Worked in retail many moons ago. Back when organic was just becoming a thing. I can tell you one thing.: A lot of people were getting a deal on organic food -because cashiers would just key in the code for non-organic. The lines were too long, and you look foolish looking things up in the “book” haha.

I forgot until looking at your photo that the mini uses a Bowden tube, not direct drive like the MK3S+. Did you replace/switch the nozzle around the time this all started happening? With Bowden tubes, there are a few problems that can arise that you don’t see on direct drive. The end of the Bowden tube (that is inside the extruder/hote end assembly) can get deformed or clogged. If you can check that, you may find an issue. Other than that, when swapping nozzles I always had to put the nozzle in part of the way, then push the Bowden in further, then tighten the nozzle.

My money would be a clogged nozzle. But a better photo (close up) may be helpful. Things I wonder…

Does the filament come out and curl back up during preheat?

Is your heat block messy with residue?

Have you tried a cold pull, or pulling the nozzle and cleaning/replacing it?

deleted by creator

What is an appimage?

When I first started working with 3d modelling (for 3d printed parts), I followed everyone’s advice and got a trial of Fusion. Luckily, I didn’t use it much and when I came back to it, my trial was over. I did not want to use a hobbyist license, just to have things change - so went looking for FOSS alternatives. OpenScad made my brain hurt, but then I found FreeCAD. Definately hard to learn, and for someone new to CAD design - I am learning very slowly.

I watched a ton of videos, but still struggle. My saving grace was that I found the official discord. The users on the discord server can be super helpful with learing the nuance of the platform. Several times I posted a file and askded for help and had an answer within an hour. In fact, I just submitted a screenshot of my sketch with dimensions and someone went ot the trouble of recreating it and fixing my problem…so I recommend you join the server if you are struggling. Link below:

https://discord.gg/uh85ZRNcfk

Yes and on some printers, that spot where the Bowden tube meets the nozzle is very problematic. You have to loosen the nozzle a bit, push the Bowden tub up against it, then tighten the nozzle the rest of the way

It was awful on my Ender clone, but haven’t had that issue on my Prusa.

I had to dig to find where I got the model from. I suppose I should add the link in case anybody wants to give them kudos or print it for themselves.

It was created by Rocket Pig Games: Printables link

That is a very good question. There aren’t any insane overhangs, just a few tricky spots. I had print he same thing smaller, so I knew it would be okay. I think the file actually mentioned in the notes that you COULD print it without support.

Can I ask what settings you had to hone in?

What printer and hot end?

(this is all specific to Prusa MK3/Prusa Slicer)

I used the default profile that Prusa has for .6 nozzles, and I changed the layer height to be larger. I think I may have actually added a perimeter as well, which slows things down normally. Nothing else changed at all.

You have to change the nozzle size in the printer hardware menu. Then I had to run the first layer calibation. I found out the hard way that that calibration test ALWAYS uses .4 settings. I printed about 10 of them and nothing was turning out, then I made my own, but creating a 75x75 box, that was one layer high. It printed perfectly with minimal z adjustment.

That’s the thought that crossed my mind. As far as pay, it is being a good stable career option - the very physical trades tend to encounter a lot more injuries and physical consequences. I respect the heck out of the trades and I work with a lot of them on different things for work - but if you look at some of the older/close to retirement folks - physical ailments and shorter life expectancy is a real concern.

Think of the “silent generation” and “baby boomers” you know that are getting up there in years. Everyone I have known that reached their 90s had fairly “cushy” desk jobs. The ones I knew who did skilled labor and trades work lived to their late 70s/early 80s.

I think, at least in the US, that we are going to REALLY feel the decrease in trades like plumbers, electricians, etc. You can teach some trades much quicker when there is a need - but with licensing and such - its going to take time to turn that ship back on course.

Was it a kit? Had it been printing before you started getting this issue or was this an issue out of the box?

Shirtoid

[Shirt.Woot (Amazon)]https://shirt.woot.com/offers/i-live-in-a-van-gogh?utm_medium=share&utm_source=app)

I ended up searching it and saw it on three or four different t-shirt sites already.

I was just thinking that I love it so much I want it on a shirt

All great points. I thought he was asking if it was worth it to invest more on it. I was simply saying that if money wasn’t a limitation, there are great options that are a significant improvement. Some day my MK3 is outdated too. I wouldn’t buy one now, but I also am not sure I will buy the MK3.5 kit and spend the time installing it.

That looks like the issue to me as well, good call.