76 Reply by brightwing (edited by brightwing 2015-06-17 02:21:08)

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

So my kossel is almost built! I didn't have any of the problems The Baron had with the poorly printed parts. Everything 'mostly' fit. I did have to do a little scraping/grinding to get one of the parts in but for the most part they were ok.

However I think I have the same problem with a sticky rail. Its rather hard to slide one of the slider cars.

I also have to say that the wiring was a mess. One of the hot end wires pulled out with hardly any force - wasn't crimped properly. Also, some wires were not included, but there was enough of the thick hotbed wire to cut into extra pieces. Everything seemed rather improvised but perhaps I am just used to the ease of putting together the very expensive Airwolf and gCreate printers at work.

Also annoyed that I had to buy a soldering iron to solder 3 joints... They could have done that.

I am no wiring expert so I'm a little afraid to plug this baby in. Haha.

Update: So I can't fit the USB port in... I'm pretty sure the Mega/Ramps is facing the right way though...

Folgertech Kossel Kit

77 Reply by brightwing

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

It's alive! Running through the config now. The motors are getting reaaaaaly hot. I'll try turning down the current. It very loud.

Folgertech Kossel Kit

78 Reply by carl_m1968

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

brightwing wrote:

It's alive! Running through the config now. The motors are getting reaaaaaly hot. I'll try turning down the current. It very loud.

Speaking from experience I would advise you not to run it until you adjust that current. I made the mistake and it is now the reason I am having to teprint the lower mounts. After printing a part fan as you will need to fir PLA my motors got hot enough to deform the mount under the tension of the belts and allow the drive end of the motors to angle upwards by several degrees. Enough to loose most of my belt tension and to allow the belt to track wrong on the pully.

Printing since 2009 and still love it!
Anycubic 4MAX best $225 ever invested.
Voxelabs Proxima SLA. 6 inch 2k Mono LCD.
Anycubic Predator, massive Delta machine. 450 x 370 print envelope.

79 Reply by brightwing (edited by brightwing 2015-06-17 05:34:23)

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

I've got the temps under control now. Although it smelt like burning for a bit...

If I try "G29" to autolevel it goes nuts and tries to go past the endstops. However, if I set the Z height with "G1 Z30 F1000" it works fine so I don't think I have the motors backwards...

Finally got the extruder working (it clogged right away, I had the wrong temp I think)

Now I'm trying to print from Pronterface but I keep getting the error: Cannot find specified configuration file (config.ini).

Folger hasn't provided one of these as far as I can see so I'm trying to do the config wizard in Slic3r. Any idea what the nozzle diameter is on this?? 0.3??

Folgertech Kossel Kit

80 Reply by carl_m1968

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

Pronterface does not work. you need to download Repetier host. It is designed top work with Repetier firmware and actually has and EEPROM manager in it so you can access EEPROM features without using Arduino.

As for you autolevel, good luck. I as well as Baron gave up on it. I am going to use spring loaded screws once I rebuild. But as to what your problem it the switch is wired wrong. Leave the one wire on the terminal marked C but move the other one to the opposite terminal. It is going nuts because it thinks the switch is being pressed.

Printing since 2009 and still love it!
Anycubic 4MAX best $225 ever invested.
Voxelabs Proxima SLA. 6 inch 2k Mono LCD.
Anycubic Predator, massive Delta machine. 450 x 370 print envelope.

81 Reply by TheBaron

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

carl_m1968 wrote:

As for you autolevel, good luck. I as well as Baron gave up on it.

To be fair, i didn't give up on it. I just decided to not use it to begin with.

I am looking forward to getting some new plastic to get the kit together. Once it's running I'll be able to print some ABS bottom pieces so I don't have to worry about the heat so much. I might also move the boardset out from under the printer and put it in a separate enclosure. It will be less tidy but i worry about heat buildup with the heated bed right above it. We will see how lazy I get about that sort of thing once the printer is actually running.

In other news, still super excited about the parts incoming from heartless. If it gets here in time, I might have two working 3d printers by week's end!

SD3 w/ RUMBA (8825s), merlin hot end (in pieces). Ender3 w/ silent board for PLA printing. Ender5 w/ silent board, e3d v6, new z lead screw, and glass bed. DiY Kossel w/ smoothieboard (in pieces). Vellman Vertex (in pieces)
Shapeoko2 router in process of being converted to laser engraver (in pieces)
Multicam 5000 series CNC Router w/ 11HP spindle, 5x10' table, and auto tool changer (in pieces)

82 Reply by brightwing (edited by brightwing 2015-06-17 23:17:31)

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

carl_m1968 wrote:

Pronterface does not work. you need to download Repetier host. It is designed top work with Repetier firmware and actually has and EEPROM manager in it so you can access EEPROM features without using Arduino.

