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Topic: Where to get started Modding

Hey, I'm new to the solidoodle family and I just received my SD4. I printed out a few things, calibrated x y z stepper motor steps and did some bed leveling but I'm wondering what to do to further upgrade print quality. If anyone could tell me what the easiest modifications to do to the printer are, that will increase quality/resolution of prints the most in your opinion, that would be amazing. I've considered upgrading belts to Gt2 and upgrading to linear bearings, and also getting a glass bed but I want to hear about how much they help before I invest in all these. I also noticed that the bed shakes quite a bit and the design of the z carriage does't seem the most sturdy. I'm not quite sure how to fix this easily and I saw a post about spring loaded bearings that roll against the walls but that design doesn't appeal to me that much.

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Re: Where to get started Modding

The bed should only shake if you're over extruding. Glass is one of the cheapest and easiest mods you can do.  Printing an MK-4 or 5 is free and will be greatly appreciated when you need to clean your nozzle.  The E3D will allow you to print other materials.  The bulldogXL geared extruder will eliminate moire.  As far as switching belts I think you would see better results by switching to spectra line.  Putting a well-nut on the z-screw provides great enhancement for little cost.  All of these things can be found here on the forum if you search.
Hope this helps

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

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Re: Where to get started Modding

Wow, thank you for the fast response. I'm not really looking into a new extruder at this moment but I'll definitely be purchasing  a well nut for the z and I'm looking into the spectra line as I type. And also I'm ordering 8x8 Borosilicate glass from Mcmasterecarr for about 25$.
Thanks again

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Re: Where to get started Modding

You can use cheap glass from any hardware store cut to size.  I've been using the same piece for 8 months now all for about $5

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

5

Re: Where to get started Modding

Why spend $25 on a piece of glass?  Go to JoAnn's/Michael's/Hobby Lobby and get an 8x8 frame for $3-6 and use that glass.

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Re: Where to get started Modding

okay canceled that order, I'll probably go to the local ace hardware and see if they can cut me an 8x8 piece.

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Re: Where to get started Modding

wontong99 wrote:

okay canceled that order, I'll probably go to the local ace hardware and see if they can cut me an 8x8 piece.

That's who cut mine.

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

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Re: Where to get started Modding

Printing another extruder is the next thing you should do, because the acrylic is prone to breaking.  But first look into calibrating your flow rate, because extruding too much plastic will affect the dimensions and fit.

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Re: Where to get started Modding

IanJohnson wrote:

Printing another extruder is the next thing you should do, because the acrylic is prone to breaking.  But first look into calibrating your flow rate, because extruding too much plastic will affect the dimensions and fit.

+1

When part quality is the concern...

Proper calibration is better than any modification

SD2 with E3D, SD Press, Form 1+
Filastruder
NYLON (taulman): http://www.soliforum.com/topic/466/nylon/

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Re: Where to get started Modding

Kevin Gossett wrote:

Why spend $25 on a piece of glass?  Go to JoAnn's/Michael's/Hobby Lobby and get an 8x8 frame for $3-6 and use that glass.

+1

I got a 4 pack of 8x8 frames at Michael's Artist Supplies for $12.  The glass is a perfect 8"x8", and is only 1/16" thick.  4 months later I'm still using the first piece.  No scratches or chips.

To print or, 3D print, that is the question...
SD3 printer w/too many mods,  Printrbot Simple Maker Ed.,  FormLabs Form 1+
AnyCubic Photon, Shining 3D EinScan-S & Atlas 3D scanners...
...and too much time on my hands.

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Re: Where to get started Modding

Could you possibly paste a link? I searched Michaels artist supplies but was unable to find the 8x8" glass.

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Re: Where to get started Modding

Gotta go into the store.

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Re: Where to get started Modding

You can also get a mirror with sanded edges for $4.

http://www.joann.com/darice-8inx8in-squ … mp;start=2

Currently OOS online, but you can check local store inventory from that link.

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