Newb: trouble loading PLA for the first time

[ttennebkram 0]

Hello, I bought a pre-assembled unit which arrived yesterday.

I tried feeding the PLA up through the tube. Two hints for other newbs:

* I chose gray PLA as my first color, I think a brighter color would be easier to see and better while learning.

* I had to cut a bit of the outer wrapping off so I could see the transparent feed tube.

Issues:

* Is there a "feed procedure" to have the gears load the PLA? Or do you just jam it in there, all the way through?

* Although I see the filament on the other end by the print head, prints don't seem to work.

* When closing up the back feeding assembly, the black lever/latch doesn't seem to firmly hook or "snap" into place, which makes me wonder if I'm closing it correctly. It seems too loose? Although PLA finally came through, I'm not sure if it's from the gears or me pushing on it?

* Now I have a giant blob of PLA stuck on the nozzle, how do I clean it off? I let it cool, but rock hard. If I heat the head back up, what's a safe way to get it off? (clearly the first part didn't stick to the blue tape, so I've got to work on zeroing)

I wasn't able to find basic Day-1 info on loading PLA. Oddly, these Wiki pages don't explain it:

* "3D Printing Guide", "How To"

 

http://wiki.ultimaker.com/3D_printing_guide#How_To.27s

* "Newcomer guide to your first 3D print"

 

http://wiki.ultimaker.com/Newcomer_guid ... t_3D_print

Literally says "There is currently no text in this page."

I also tried Google and YouTube of course.

Thanks,

Mark