Socks & nozzles
[...] - I'll consider a similar thermal paste in the future for high-temp applications
Just to be clear: You do NOT want thermal paste on the lower end of the heatbreak that threads into the heater block. I just use the Slice Engineering stuff on the thermistor and heater cartridge. It may help with thermal transfer but I mostly use it ease removal.
- Also got a sock because yikes was that a mess
Heh. Yeah, I learned that lesson too.
And I did add quick-connects to the heater (already had one on the thermosistor) though the ones I added for the heater were... a bit bulky and probably not something I'll keep long-term because their bulk may actually cause problems for things.
I didn't realize E3D ships the extension cable for the Prusa with their thermistor and heater cartridge (at least as I understand it). I'm definitely going to replace those next time I have to tear it all apart.
Also, on the topic of the Nozzle X wire brush thing, I realized after some research that the coating is basically all of its claim to fame, so that seems like a reasonable thing to avoid hitting with a wire brush. I also doubt I'll be taking warranty on a nozzle, which is a cheap part that is also a wearing item.
I think E3D's "one nozzle to rule them all" is a bit of misleading marketing hype. They're fine nozzles, but in the end, they're just coated hardened nozzles with the thermal properties of most hardened steel nozzles. I bought a couple before I realized this. No regrets, but I don't always need to spend that much.
and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
Socks
What do the socks make a mess? I use them and want to avoid a mess.
--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
The Pro socks (with the tiny hole) can be dangerous
What do the socks make a mess? I use them and want to avoid a mess.
I have had problems with the "Pro" socks with the tiny hole around the nozzle. If the sock sags (as they inevitably do), a shift can cause filament to collect between the sock and nozzle, which produces a semi-contained Blob of Doom around the hotend. I prefer the "non-Pro" socks with the larger opening around the nozzle, along with a "retainer" wire wrapped around the top to prevent sag. I've read some posts by people that prefer the Pro version since there's no hole for the grub screw at the bottom, and they cut or punch out a larger hole around the nozzle.
and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
Concur
I have to agree. I made it a habbit to punch a larger hole very early on.
What do the socks make a mess? I use them and want to avoid a mess.
I have had problems with the "Pro" socks with the tiny hole around the nozzle. If the sock sags (as they inevitably do), a shift can cause filament to collect between the sock and nozzle, which produces a semi-contained Blob of Doom around the hotend. I prefer the "non-Pro" socks with the larger opening around the nozzle, along with a "retainer" wire wrapped around the top to prevent sag. I've read some posts by people that prefer the Pro version since there's no hole for the grub screw at the bottom, and they cut or punch out a larger hole around the nozzle.
--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
If only I checked this before I set the print and went to sleep
So I was running a test print last night with all the new parts and was a bit overambitious with the speed (forgot I set the slicer to do the quicker speed where required beforehand) when I wake up to a birds nest and no more spool. The worst part (the spool was already low) was the mess that got under the sock. I managed to heat it up and get *most* of it off and the sock did help, but still. wow.
Also, I should mention, my thermosistor did come with a stock quick connect but my heater did not, I added that one myself. And DEFINITELY will be taking the wire-idea for the sock. I have some high-awg wire lying around I'll use.
On the bright side, the 2 parts that did print correctly turned out fine (just a bit of stringing from the speed) and PETG is recyclable (or at least as recyclable as plastic is... Might look into a DIY recycling setup soon).
And yes, I get that no, I don't want thermal paste on the heat block, I only added it to the upper part of the heatbreak-heatsink part.
Cheers,