Filament loading

Spark

All my other printers load filament from the top down.  Is there a way to change this printer to load the filament from the top down?  That way I can use the system I already have a setup where I have a bunch of rolls of filament on a rod above the printer and then just choose a color.  Right now I have to take the roll off the bar to use it. 

Spark

So I think I am going to work on this - I am going to flip the extruder around and make a clip in fusion to hold that GIANT cable out of the way.  I have to see if the extruder is then going to be pushing the filament the wrong way that will be the trick...  My motor that loads the filament is pretty icky anyway..  it gets stuck a LOT on the initial load and makes load grinding noises...  It also leaves grooves in the filament. 

Samuel Pinches

Good luck, I’m looking forward to following along!

Spark

So, I flipped the extruder - easy to do VERY easy to do.  I have not done anything yet to make it look good but it prints just fine! I have done several prints and it seems to be the exact same.  I will need to think on a solution to make it look more aesthetically pleasing but I am pretty happy with the flip.  Now I can leave the rolls all nice and lined up. 

Samuel Pinches

You make it looks easy nice work.

Spark

Things have been working pefectly. Did a couple 40 hour prints no issues.  I just had some weird clicking noise happen today.  I don't think it is from the flip - but i don't know why it is doing this. https://photos.app.goo.gl/pBY4WZ8Nft9zrk8i8

JayJoe

I got clicking sound from my extruder motor as well, especially first layer.
If it isn't that often, I would just ignore it.
If I'm not mistaken, the clicking sound is due to the nozzle being too close to previous layer. So, the extruder motor faces some difficulty to extrude the filament, and causing itself to rotate backward (thus the clicking sound) a bit.
What I did was trying to reduce flow rate or increase layer height. 

Spark

Thanks!!