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SoliForum - 3D Printing Community → Solidoodle Discussion → Newbie Setup Advice
Purchasing tells me that the Solidoodle 2 I ordered has finally arrived, and that they will put it in my lab tomorrow. I haven't had a chance to read instructions yet and I certainly will, but what advice would you give to someone who is a newbie to 3D printing about starting out with the Solidoodle 2?
1) Read the instructions
2) Get familiar with the software
3) Print
4) Level and Callibration
5) Repeat
6) Ask questions here!
7) Don't give up
Some other advice in no particular order (You should search or google for more details)
-Print a replacement extruder assemblies: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:40711
-Buy some Lithium Grease, Acetone, putty knife, and other random tools
-Buy some kapton tape
-Hair spray will help it stick, but wiping the bed with acetone was good enough for me
-Learn to use some 3d software like Sketchup
-Buy some fine instruments like a Dial Gauge, Calipers, maybe a laser temp monitor
-Buy a heatgun to heat the bed faster
EDIT: I guess when I say read the instructions, I really mean to read the wiki, solidoodle articles, etc.
-Print a replacement extruder assemblies: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:40711
-Buy some Lithium Grease, Acetone, putty knife, and other random tools
-Buy some kapton tape
-Hair spray will help it stick, but wiping the bed with acetone was good enough for me
-Learn to use some 3d software like Sketchup
-Buy some fine instruments like a Dial Gauge, Calipers, maybe a laser temp monitor
-Buy a heatgun to heat the bed faster
I agree with the first points 1-7, but I haven't done any of this other stuff and I have been printing very successfully since August.
1) Read the instructions
...mine came with instructions?
If this is going to be in a lab I recommend that you skip setting up Prontoface/Skeinforge and go directly to Repetier-Host/Slic3r for the software package.
Installation and setup instructions are available with the profiles that solidoodle posted here:
http://www.solidoodle.com/2012/11/1495/
I also recommend printing some of the community created extra parts to enhance the stock functionality of the Solidoodle 2. These are good prints to get started with and have the added benefit of being immediately useful.
We have been gathering many of these mods on the solidoodle wiki (which will be a good resource for you as well).
Does your printer have a case? If not, some plexi or something (cardboard) to keep the heat in can help with some common print issues that happen on larger prints.
Basic Toolset (really required):
Paint Scrapper to remove objects from bed (I recommend the Cricut spatula for this, under $5 and works great)
Digital Calipers (Super important for additional calibration)
Metric allen wrenchs (to adjust z-screw and bed leveling)
Tweezers (Longer is preferable)
Advanced toolset:
Dial Gauge (for extremely accurate bed leveling)
Glass plates, Hairspray & Small Binder Clips (to quickly change prints and get them to stick without fuss)
IR Thermometer (General temperature reading)
Sites for additional help & research:
http://solidoodletips.wordpress.com/
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/solidoodle
http://www.thingiverse.com/
Visit both wikis and read read read. There are not instructions with your printer
One pro tip, do not leave extruder at operating temperatures without printing, it will clog sooner or later
Visit both wikis and read read read. There are not instructions with your printer
One pro tip, do not leave extruder at operating temperatures without printing, it will clog sooner or later
I second this. Also, don't be afraid to add things - write your experiences so that we may benefit.
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