Tools: What do you recommend?  

RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

In the orange PETg 'caddy' box beside the printer I have an assortment of tools and items, including a box knife, needle nose pliers, hemostat, dental explorer, 7mm socket with ratchet handle, printed torque wrench for tightening nozzles, allen key set.

Open-end wrench ('spanner' in the UK) for holding the hot end when removing nozzles.

Glue sticks, tube of Superlube, two small wire brushes for removing 'boogers' from the nozzle and hot end.

For removing prints I have (PETg) a smaller 'pick' with a thumb hole and a larger scraper.  Since I learned one lesson the hard way and ruined the surface of one side of the first smooth sheet, my rule of thumb (pun intended) is to use nothing harder than a thumb nail to remove a print.

RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

@jsw

I have to agree with the Superlube.  I really prefer it over the Prusa stuff.  Heck, this is the stuff that I use to lubricate rocket motors in my other hobby.  Except, I buy it in the 14-ounce tub.

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RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

Another tool I would recommend is a good set of cutters.  The set from Prusa is ok, but I prefer Hakko flush cutters.  

RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

https://www.printedsolid.com/products/modifi3d-pro-3d-print-finishing-and-repair-tool

I ordered one of these, but it hasn't been delivered yet. I've heard good things though!

RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

The best bang for the buck IME has been a 150x1.5mm brass rod with polished ends used to clear extruder jams without disassembly of the entire extruder. 

RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

@bobstro

I do the same but with tungsten.  

RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

One tool I have used for almost 6 years now and I have never read about anyone else using one, is a cable cutter for the filament, much like the one i link to.

When I started printing there was much talk about having a clean edge that was cut at an angle. So i thought what could be better then a cable cutter. Nowadays I know it really doesn’t matter ‘that’ much but the cable cutter still lies true next to my printer.

https://www.amazon.com/B-TECH-TOOLS-0500229-Cable-Cutters/dp/B07BDXWRG6/ref=sr_1_31?dchild=1&keywords=Cable+cutter&qid=1592190548&sr=8-31

RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

Oh, I should try to explain why I choose a cable cutter but I think that’s beyond my limit in English, but I’ll give it a go; the edges aren’t straight, there curved so it kind of cuts it around the filament rather than squashing it, and the edges is only sharpened from one side leaving a sharper edge on the filament.

RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

@sw3de

Thanks, for $4.70, it is worth trying and I will come back and post how will the tool works.  I can afford a cable cutter beside each printer.  

RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

Well I use nail clippers for cutting filament 😀 Then I keep scraper, hex key and tweezers right at the printer on a magnet. Rest of the tools are in the box nearby.

RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

@charles-h13

Nice, but don’t expect too much, I guess there is not much of a difference between your cutter, but I kind of like it 🙂 It grips “around” the filament when you cut it and it makes it feel good, you know those little things in life 😉

RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

@crawlerin

What type of nail clippers?  

Side, front, or scissor tip?

RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

Just some bog standard front that were included in fishing line package.

RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

@crawlerin

Thanks.  I have used them also.  Mostly out of laziness.  I misplace the flash cutters.  

RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

Posted by: @charles-h13

I do the same but with tungsten.  

How's the thermal transmission with tungsten? I like the copper because I can shove the rod up through the nozzle/heater block and it'll transmit heat up to soften stuck filament.

RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

@bobstro

Tungsten is great.  I have not had an issue.  I like it because it is also stiffer.  

I used 1.6 and 1mm welding rods.  

1. 1.6 Tungsten Rods
2. 1mm Tungsten Rods

The best part they come in the nifty case for storage.  

RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

To get this topic started, I will post another.

* Digital Calibers - nothing is as useful for a 3d designer and printer fanatic as a pair of digital calibers KRAFTLER Digital Vernier Caliper Electronic Measuring tool is my favorite.  I really like the alimental design of these calipers.  A cheap pair will get you through but a good, quality all metal pair is way to go.  

RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

Yes, agree. For decades I had a regular dial caliper and received a digital one from the inlaws as a gift last year and I find it extremely valuable in 3d printing, both for the drafting of items from real-life samples, and for sanity-checking results.

RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

@jsw

Agreed.  I use one to measure antique bullet from my metal detecting collection.  It was very hit and miss.  To be accurate you must have the talent.