1 Topic by johnforeman

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Topic: Bulldog XL extruder upgrade SD3

Has anyone put together a 'how to' for upgrading to the Bulldog extruder?  I've read through the thread but still have a question or two regarding - can i use my stock board and firmware, and do i have to do anything special to get the 1/32 micro stepping.  as far as mounting it on the carriage, that seems to be pretty well covered in the threads.  and also, will want to switch to the E3D hotend also.  i haven't searched on how to do that upgrade yet..
thanks

2 Reply by elmoret

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Re: Bulldog XL extruder upgrade SD3

johnforeman wrote:

Has anyone put together a 'how to' for upgrading to the Bulldog extruder?

http://www.soliforum.com/topic/4594/rep … idoodle-3/

Literally first page of results for "bulldog"... but perhaps you found it, as:

johnforeman wrote:

I've read through the thread but still have a question or two regarding - can i use my stock board and firmware

Yes

johnforeman wrote:

and do i have to do anything special to get the 1/32 micro stepping.

DRV8825 stepper drivers

johnforeman wrote:

will want to switch to the E3D hotend also.  i haven't searched on how to do that upgrade yet..

http://www.soliwiki.com/E3D_extruder

Also I'm a US distributor of the E3D, if you want to save on shipping (link in sig).

Filastruder - the robust, inexpensive filament extruder
E3Dv6 All Metal Hotend - the premier 3D printing hotend

3 Reply by wardjr

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Re: Bulldog XL extruder upgrade SD3

johnforeman wrote:

Has anyone put together a 'how to' for upgrading to the Bulldog extruder?  I've read through the thread but still have a question or two regarding - can i use my stock board and firmware, and do i have to do anything special to get the 1/32 micro stepping.  as far as mounting it on the carriage, that seems to be pretty well covered in the threads.  and also, will want to switch to the E3D hotend also.  i haven't searched on how to do that upgrade yet..
thanks

Hey John, 
Really everything is documented and when I get time will try and do a more complete write up.  Are you using the Bulldog XL or the regular Bulldog?

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

wardjr's Website

4 Reply by johnforeman

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Re: Bulldog XL extruder upgrade SD3

wardjr wrote:

Hey John, 
Really everything is documented and when I get time will try and do a more complete write up.  Are you using the Bulldog XL or the regular Bulldog?

i'm thinking the Bulldog XL because if i'm reading it right, it has the geared stepper which gives higher precision for extrusion.  And i'm digging through all the forum post's now and it seems as though everything has been covered, but it's scattered about. 
I should probably take it through a step at a time that way i know each mod is working before i move on to the next.
i suppose i'll try the firmware upgrade first since it seems to be documented in the wiki.  that way i know it's working before i start changing out the hardware.

5 Reply by wardjr

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Re: Bulldog XL extruder upgrade SD3

Sounds logical to me. 
I have the XL and have run it with 1/16th  and 1/32 stepping.  I can tell you that with the gear reduction of the XL I couldn't see a difference when I switched to the 1/32.  That could save you some steps in the set up just an EEPROM setting and the XL is ready to run.  If you switch to the E3D you won't be disappointed with it's reliability that's for sure.  Running it on a XL you don't even need to use the fan that comes with the E3D as the one with the Bulldog does both very well.
http://i.imgur.com/RZJOkOQ.jpg

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

wardjr's Website

6 Reply by johnforeman (edited by johnforeman 2014-02-10 17:52:38)

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Re: Bulldog XL extruder upgrade SD3

wardjr wrote:

I can tell you that with the gear reduction of the XL I couldn't see a difference when I switched to the 1/32.

lol... i was just getting back in here to ask that very question.  so that should save some steps.
thanks

7 Reply by wardjr

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Re: Bulldog XL extruder upgrade SD3

Glad I read your mind big_smile

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

wardjr's Website

8 Reply by wardjr

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Re: Bulldog XL extruder upgrade SD3

That isn't to say you won't want to upgrade later.

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

wardjr's Website