Qidi Tech 1 - Replicator 1 clone

[cjalas]

Also I recommend stocking up on extruder nozzle de-cloggers. They're these little delicate needles that look like microscopic drill bits; you use them from the bottom up while the extruder is heated (careful not to get hot plastic on your fingers or touch the extruder nozzle!). Sometimes that helps to remove gunk filament that's gotten clogged at the nozzle end. If you're still having problems after trying to unload and reload the filament, then definitely take the extruder apart. Make sure you have NO space between the nozzle throat tube and the filament extruder drive; if there's any open space it can cause havok when the filament is feeding through. Your fan is running 100% speed when you're extruding, yes? It should automatically turn on with most slicing software settings...

[rcleav]

I've tried the little drill bits they brake off really easily. I now use this size guitar string
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o03_s01.

[Syd_Khaos]

I'm using all stock parts on the machine except a z-axis shim and some clamps on the plate.
I do have a tube running from top of filament block to the spools.
I have tried the load/unload functions in the machine and nothing happens.

I should only need to unscrew the nozzle tip itself yes? The tube will drop out after that?
Would denatured alcho be ok to clean the nozzles with? I have no acetone right now.

I have some torch needles, for cleaning cutting torch tips, should be one in there that's .3mm or so. If they ok to use on plasma tips I would think they ok for this machine.

[bluemeane]

I am getting weirdness, and I think it may just be slicer settings....

The edges are curling up, but not on the base, it is happening about 10-20 layers in. And it just gets worse and worse, but the bottom payers are solidly stuck to the bed...


IMG_5198.jpgIMG_5199.jpg

[cjalas]

The temp inside the 3d printer is too hot. Make sure your fan(s) are running 100% speed after first layer, make sure you're not extruding too high a temp. If it's PLA, try increments of 5 degrees starting with 190c. Make sure your heat bed isn't above 60c after the first layer (I start my first layer at 85c for good adhesion then move it to 60c afterward).

[bluemeane]

The temp inside the 3d printer is too hot. Make sure your fan(s) are running 100% speed after first layer, make sure you're not extruding too high a temp. If it's PLA, try increments of 5 degrees starting with 190c. Make sure your heat bed isn't above 60c after the first layer (I start my first layer at 85c for good adhesion then move it to 60c afterward).

It is ABS, and I actually resolved it by raising the tempature from 220 to 230 and now it isn't doing it lol.

[Syd_Khaos]

Ok, I have got the nozzle tips and PTFE tubes out, but there is no clog in these parts.
I even tried to run the load filament with the nozzle and tube out. Same thing, I can hear it clicking but it wont take filament in or spit any out.
Kinda at a loss what to do next. Do I need to take the extruder assemble apart more?
This still probably a clog or am I looking at something mechanical?

[bluemeane]

Ok, I have got the nozzle tips and PTFE tubes out, but there is no clog in these parts.
I even tried to run the load filament with the nozzle and tube out. Same thing, I can hear it clicking but it wont take filament in or spit any out.
Kinda at a loss what to do next. Do I need to take the extruder assemble apart more?
This still probably a clog or am I looking at something mechanical?

so just hear me out on this and give this a try.

Flip up the unit over and take the bottom off. Look on the motherboard and you will see little removable 'drivers' they have you a spare one in the parts kit.


The one that is on the very end of the board (the right hand side if they are at the top of the board orientation wise) is for the left extruder, and the second in is for the right extruder.

Pull off off whatever one you are having issues with, and replace it with the extra part they gave you (super easy like plugging/unplugging a Super Nintendo game lol)

I had one of these go bad on me without the first few hours and the extruder was doing the exact same thing you were describing. I pulled the entire extruder apart and swapped out the motor with both the other extruder motor and a spare I had and they all did the same thing. The second I replaced the driver it started working again.

[rcleav]

Your next step is remove the 2 screws from the fan and then remove the fan and heatsink so you can see the front of the extruder motor.
The clicking usually means the extruder feed gear is slipping on the filament. Something is preventing the filament from pushing through.

[Syd_Khaos]

I didn't get any spare drivers. Just spare hardware a set of PTFE tubes.
This is killing me...spent all day yesterday moving stuff around in my office/gameroom. Was gonna print a couple things I needed to make this setup work. Couple shelf brackets, and a mount for my small tv.
Now all that stuff in a pile in the corner till I get this machine back running lol.
Guess its time to go take it apart some more.