SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — Filament Loading Can Be A Bitch Sometimes

Re: Filament Loading Can Be A Bitch Sometimes

null@example.com (KevinME) — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 19:39:44 +0000

pbcrazy wrote:

There is a metal "arm" on the side of the extruder, if you push it down you can literally just push the filament in without even using the load filament command. I believe it separates the gears in order to let the filament through, it is also how I've been able to use two colors on a single print with the 1.0. Far easier than cutting the filament and pushing till it grabs

This.

I always push in the filament as far as it can go, then release the arm and push it in another qtr inch or so. Then I load the filament through the firmware. I have been doing this since day one (a couple of weeks now) and have never had an issue loading filament. I thought this was how you were supposed to do it...

Re: Filament Loading Can Be A Bitch Sometimes

null@example.com (jgourd) — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 15:42:48 +0000

I think I found the trick. Cut the filament at 45 degree angle, than do the other side so it is pointy. While the extruder is trying to push it in, squeeze the lever and push down a few mm and let go. Feel the filament to see if it is going in.

Re: Filament Loading Can Be A Bitch Sometimes

null@example.com (FTLOT) — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 03:52:36 +0000

It can be tricky at times. I found you need to use a little more force then I expected.

Re: Filament Loading Can Be A Bitch Sometimes

null@example.com (pbcrazy) — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 03:14:08 +0000

There is a metal "arm" on the side of the extruder, if you push it down you can literally just push the filament in without even using the load filament command. I believe it separates the gears in order to let the filament through, it is also how I've been able to use two colors on a single print with the 1.0. Far easier than cutting the filament and pushing till it grabs

Re: Filament Loading Can Be A Bitch Sometimes

null@example.com (carl_m1968) — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 02:59:43 +0000

When I load filament on my 1.0 I press no arm or anything. I simply cut an angle on the filament. Heat the extruder, tell it to feed 100mm and push the filament in tell the gears grab and pull it through. I have never had to use any other process nor have had any failure.

Re: Filament Loading Can Be A Bitch Sometimes

null@example.com (scobo) — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 02:55:27 +0000

Are you using any force to feed the filament into the gears in the extruder ?
I find I need to use a moderate amount of force to get the gears to grip it. You should be able to feel the gears "bite" on the filament when it's engaging with them properly.

Re: Filament Loading Can Be A Bitch Sometimes

null@example.com (pbcrazy) — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 02:51:10 +0000

Are you depressing the arm when you push the filament in?

Filament Loading Can Be A Bitch Sometimes

null@example.com (jgourd) — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 02:42:45 +0000

I often have a terrible time loading filament. I cut at an angle but it still hangs up on something. It just occurred to me that what I need is to run the filament through some form of pencil sharpener to bring it to a uniform point. I tried heating it with a lighter and pulling it to a point but that proved to be something that needed a lot of skillful technique to get right every time.

Thoughts?