How to start?

[banana97 0]

Hi Guys - so I am trying to get started now using Cura. I have been through the initial checks and it is fine. I must be missing something as I can't actually start printing? I downloaded a 20mm box from thingiverse and used Cura to process it. WHen I open Printrun it won't connect to the printer?

Also how do you get Cura to move the printer to the origin to start?

Sorry if this is a silly question - I have no experience with 3d printing - just some experience on Solid Works.

Thanks

[Daid 297]

It's not a silly question.

What you need to do is, the "prepare" step made a *.GCode file this file you can load in PrintRun.

In printRun you need to select the correct serial port, and 250000 baud (I think it defaults to 115200 baud) and then press connect. If you don't know the serial port, try all of them until you have the correct one.

After this, press print, and it will home itself, heat up, and start printing.

[banana97 0]

Excellent it worked thanks! It was the default Baud rate which was causing issues.

Once the item has finished, is it best to retract the filament while the nozzle is still hot - or can it be left there?

[mrjohnk 0]

I too am fairly new, but I normally leave my filament where it is and just let the machine cool down. It helps to keep the hot end primed for the next print and will pick-up where you left off after re-heating. Now, if you plan to change filament, then, yes, you do need to heat up the hot end to get it to let go of the currently loaded filament.

-John