I searched around for a while but couldn’t find any definitive (and working) MakerBot Thing-O-Matic configurations for my machine with Sailfish Firmware. I decided to go about digging through and setting up my own. My initial reason for doing this was I was having a retraction issue using MakerBot Desktop that, due to it’s non user friendly configuration I just couldn’t get ironed out. I did not have this problem until I updated to MakerBot Desktop 3.5 earlier this week. Prior to that I never had an issue.
Category: 3D Printing
Thing-O-Matic PLA & Nylon Printing Notes
PLA Setup:
Must adjust the Z Homing offset for PLA to account for the additional Blue Painters Tape affixed to the build platform.
Platform must be more level since the “noodle” hardens almost instantly. Perhaps a little pre-heating would help it stick/smush better
Nozzle must be clean. I preheated to the tool head and cleaned it off with some 000 steel wool. This prevents the PLA from curling in and sticking to the nozzle.
Need a good purge/anchor when starting the print PLA oozes much more than ABS
Taulman 618 Nylon Setup:
Adjust Z Homing offset same as for PLA (Load PLA profile with blue painters tape affixed to the build platform.
Print with ABS setting and adjust bed temp to 65 and Extruder temp to 245
Make sure filaments dry – otherwise finish will be sub-par – damp filament is indicated by popping and steam during extrusion
A material datasheet can be found here: Nylon 618 Specification
3D printing and expedient household repairs
Over the last week or two I have posted several household repair items to Thingiverse.com Many of these items are trivial small designs but their value to me has really been adding up. I have saved a bunch of money by being able to repair items with pennies of plastic and a few minutes of time:
Replacement X-10 wall switch button
I recently published a new replacement part on Thingiverse. I recently found the shattered remains of the push button of one of my X10 wall switches sitting on the floor. I picked up the pieces, mocked it up in OpenScad and printed it out on my Thing-O-Matic. Works like a charm. Now I just need to order some white plastic. The model can be found on Thingiverse here:
Replacement Auto Siphon End
I recently published a new replacement part on thingiverse. If you loose your auto siphon end fear not! Just download the STL and print a new one. You can find the cad files here:
Ayer Makerspace Meeting
Met some great people last night at the Ayer Makerspace meeting. Faisal Mohammed led the meeting along with the Ayer Board of Economic Development. A common vision for the makespace was discussed along with some proposals for where it might be located and what the people who attended planned to get out of it. There I met some other makers, tinkerers and inventors like Craig Farnsworth who runs Farns Wood which recycles, reclaims and repurposes wood and other antiques. Scott Winroth of Winroth LLC a small basement operated 3D modeling and printing company was also there. He’s was looking for space to bring his company to the next level and to network.
A representative from Duval Sign Company was also there discussing benefits that could be had for both the company and the makers alike. They have a large format Laser (with a 52×100″ table!) , CNC router and offer painting and finishing services. They discussed the importance of learning NC (numerical control) systems present in almost every industrial environment today.
Other makers were also represented with folks from the Steam Punk community, people who work with fiber, jewlery, glass and other arts. There will be more to come on the Ayer makerspace planning and development.