Feed new filament manually to get a feeling for it

[geert_2 557]

Something I just learned while watching Youtube videos on 3D-printing. So I thought I would just let you know. I haven't seen this mentioned here.

When you begin printing with a new filament that you don't know yet, it might be a good idea to remove the bowden tube, and feed a bit of filament trough the feeder manually. Usually you will be doing an atomic pull anyway when switching filaments, so this is a good time.

Manually set the nozzle temp to the lower end of the indicated temp range for that filament. And gently (!) push through some filament. See how well it goes. Also manually do a retraction and see how it retracts, and if it leaks.

Then adjust the temp in steps of 5°C, and try again.

So you get a feel (literally) for what it does at which temperature. This may make it easier to find a good starting point for the settings.

Also, you can see whether it needs drying first, prior to printing: if it emits steam, or if it hisses and crackles.