[Closed] How to remove these difficult-to-get-rid-of support?  

RE: How to remove these difficult-to-get-rid-of support?

I use a z distance of 0.25mm, a bit more than the PrusaSlicer default for removable supports. At that height, supports like that can be snapped off with a screwdriver.

RE: How to remove these difficult-to-get-rid-of support?

I don't know if we are referring to the same thing. My main problems is not getting rid of the support between the object and the build plate but within the object itself. Can changing the z distance help?

RE: How to remove these difficult-to-get-rid-of support?

I'm referring to the little zig-zag patterns on the plastic, yes. Increase the gap between the support and part slightly. 

RE: How to remove these difficult-to-get-rid-of support?

Thanks.

RE: How to remove these difficult-to-get-rid-of support?

Any recommended set of tools to help to remove the support? My main problems are those shown in the photos posted in the link and also holes of size M2, M2.5, M3-M5. Sometimes support block the holes.

RE: How to remove these difficult-to-get-rid-of support?

Posted by: @peter-c20

Any recommended set of tools to help to remove the support? My main problems are those shown in the photos posted in the link and also holes of size M2, M2.5, M3-M5. Sometimes support block the holes.

I just pop them off with a small knife or wide dental pick.

RE: How to remove these difficult-to-get-rid-of support?

I’d second a set of dental picks. 

RE: How to remove these difficult-to-get-rid-of support?

Thanks. Any recommended dental pick products?

How are dental picks compared with drill bits?

Some sites recommended a set of knifes of different shapes (flat, semi-round, triangular) for wood craving. In practice, do you find the semi-round, triangular shaped knifes useful? For the problems shown in the photos, am I correct that I only need flat-shaped knifes of different widths. 

RE: How to remove these difficult-to-get-rid-of support?

I just bought a cheap set of picks off AliExpress. There's a wider spade design that works best. The thin ones all twist pretty quickly. A small pointy knife works well for most work, but the picks are good for detail areas. I don't use the X-Acto-type blads as I worry about them snapping.

RE: How to remove these difficult-to-get-rid-of support?

I got mine from ebay, a set like these https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F233438877710  

I also have a set of needle files which is also useful for post processing anyway. 

RE: How to remove these difficult-to-get-rid-of support?

@neophyl

Thanks. I can see that the pointed one is useful. How about the rest? I don't see any use myself as I have not used these tools.

RE: How to remove these difficult-to-get-rid-of support?

Posted by: @neophyl

I got mine from ebay, a set like these https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F233438877710  

That looks much like the set I bought. The spade style works well.

I also have a set of needle files which is also useful for post processing anyway. 

I snapped a file recently while clearing some stuck supports. I won't use good ones anymore!

RE: How to remove these difficult-to-get-rid-of support?

@bobstro

How to use that spade style? In what situation? I have not tried but perhaps for my case, a flat rectangular one may be able to remove the support.

RE: How to remove these difficult-to-get-rid-of support?

Posted by: @peter-c20

How to use that spade style? In what situation? I have not tried but perhaps for my case, a flat rectangular one may be able to remove the support.

A sturdy small pointy knife blade is the most useful removal tool. However, the pick is good for getting into small crevices on small prints like miniatures. I just use the spade to snag and pull small amounts of support out between things like arms and wheels.