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Tools: What do you recommend?  

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cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
Tools: What do you recommend?

Ok, I have more tools than I need, but I am interested in what tools you find the most useful in your 3D printing hobby.

I am going to start this off.   

I recommend the Buildtak print surface and the Buildtac spatula.  I would not use it to remove prints from the Textured or Smooth PEI surfaces from Prusa.  I bought an extra plain steel sheet to put it on.  I have found it perfect for those tough to stick filaments.  

Which tool do you feel is essential?  

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 14/06/2020 9:20 pm
jsw
 jsw
(@jsw)
Famed Member
RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

In the orange PETg 'caddy' box beside the printer I have an assortment of tools and items, including a box knife, needle nose pliers, hemostat, dental explorer, 7mm socket with ratchet handle, printed torque wrench for tightening nozzles, allen key set.

Open-end wrench ('spanner' in the UK) for holding the hot end when removing nozzles.

Glue sticks, tube of Superlube, two small wire brushes for removing 'boogers' from the nozzle and hot end.

For removing prints I have (PETg) a smaller 'pick' with a thumb hole and a larger scraper.  Since I learned one lesson the hard way and ruined the surface of one side of the first smooth sheet, my rule of thumb (pun intended) is to use nothing harder than a thumb nail to remove a print.

Posted : 14/06/2020 9:54 pm
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

@jsw

I have to agree with the Superlube.  I really prefer it over the Prusa stuff.  Heck, this is the stuff that I use to lubricate rocket motors in my other hobby.  Except, I buy it in the 14-ounce tub.

.

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 14/06/2020 10:36 pm
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

Another tool I would recommend is a good set of cutters.  The set from Prusa is ok, but I prefer Hakko flush cutters.  

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 14/06/2020 11:16 pm
carlosd93
(@carlosd93)
New Member
RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

https://www.printedsolid.com/products/modifi3d-pro-3d-print-finishing-and-repair-tool

I ordered one of these, but it hasn't been delivered yet. I've heard good things though!

Posted : 15/06/2020 12:01 am
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

The best bang for the buck IME has been a 150x1.5mm brass rod with polished ends used to clear extruder jams without disassembly of the entire extruder. 

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

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

Posted : 15/06/2020 2:29 am
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

@bobstro

I do the same but with tungsten.  

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 15/06/2020 2:37 am
tmicke
(@tmicke)
Trusted Member
RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

One tool I have used for almost 6 years now and I have never read about anyone else using one, is a cable cutter for the filament, much like the one i link to.

When I started printing there was much talk about having a clean edge that was cut at an angle. So i thought what could be better then a cable cutter. Nowadays I know it really doesn’t matter ‘that’ much but the cable cutter still lies true next to my printer.

https://www.amazon.com/B-TECH-TOOLS-0500229-Cable-Cutters/dp/B07BDXWRG6/ref=sr_1_31?dchild=1&keywords=Cable+cutter&qid=1592190548&sr=8-31

Posted : 15/06/2020 3:17 am
tmicke
(@tmicke)
Trusted Member
RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

Oh, I should try to explain why I choose a cable cutter but I think that’s beyond my limit in English, but I’ll give it a go; the edges aren’t straight, there curved so it kind of cuts it around the filament rather than squashing it, and the edges is only sharpened from one side leaving a sharper edge on the filament.

Posted : 15/06/2020 3:22 am
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

@sw3de

Thanks, for $4.70, it is worth trying and I will come back and post how will the tool works.  I can afford a cable cutter beside each printer.  

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 15/06/2020 9:17 am
Crawlerin
(@crawlerin)
Prominent Member
RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

Well I use nail clippers for cutting filament 😀 Then I keep scraper, hex key and tweezers right at the printer on a magnet. Rest of the tools are in the box nearby.

Posted : 15/06/2020 9:24 am
Andrew liked
tmicke
(@tmicke)
Trusted Member
RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

@charles-h13

Nice, but don’t expect too much, I guess there is not much of a difference between your cutter, but I kind of like it 🙂 It grips “around” the filament when you cut it and it makes it feel good, you know those little things in life 😉

Posted : 15/06/2020 9:32 am
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

@crawlerin

What type of nail clippers?  

Side, front, or scissor tip?

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 15/06/2020 9:42 am
Crawlerin
(@crawlerin)
Prominent Member
RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

Just some bog standard front that were included in fishing line package.

Posted : 15/06/2020 9:51 am
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

@crawlerin

Thanks.  I have used them also.  Mostly out of laziness.  I misplace the flash cutters.  

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 15/06/2020 10:32 am
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
RE: Tools: What do you recommend?
Posted by: @charles-h13

I do the same but with tungsten.  

How's the thermal transmission with tungsten? I like the copper because I can shove the rod up through the nozzle/heater block and it'll transmit heat up to soften stuck filament.

 

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

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

Posted : 15/06/2020 2:34 pm
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

@bobstro

Tungsten is great.  I have not had an issue.  I like it because it is also stiffer.  

I used 1.6 and 1mm welding rods.  

  1. 1.6 Tungsten Rods
  2. 1mm Tungsten Rods

The best part they come in the nifty case for storage.  

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 15/06/2020 2:57 pm
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

To get this topic started, I will post another.

* Digital Calibers - nothing is as useful for a 3d designer and printer fanatic as a pair of digital calibers KRAFTLER Digital Vernier Caliper Electronic Measuring tool is my favorite.  I really like the alimental design of these calipers.  A cheap pair will get you through but a good, quality all metal pair is way to go.  

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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 16/06/2020 11:17 pm
jsw
 jsw
(@jsw)
Famed Member
RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

Yes, agree. For decades I had a regular dial caliper and received a digital one from the inlaws as a gift last year and I find it extremely valuable in 3d printing, both for the drafting of items from real-life samples, and for sanity-checking results.

Posted : 16/06/2020 11:26 pm
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Tools: What do you recommend?

@jsw

Agreed.  I use one to measure antique bullet from my metal detecting collection.  It was very hit and miss.  To be accurate you must have the talent.  

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 16/06/2020 11:49 pm
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