Essential Tools for Prusa Mini?  

RE: Essential Tools for Prusa Mini?

I would recommend getting some PLA filament (If you didn't place order for roll of Prusament with the printer).  \

1. Putty Knife: Used to help get prints off removable bed.

Putty Knife

2. Glue Stick - will help some prints until you get your first layers and dialed in.

3. Diagonal cutters: to clip filament on loading or unloading.  Clipping the filament after it oozes from nozzle

Diagonal Cutters

4. Isopropyl Alcohol (Minimum 91%) -  Used to clean removable sheets.

5. Acetone:  Not immediate need but the PEI sheet that comes with the Mini will eventually need some acetone to rejuvenate the surface

I don't have recommendation on books.  I learned a lot from watching youtube and getting on prusa and reddit forums.

RE: Essential Tools for Prusa Mini?

@rockytoptim

I would not use a putty knife on the removal bed.  Too large of a risk of scratching.  Instead, I would order one of these plastic scrapers.  Any cutters will work, but a good set of Hakko flush cutters will last longer.  

RE: Essential Tools for Prusa Mini?

As for books, I like this one on 3D printing Failures.  

RE: Essential Tools for Prusa Mini?

@cwbullet

I guess I should have said I usually use the Powder Coated sheet 90 % of the time. But I still stand by my putty knife.  I haven't gouge my PEI sheet even though I use a metal putty knife.  

RE: Essential Tools for Prusa Mini?

Posted by: @laura-h-2

I have a Prusa Mini on order and I'm trying to figure out what else I need to buy to make sure it's ready to go as soon as it arrives. I saw a few 3D printing tool kits on Amazon, but not sure what is really needed or what comes with the Mini. Does anyone have recommendations? Also, are there any books on 3D printing that would be good for a beginner to learn what they need to know to get started?

 

Note, it is going to be a Christmas gift and likely will not be here in time for Christmas so trying to figure out what else I can include as part of the Christmas gift (but not looking to spend money I don't need to since I already went over budget on the printer). 

In this round it was once discussed: https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/english-forum-general-discussion-announcements-and-releases/tools-what-do-you-recommend/#post-222257
Maybe you will find one or the other practical tip.

RE: Essential Tools for Prusa Mini?

Not directly answering the question, but in case you haven't seen it, you can download a voucher to gift if the printer hasn't arrived in time. See https://shop.prusa3d.com/en/3d-printers/994-original-prusa-mini.html

RE: Essential Tools for Prusa Mini?

The only tools I use with the mini are:

diagonal cutters: to cut filament spool at an angle for easier insertion into PTFE tube, to cut away the brim or supports of finished print.

 - highly recommended

Isopropyl alcohol (99%) to clean the print sheets. It's possible to clean with water and soap, though I am wary of rust and just use alc.

 - highly recommended.

Regarding the other suggestions of:

putty knife: I only use this on my Cr-10s with glass plate. The mini has flex beds and prints can be removed without an extra tool easy enough.

 - never used it on the mini

glue stick: The Mini has a leveling sensor and yours will come with the SuperPINDA, dialing in the first layer is a super easy process, only takes a few min and you will have a perfect first layer every time.  When in doubt run the first layer calibration a second time (taking another 2-3min). I only use glue stick on the Cr-10s to help as a release agent when printing PETG on the glass bed, never used glue on my Mini, as the sheets are already perfect for printing on them.

 - Never used it on the Mini. Not needed, unless you skipped the textured sheet and want to also print PETG. In that case do get glue or tape for PETG prints on the smooth PEI sheet 😀

In summary:

The Mini includes everything you need to print, the only thing missing are filament spools. I wouldn't buy any tool kits, etc for it. I have various tools lying around for the Creality printer, but apart from the diagonal cutters don't use any of them for the Prusa Mini.

RE: Essential Tools for Prusa Mini?

Posted by: @teachtheprints

Regarding the other suggestions of:

glue stick: The Mini has a leveling sensor and yours will come with the SuperPINDA, dialing in the first layer is a super easy process, only takes a few min and you will have a perfect first layer every time.  When in doubt run the first layer calibration a second time (taking another 2-3min). I only use glue stick on the Cr-10s to help as a release agent when printing PETG on the glass bed, never used glue on my Mini, as the sheets are already perfect for printing on them.