As for you autolevel, good luck. I as well as Baron gave up on it. I am going to use spring loaded screws once I rebuild. But as to what your problem it the switch is wired wrong. Leave the one wire on the terminal marked C but move the other one to the opposite terminal. It is going nuts because it thinks the switch is being pressed.

Were their instructions wrong? If yes, that's not surprising.

I got it working! Sorta. Thanks to carl_m1968 for the help last night. My big problem getting the Z setup was that the firmware would accept negative values. Once I over-set the z, then I could adjust it down to the bed to get an accurate reading. Another thing I had to do was take that same set height and make it the build height in repetier, and set the Z-home value to "max" instead of "min". The extruder is also working a bit better now. It still skips a bit but its a step in the right direction. The nozzle is 0.4mm (Folger emailed me back about that).

I just did a test print and the bed is not level so it didn't work very well. I'm not sure at all how to set up a spring loaded bed (or even where to get some springs). In the meantime I'm trying to get the autoleveler to work. The stupid screw that it came with (which I assume is used to attach the switch-arm to the servo since they never actually said how) does not work at all. I'm trying to superglue it right now.

Any idea where to get some springs? And generally how the setup would work? One I use at work used wing-nuts which made it somewhat easy to adjust - might try that.

Folgertech Kossel Kit

83 Reply by carl_m1968 (edited by carl_m1968 2015-06-17 23:51:36)

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

brightwing wrote:
carl_m1968 wrote:

Pronterface does not work. you need to download Repetier host. It is designed top work with Repetier firmware and actually has and EEPROM manager in it so you can access EEPROM features without using Arduino.

As for you autolevel, good luck. I as well as Baron gave up on it. I am going to use spring loaded screws once I rebuild. But as to what your problem it the switch is wired wrong. Leave the one wire on the terminal marked C but move the other one to the opposite terminal. It is going nuts because it thinks the switch is being pressed.

Were their instructions wrong? If yes, that's not surprising.

I got it working! Sorta. Thanks to carl_m1968 for the help last night. My big problem getting the Z setup was that the firmware would accept negative values. Once I over-set the z, then I could adjust it down to the bed to get an accurate reading. Another thing I had to do was take that same set height and make it the build height in repetier, and set the Z-home value to "max" instead of "min". The extruder is also working a bit better now. It still skips a bit but its a step in the right direction. The nozzle is 0.4mm (Folger emailed me back about that).

I just did a test print and the bed is not level so it didn't work very well. I'm not sure at all how to set up a spring loaded bed (or even where to get some springs). In the meantime I'm trying to get the autoleveler to work. The stupid screw that it came with (which I assume is used to attach the switch-arm to the servo since they never actually said how) does not work at all. I'm trying to superglue it right now.

Any idea where to get some springs? And generally how the setup would work? One I use at work used wing-nuts which made it somewhat easy to adjust - might try that.


My plan is to glue nuts into the existing openings on the lexan frame the bed mounts to. Then use the screws that the bed was mounted with. But I put a reasonably strong compression spring between the bed and the frame with a washer on the top and bottom of the spring. The screw will then go through the bed, down through the spring and into that nut. The nut will actually be glued on the bottom of the frame so the spring tension can't pull it through. Then to level the bed I just have to adjust the screws with a hex key. I actually went to a hardware store and got some better harder screws.

As for the springs, if you have a Harbor Freight around you they sell a bag of like 200 assorted springs and there are always many good ones for use on a printer in that bag and they will usually have 4 to 6 of each minimum.

Printing since 2009 and still love it!
Anycubic 4MAX best $225 ever invested.
Voxelabs Proxima SLA. 6 inch 2k Mono LCD.
Anycubic Predator, massive Delta machine. 450 x 370 print envelope.

84 Reply by brightwing

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

Sounds like a plan. Can you post pictures?

While trying to work with this auto leveler I've noticed that the G31 command (to detect status of the z-probe) does not work. Perhaps the firmware needs to be updated? I'm not sure if I can do that since this kossel comes with the 20 or 32 tooth pulley firmware...

