Hi from Lakenheath, UK

[mike01hu]

Hi everyone. I use the Velleman K8200 (Marlin firmware) and use it for PLA printing. My kit is as it came and with careful engineering it produces very acceptable results. It was bought for a particular project, a 14" Dobsonian astronomical telescope, to produce around 100 parts from brackets and knobs to mirror mounts, protective casings and 'wheel-barrow' that have all been made using SolidWorks for the drawing; it's not all printed as there are material and size limitations for the moment!. The telescope is finished and phase 2, the modification of a mirror mount is under way.

SolidWorks image of 14" Dobsonian

Actual beast!

As many of you have experienced, printing with PLA has its issues and I have seen most, in particular the stickiness of PLA causing hot-end jambs. I have yet to try methods to cure this, other than the thorough cleaning that is time-consuming and burns your fingers, but will be experimenting with a couple of easy-to-obtain products soon and will keep you posted. Kapton tape coated with a fine layer of thinned PVA glue sticks my work to the bed effectively and methylated spirit revitalises or removes the PVA from the bed.

Mike

[Eaglezsoar]

Welcome to the Forum!
That is quite a project you have going on there, building parts for your telescope.
We are here if you have any printing related questions, don't hesitate to ask for
help if needed or offer to help someone else.
Best of luck with your telescope project.

[mike01hu]

Thanks. I found the forum late so I learned how to do it the hard way . . . but that's the fun of it. Your posts are inspiring!