I'm currently still on the 500g roll of PLA (white, as per the pictures) that came with the printer. I have two rolls of ABS (black and clear) waiting to be tried, but I've not yet felt the need, or had the patience, to try it since I've heard plenty of similar grim stories of ABS difficulties. I've also got a roll of purple PLA on the way, since I felt the need for some colour!
It seems cheap ABS is easier to get hold of than cheap PLA. My tight-arse tendencies might push me towards ABS if I'm eventually successful with it.
I've read about specific glass types (borosilicate being the favoured), but I have just bought a cheap 90p photo frame from Wilko for the glass. That was to try if the blue tape didn't work. I might end up trying the glass for ABS, but I'm not going to be surprised if it cracks very quickly!
Dual extruder is definitely a nice option. I'm guessing if you want you can do two different colours of filament within the same print if it's all setup nicely? Also, give the blue tape a go if you're having adhesion issues. It felt like magic compared to the rubbish masking tape I was originally using.
Yes, you can run two PLA filaments & print two-tone, which will be fun in the fullness of time. I'm sure you'll be fine with picture glass, but if the heat does eventually get to it, search ebay for Boro - you can get it much cheaper from China than from within the UK.
I bought a can of supermarket own-brand 'firm hold' hairspray and that seems to be helping considerably. It's not perfect - I've still got issues with edges curling up - but it's a lot better. Currently printing this Iris Box
"We all have flaws, and mine is being wicked." James Thurber, The Thirteen Clocks 1951
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I'd say so. I'm currently using PLA plastic, I think a lot of stuff you buy generally is made out of ABS, which I'm yet to try. Even so, what I've made with the settings I've used has been strong and feels like it'll be durable. Obviously time will tell.
Yeah, my experience is nearer Kos's than Ant's, but different machines & I'm a novice. There's a stratification which doesn't matter in a sympathetic plane, but weakens the object (a bit) cross-grain.
"We all have flaws, and mine is being wicked." James Thurber, The Thirteen Clocks 1951
I've not done any tests of strength, or made anything that will take a load, but I imagine yours and Kos's experience is right. My stuff "seems" strong, but layer/wall height definitely makes a different to the perception of strength.
My first successful print of something with 4 legs requiring a brim and supports. A few failures to get to this point. The banding round the middle isn't great.
Playing happily, Ant, though I've had a spot of trouble with failed prints after using a 'woodfill' filament - it seems to have clogged up my nozzles, J.
I've been making objects that are, nominally at least, vases.
I keep the left extruder for PLA at the moment and the right for ABS, but in time I'm going to have to try dividing a model into zones and printing two-tone in different PLA filaments.
"We all have flaws, and mine is being wicked." James Thurber, The Thirteen Clocks 1951
