Filament Sensor works fine, but...
So I've finally gotten the filament sensor to work perfectly using a combonation of shims under the sensor board and printing a new filament sensor lever (thingiverse).
The only problem now is that when the filament runs out and I try to unload the filament, it will not fully come out. I then have to go in through the side door and push it down with needle nose pliers, then once the top end is visible, I pull it out the side.
Is there any way to make it eject the filament fully after a runout?
RE: Filament Sensor works fine, but...
It should definitely pull right out during the unload operation. Where do things appear to be sticking?
RE: Filament Sensor works fine, but...
@jsw
It doesn't sound like it's sticking. just doesn't shove all the way back out enough for me to grab and pull.
If it is sticking, I think the likely spot is above the gears. Like the filament isn't finding the hole again to go back out.
RE: Filament Sensor works fine, but...
I assume then that you are talking about a true runout as opposed to an intentional unload, correct?
I've maybe had 1-2 of these, as most of the time when the filament is getting low I'll pause the print and change spools while it's printing something not visible, like infill, and unload and load, in which case there will be more than enough to pull with.
I'm very sure that the last time I had a true runout, the bitter end of the filament just popped right out as the extruder reversed to unload. I would certainly remember if it got stuck and I had to remove the idler to get it out.
It is possible to manually drive the extruder motor from the front panel, you might try that.
Maybe someone else had an experience more like yours and can comment further. I've never encountered this.
RE: Filament Sensor works fine, but...
@jsw
Thanks... yes, true runout. I'm trying to use up odd bits of spools while I print guts that will be covered by other "sleeve" prints.
If I happen to not be paying attention, and it runs out before I catch it to pause it, the sensor works as it is supposed to. there's just not enough filament sticking out for me to grab and complete the unload.
RE: Filament Sensor works fine, but...
@jsw
I actually just had this happen to me last week. Overnight the filament ran out. Next day, I had to go in from the side to remove a small piece of leftover filament. Doesn't really happen often enough for me to worry about.
Formerly known on this forum as @fuchsr -- until all hell broke loose with the forum software...