1 Topic by dombrowski.anthony

  • dombrowski.anthony
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  • Registered: 2013-05-21
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Topic: loading new filament

So i was printing while away from the printer and thought i had enough to finish the print. Turns out i has Just the right amount left... There is no longer any amount of filament sticking above the feeder gears. I have tried to load new filament hoping that the new would push the old through the nozzle but no luck. any ideas on how clear the remaining filament from the extruder?

2 Reply by 2n2r5

  • 2n2r5
  • 2n2r5
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  • Registered: 2013-05-09
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Re: loading new filament

have you disconnected the tension arm on the right hand side to see if you can get some pliers in there to remove the old filament.

on a side note, that is kinda awesome. That's like running out of fuel as you pull into the pump.

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3 Reply by fredhag

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  • Registered: 2012-08-31
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Re: loading new filament

Happened to me once, and I did exactly what 2n2r5 suggested, and it worked perfectly.  Do not try pushing fresh plastic behind the old because it probably won't work and will reduce the odds of the pliers working.

Cheers,
Fred
Fredrick C. Hagemeister
http://blog.richmond.edu/ti3d

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4 Reply by dombrowski.anthony

  • dombrowski.anthony
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Re: loading new filament

2n2r5 wrote:

have you disconnected the tension arm on the right hand side to see if you can get some pliers in there to remove the old filament.

on a side note, that is kinda awesome. That's like running out of fuel as you pull into the pump.

sorry for the noobish question but what is the best way to remove the tension arm? do i have to take apart any of the main extruder

5 Reply by mr_tim34

  • mr_tim34
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  • Registered: 2013-02-17
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Re: loading new filament

Remove the knurled  tensioning nut, the small washer, the spring, the other small washer and the large washer. The arm will pivot out of the way and you can pull the old fillamemt out, or use a paperclip or something to push the end down far enough so the new fillament will feed. I've used the new color to push the old color through plenty of times, it does sometimes slip off the end and I have to do the above. I find it helps if you make sure you cut the fillament ends squarely. It also helps if you move the print head towards the center of the printer. It's much easier to work with than when it's close to the side of the printer.

HTH,

TiM

6 Reply by Gordym

  • Gordym
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  • Registered: 2012-08-10
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Re: loading new filament

After you pull the tensioner arm away, you can also use a 1.5mm or 2mm allen (hex) wrench to push the filament down while the hot end is hot. I start at the top of the acrylic with my allen wrench if I can't reach the filament with pliers.

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