1 Topic by dtempleton

  • dtempleton
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  • Registered: 2012-09-26
  • Posts: 5

Topic: Great Solution

Hi Guys,

While backing out my filament, I got into too big a hurry and broke it off, leaving a long pointed strand just above the peak.  After multiple attempts to push it on through using the filament, I went through my wife's craft supplies and found the perfect solution.  I found a piece of extremely stiff floral arrangement wire about 10 inches long and .1mm in diameter.  After reheating my extruder, I gently held back the compression arm and slowly worked the wire into the top. Because the wire was so small and stiff, it pushed the abs easily on down.

The wire is green anodized and .1mm in diameter and is bought in packs cut to length. Not the floral wire that comes on spools. 

I thought I share my experience and maybe save someone loss of hair and sanity.

2 Reply by cmetzel

  • cmetzel
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  • From: Solidoodle2 #0091
  • Registered: 2012-08-22
  • Posts: 1,429

Re: Great Solution

I push mine through with a small allen wrench, but this is a good solution too.

3 Reply by FarFromDotMatrix

  • FarFromDotMatrix
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  • Registered: 2012-09-14
  • Posts: 17

Re: Great Solution

Remember that you can unscrew the spring loaded screw on the top right of the printing head, allowing you to lower the right traction wheel and enlarging the access below.

4 Reply by aFoote

  • aFoote
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  • Registered: 2012-11-04
  • Posts: 53

Re: Great Solution

I second the Allen wrench. I've had to do that hmm

5 Reply by Gordym

  • Gordym
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  • From: Adrian, MI
  • Registered: 2012-08-10
  • Posts: 317

Re: Great Solution

I use an allen wrench as well. Don't forget to losen or remove the tensioner nut/spring combination before using the wrench. If it is too tight, you will crack your "jigsaw" acrylic. (Not that I've done that or anything...)

SD2
E3D V6
MK5 V6

6 Reply by cmetzel

  • cmetzel
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  • From: Solidoodle2 #0091
  • Registered: 2012-08-22
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Re: Great Solution

I just pull the tensioner back, push the filament through, then manually push my new filament in until I'm extruding, then release everything and feed 200mm or so to get the new color solid.

7 Reply by solijohn

  • solijohn
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  • Registered: 2012-08-07
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Re: Great Solution

cmetzel wrote:

I push mine through with a small allen wrench, but this is a good solution too.

Can someone make a video of doing this safely?

Former Solidoodle employee, no longer associated with the company.