Problems with first layer using ABS

[curious aardvark]

Well all I can say is that I've always calibrated with both bed and nozzle heated - which is what it says to do in the flashforge instructions. And it works.
I believe it's also what geoff recommends.

When i say always, I mean after getting the machine and spending a week getting it working - I think heating both bed and nozzle when calibrating was the breakthrough in a somewhat frustrating week. was 3 years ago, and it's how I've calibrated ever since :-)

Justin, flashprint is actually quite good and does allow you to set the speed of the first layer.

Load model, then click the print button - you need to have expert settings selected:
You need to view the image full size - because of these bloody adverts the forum shrinks everything, including the pics.

flashprintsettings.jpg

you want first layer maximum speed.
For abs I'd probably go for 10mm/s or lower. (well i wouldn't as I don't like that stuff - but you know what i mean :-)
I also like to keep my travel and print speeds the same. As it stops artifacts caused by sudden speed changes and acceleration.