gemgillin

Background
I found this model in Thingiverse and thought I would print it. It was also the first time I had used Gold PLA.
 

Print
For the print I used an 8mm 'Brim' to help adhere the base to the build plate. Recently with printing I have found the 'Brim' no only stops/reduces warping. But it also allows the printer to get settled for the printing task.
 
Print Settings:
Layer Height - 0.15 mm
Wall Thickness - 1.0 mm
Top/Bottom Thickness - 1.0 mm
Infill Density - 15 %
Enable Retraction - Yes
Print Speed - 40 mm/s
Travel Speed - 120 mm/s
Enable Print Cooling - Yes
Enable Support - No
Build Plate Adhesion Type - Brim - 8 mm
Print Sequence - All at once
 
Sanding / Finishing
1. Pliers used to remove Brim
2. Tweezers used to remove Brim inside cable housing
3. 120 Grit Sandpaper (with water) used on the side to remove Brim
4. 220 Grit Sandpaper (with water) used on the side to smooth edge
5. 320 Grit Sandpaper (with water) used on the side to finish edge
 
Completion
The print came up in high quality which required some sanding to remove the brim and also the material on the underside of the cable holder housing. This print works very well in holding my phone and amplifying sound.
This is not my design I got it from: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1289078

Background
I am working hard to experiment with my printer and I am very slow to develop my own designs, so I find Thingiverse website easy to find a collection of prints.
Print
For the print I used an 8mm 'Brim' to help adhere the base to the build plate. The rounded corners could cause some difficulty and possible lift. Noting the print would take 11 hrs, I decided not to waste my time and chose this option.
Completion
The print came up in high quality.
This is not my design I got it from:www.thingiverse.com/thing:2023951

The purpose of this post is to gain some professional advice with this print. I have made this print (which came pre-loaded on the SD card with my printer) a few times with varying success. However the common thing I notice are:
1. The bottom layers are not formed together and very stringy; and
2. The final layering on the top is also stringy.
I would like to try to improve this print, to help expand my printing knowledge & skills.
Any advice or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.