Folgertech Kossel Kit

85 Reply by carl_m1968

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

brightwing wrote:

Sounds like a plan. Can you post pictures?

While trying to work with this auto leveler I've noticed that the G31 command (to detect status of the z-probe) does not work. Perhaps the firmware needs to be updated? I'm not sure if I can do that since this kossel comes with the 20 or 32 tooth pulley firmware...


Again your on your own with that autoleveler. I worked it for about 6 hours over the course of two days and pulled about two hand fulls of hair out. I gave up. According to the guys at Repetier that feature is still in experimental status. So it may not work in all applications.

Printing since 2009 and still love it!
Anycubic 4MAX best $225 ever invested.
Voxelabs Proxima SLA. 6 inch 2k Mono LCD.
Anycubic Predator, massive Delta machine. 450 x 370 print envelope.

86 Reply by brightwing (edited by brightwing 2015-06-18 03:01:50)

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

I went to multiple stores and finally found some springs. The tension is REALLY strong though I'm worried that it might damage the hotplate. I still have to glue the screws to the bottom plastic under the heated bed but at least I can adjust it now! I had the idea on the desperate search for springs: What about some heavy foam? It still puts pressure upwards and can be pressed down yikes

As I'm manually leveling with the paper, I'm noticing that the center of the bed is lower than the edges... All three areas near where the springs are will hold the paper a bit, but in the center its still loose. Looks like I need some glass!

Folgertech Kossel Kit

87 Reply by carl_m1968

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

brightwing wrote:

I went to multiple stores and finally found some springs. The tension is REALLY strong though I'm worried that it might damage the hotplate. I still have to glue the screws to the bottom plastic under the heated bed but at least I can adjust it now! I had the idea on the desperate search for springs: What about some heavy foam? It still puts pressure upwards and can be pressed down yikes

As I'm manually leveling with the paper, I'm noticing that the center of the bed is lower than the edges... All three areas near where the springs are will hold the paper a bit, but in the center its still loose. Looks like I need some glass!


I was thinking of getting some steel bar stock about 1/4 by 1/8 inch cut it into 1 inch section then drill and tap for M3 screws. I would not only glue but zip tie it to the bottom of the frame under each hole for the plate. That way even if the glue comes loose it will still hold and not turn with the screw. Honestly I am considering having a company near my home give me a quote on having those frame pieces cut from steel. I don't like the fact they are Lexan and can warp under heat. They do waterjet and laser cutting and are very reasonable. If I let them borrow the original pieces they can draw up copies and cut them with in a few days.

Printing since 2009 and still love it!
Anycubic 4MAX best $225 ever invested.
Voxelabs Proxima SLA. 6 inch 2k Mono LCD.
Anycubic Predator, massive Delta machine. 450 x 370 print envelope.

88 Reply by brightwing

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

That would definitely be sturdy. I'm guessing you have the tools to tap a steel bar tongue Probably to make hobbled bolt too.

Folgertech Kossel Kit

89 Reply by brightwing

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

iTS ALIIIIIVE

Folgertech Kossel Kit

90 Reply by carl_m1968

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

Mine only came with the one fan which is orange on yours. Is that the stock extruder or an E3D? I put a B3 PICO on mine.

Printing since 2009 and still love it!
Anycubic 4MAX best $225 ever invested.
Voxelabs Proxima SLA. 6 inch 2k Mono LCD.
Anycubic Predator, massive Delta machine. 450 x 370 print envelope.

91 Reply by brightwing

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

That's the stock extruder. The fan was black in the manual so I guess they ran out tongue I might build a casing for it to blow air at the filament because right now its just blowing on the (heatsink?) above the hotend.

Folgertech Kossel Kit

92 Reply by carl_m1968

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

brightwing wrote:

That's the stock extruder. The fan was black in the manual so I guess they ran out tongue I might build a casing for it to blow air at the filament because right now its just blowing on the (heatsink?) above the hotend.

It has to blow on the heatsink. That extruder does not habe a heat break. If the fan does not blow on it the find the upper part will get hot enough to degorm the ABS mount and effector.

Printing since 2009 and still love it!
Anycubic 4MAX best $225 ever invested.
Voxelabs Proxima SLA. 6 inch 2k Mono LCD.
Anycubic Predator, massive Delta machine. 450 x 370 print envelope.

93 Reply by Leghk

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

brightwing wrote:

iTS ALIIIIIVE

And lookin' good! Nice to see video of it working like that, it looks awesome.