 - Never used it on the Mini. Not needed, unless you skipped the textured sheet and want to also print PETG. In that case do get glue or tape for PETG prints on the smooth PEI sheet 😀

You will if you get into exotic filaments.  With PETG, I would keep a thing of Windex around.  Start will small prints and if a filament over adheres, give the plate a light coat the reduce adhesion before you go to larger prints.  

RE: Essential Tools for Prusa Mini?

@teachtheprints

I use this tool here when the bed leveling is not working properly again:

With this tool the problem is definitely eliminated 👍 😊 

RE: Essential Tools for Prusa Mini?

@karl-herbert

That would about do it.  

RE: Essential Tools for Prusa Mini?

I use nail clippers for cutting filament 😆 But I have cutters by hand too. Some other tools I keep nearby: pliers for removing stubborn supports, tweezers for removing blobs of filament from nozzle at the start of the print (looking at you PETG), plastic card to scrape stuff off of build plate (some structures like bottom sides of supports and rafts do not peel off easily even when cold and sheet is bent, and I found metal spatula may be too rough for txt sheet), small nylon or brass brush to clean nozzle (use mirror underneath to see underside of hotend).

Then things like set of needle and normal files, utility knife for cleaning prints; screwdriver with quality bits or quality hex keys (iFixit toolkit is great) for printer maintenance. Recently I bought 1-5 Nm adjustable torque wrench because I have no effn' clue how much 1.5 or 2.5 Nm is (it's ... surprisingly much lighter force than I ever expected).

RE: Essential Tools for Prusa Mini?

@crawlerin

I have to admit that a cheap pair of nail clippers may be the most useful tool.  

RE: Essential Tools for Prusa Mini?

@laura-h-2

 I saw a few 3D printing tool kits on Amazon

Avoid these.

Does anyone have recommendations?

Do not give a beginner a metal scraper.  Make one of your first prints a plastic scraper.

glue stick: My Mk3 came with a glue stick included, don't know about the Mini.

Cutters to clip filament: I use side cutters (flush cutters) designed to cut the legs from electronic components after soldering...

Isopropyl Alcohol (Minimum 91%) -  Used to clean removable sheets.  Definitely.

Acetone: Unless you are careless you won't need this in the first six months.

Window cleaner: Not needed until you plan to print PET.

Who is this for? 

If for a child you might buy a pack of latex gloves - they're not needed and you won't need to replace them once used up but they do serve to emphasise the need for cleanliness when handling the bed, it's one of the only methods I know to get bunches of sticky schoolkids to respect the equipment.

What are you printing?

If mostly engineering parts then a set of needle files to clean out holes and slots for moving parts.  Also a small pack of fine-grit wet and dry sanding paper - then print sanding blocks to use it on; I'm using some of these: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2404850

If mostly miniature figures/D&D models then a pair of needle nosed pliers will make removing support material much easier.

Also, are there any books on 3D printing that would be good for a beginner to learn what they need to know to get started?

Why not start with Prusa's own?  https://shop.prusa3d.com/en/accessories/992-basics-of-3d-printing.html - there is a free download version if you prefer.

Hth and Merry Christmas...

RE: Essential Tools for Prusa Mini?

@diem

I concur with most.  Also do not recommend that people jump to PETG -  Get good at PLA first.  

RE: Essential Tools for Prusa Mini?

I can recommend a silicone sock. I am using the following:
- https://www.etsy.com/listing/884391601/silicone-sock-for-heatblock-prusa-mini?variation0=1585300323

Works awesome!

RE: Essential Tools for Prusa Mini?

@dens

Wow! $32 shipping.  That must be coming by camel.  Just kidding.  

RE: Essential Tools for Prusa Mini?

@cwbullet

Haha, shipping from EU to USA is expensive..

RE: Essential Tools for Prusa Mini?

@dens

And the other way it's as expensive too. Plus customs will slap 15-27% VAT (depending on country, from whole price including shipping and insurance), and also other customs fees based on how those goods are declared and who is doing customs declaration for you.