.  I adjusted the nozzle temp to 200C as well as tightened up the extruder tension arm but that only helped a little. After taking my nozzle apart there was no noticeable HUGE clog present, there was a little bit of burnt filament but I expected that. Anyway I decided the easiest thing at that moment was to clean the nozzle to alleviate that as a possible cause

So far I've printed numerous calibration pieces playing with the Slic3r settings to see the changes from print to print. I also wanted to see how well the printer bridges gaps, angled overhangs, etc. Otherwise I have been sticking with low-to-the-bed pieces like phone cases, bracelets and I've enjoyed printing a few carabiner designs. It seems when I try printing parts higher than a few inches the layer quality starts to degrade quickly and I start to get strings of small globs instead of a nice continuous extruded line...I've chalked this up to cooling (I don't have an enclosure yet…thoughts?)so once I get my hot end re-assembled I'm going to start printing parts for my enclosure design.

Once I'm satisfied with a highly functioning printer I am going to start to knock things off of my seemingly mile long "queued print" list

I have a SD2 and have been printing for a few weeks now.  So far I am very pleased and have had no major issues thanks in large part to the experience in this community and the great information that is posted here. I have ran through all the "initial calibration" steps and have made minor adjustments to my hardware, software & firmware already and am settling in to my 'sweet spot' Slic3r settings.

Just dis-assembled the hot end and am soaking the nozzle and brass barrel in acetone for a good cleaning… will be operational tomorrow.

Excited for the 3D printing madness that is to surely follow.

I  look forward to learning more & participating in this great group.

Regards,

Nate