A buddy just got his Folger Kossel kit today, his first printer. I have one on the way also, to kind of get my feet wet with a kit delta design before I take a shot at a bigger design using Makerslides that I've had laying around forever.

Sadly, UPS slipped me from next Monday to Tuesday for a mechanical failure delay... I'm always so anxious for the next kit to come!

Don: Folger Tech 2020 Kossel Rev A + Borosilicate + Snow Effector
        Davinci 1.0 + Repetier : Filastruder
        SD3 + RAMPS + Lawsy Carriages + E3D + Borosilicate + ... : Cupcake

94 Reply by brightwing

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

Leghk wrote:
brightwing wrote:

iTS ALIIIIIVE

And lookin' good! Nice to see video of it working like that, it looks awesome.

A buddy just got his Folger Kossel kit today, his first printer. I have one on the way also, to kind of get my feet wet with a kit delta design before I take a shot at a bigger design using Makerslides that I've had laying around forever.

Sadly, UPS slipped me from next Monday to Tuesday for a mechanical failure delay... I'm always so anxious for the next kit to come!

Be warned: it wasn't easy. Lol. It's pretty sketchy but it works. If you have problems setting up the software let me know I'll send you some screenshots of how I got it working.

Folgertech Kossel Kit

95 Reply by Leghk

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

I don't expect much trouble, I've been doing Arduino projects and 3d printers for several years now, but thanks for the offer!

I studied the build guides, videos and reprap.org discussions before I jumped on this kit. My friend's parts look pretty clean (not perfect, but good) and I am hopeful for similar ;-) but time will tell.

Ultimately the price was good enough combined with prior experience and a working printer on standby LOL

Don: Folger Tech 2020 Kossel Rev A + Borosilicate + Snow Effector
        Davinci 1.0 + Repetier : Filastruder
        SD3 + RAMPS + Lawsy Carriages + E3D + Borosilicate + ... : Cupcake

96 Reply by brightwing

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

My parts were printed very nicely. Only the effector's center hole needed a little widening but that only took a few minutes with a knife. Good luck man!

Folgertech Kossel Kit

97 Reply by heartless

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

nice job getting it up and running, brightwing

Baron, the parts are on the way, I promise! sorry no tracking number, it was cheaper to go 1st class parcel... hmm I would hope you have them by Saturday at the latest - we are only about 5 hours apart... (**thinks to self ~ 2, maybe 3 days USPS time...**)

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

98 Reply by TheBaron

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

heartless wrote:

we are only about 5 hours apart... (**thinks to self ~ 2, maybe 3 days USPS time...**)

I must be tired. My first thought was "oh crap, how does heartless know where I live?!" and then I remembered that I had to give you my address for you to actually ship me stuff.

SD3 w/ RUMBA (8825s), merlin hot end (in pieces). Ender3 w/ silent board for PLA printing. Ender5 w/ silent board, e3d v6, new z lead screw, and glass bed. DiY Kossel w/ smoothieboard (in pieces). Vellman Vertex (in pieces)
Shapeoko2 router in process of being converted to laser engraver (in pieces)
Multicam 5000 series CNC Router w/ 11HP spindle, 5x10' table, and auto tool changer (in pieces)

99 Reply by heartless

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

TheBaron wrote:
heartless wrote:

we are only about 5 hours apart... (**thinks to self ~ 2, maybe 3 days USPS time...**)

I must be tired. My first thought was "oh crap, how does heartless know where I live?!" and then I remembered that I had to give you my address for you to actually ship me stuff.

ROFL! dont worry, dear, you have nothing to worry about! I am not a stalker! LOL and in all honesty, you do have Chicago listed right under your name... Chicago is 5 hours away from me. wink

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

100 Reply by Tin Falcon

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Re: Folger Tech Kossel Unboxing and First Impressions (Pic Heavy)

Enjoying watching the build logs .Am very tempted to buy a kossel kit  am also looking at various aluminum upgrades. an aluminum effector is about $15 I am thinking.
Also looking for deals on a flash forge  choices choices.

Tin

Soliddoodle 4 stock w glass bed------Folger Tech Prusa 2020 upgraded to and titan /aero extruder mirror bed
FT5 with titan/ E3D Aero------MP mini select w glass bed
MP Utimate maker pro-W bondtech extruder
Marlin/Repetier Host/ Slic3r and Cura