HELP! extruder not grabbing filament!

[fjsioprinter 0]

At the beginning of the print, the gear makes some slipping sounds but doesn't effect the print. Then maybe 20 minutes later the gears are turning but it's not grabbing the filament. What should I do?

[GregValiant 1,330]

Ok.  Let's start at the beginning.

1. What printer are we talking about?
2. By "the gear" can I assume you mean the drive cog on the shaft of the extruder motor?  Is it pressed on or does it have set screws?
3. "Some slipping sounds"  Does that mean it's skipping steps like snapping backwards instead of moving the filament forward?  Do you have an Auto-Leveling system or are you leveling by hand using a piece of paper?
4. "20 minutes later it's turning but not moving the filament"  So it is grinding away at the filament in one spot?  No more extrusion coming out of the nozzle?

 

[fjsioprinter 0]

i figured it out, nozzle was clogged. Thanks.

[GregValiant 1,330]

I was wondering how many clues I'd have to give you.