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Topic: Acetone for unclogging printer & finishing models.

Is there a particular brand or grade of this stuff someone should buy for 3D printing? I am not sure where to buy it.

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Re: Acetone for unclogging printer & finishing models.

standard bottle of acetone that you can get from "Tar-Mart" works just fine (That's Target or Walmart).  You could get it from a beauty supply store, but you'll probably pay more.

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Re: Acetone for unclogging printer & finishing models.

It's in the paint section of the hardware store with the turpentine, paint stripper, and other solvents.  No grade, or brand, acetone is mostly just acetone.

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Re: Acetone for unclogging printer & finishing models.

Ya, what he said... wink

looks like I stepped over you, Ian... sorry sad

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Re: Acetone for unclogging printer & finishing models.

I recommend "MEK substitute" for gluing ABS pices. I have been using it to repair large cracks.

Solidoodle2 with Ceramic tile heated bed http://www.soliforum.com/topic/2544/my- … eated-bed/
"1kg should last for an while" is a lie!

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Re: Acetone for unclogging printer & finishing models.

Cool. Thanks everyone. smile As for using it for unclogging the nozzle I've been told I run a thin steel guitar string through the acetone and feed it through the extruder at 200C. Now, I believe acetone can be a bit flammable? Is this not a serious fire risk? And even if not, could I do it inside with such a small amount of acetone. I don't like the idea of moving my printer around a lot. Particularly if it will have the tendancy of clogging often.

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Re: Acetone for unclogging printer & finishing models.

Acetone on the guitar string will probably evaporate before it actually flames.  There's been a number of people who've been trying to prove/disprove acetones flammability.  It seems that a substantial quantity will cause vapor which will flame, but not the quantity that you'd be putting on the string.

You won't need to use it unless you have abs build-up on the guitar string which would clean it off for you.

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Re: Acetone for unclogging printer & finishing models.

I have a glass bottle that I put ~5-6 fl. oz. in and let the nozzles soak in that. Whenever I think about it, just give it a shake. It's not the fastest way but after a day or so the clog has dissolved or fallen out. I wouldn't suggest it if you have a time crunch. But you should have spare nozzles if you need to maintain a printer up time.

SD3 w/ mods:
Glass bed with QU-BD heat pad upgrade, threadless ballscrew w/ 8mm smooth rod, spectra line belt replacement, lawsy MK5 extruder, Lawsy replacement carriage, E3D hotend, Ramps 1.4 w/ reprap discount controller, DRV8825 drivers, 12v 30A PS, Acrylic case, Overkill Y-idlers, Filament alarm, Extruder fan + more.

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Re: Acetone for unclogging printer & finishing models.

But indoors i should be completely safe to do the guitar string method? I don't have a computer that I can take outdoors in order to keep it up to 200C as recommended.

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Re: Acetone for unclogging printer & finishing models.

should be fine... just keep a fire extinguisher handy (you should in any home as a safety measure in the kitchen)