First Layer Problems

Martin Stone · 22 Feb 2022 at 12:58

A couple of days ago I used my Ender 3 V2 for the first time in several weeks. It wasn't printing properly so I checked the nozzle & it was clogged up, so decided to fit a new nozzle anyway. After levelling the bed I was still having first layer problems so ordered a CR Touch & fitted it yesterday. I also installed the latest Marlin firmware. I have since spent hours trying to get a good first layer, going back & forth between the printer & watching Youtube videos. Here are a couple of test prints...

Martin Stone · 22 Feb 2022 at 18:36

Yes, I set the Z offset.

Sorry about the pic. I've tried to get it to show up but nothing doing. If you right click on it and "Copy image address", you can paste it into chrome and it's fine.

Martin Stone · 23 Feb 2022 at 00:32

No, not running G29. I ran it a couple of times but, as I'm using the 5x5, it was taking too long. Maybe I should install the 3x3 instead?

Martin Stone · 23 Feb 2022 at 18:56

I changed the firmware today for the 3x3 and included the G29 code but the first layer still looks the same as my pic.. I'm not sure what to try next?

Edit: I've just tried using the G29 and the M420 S1 code but still the same. This has only been happening since I changed the nozzle (twice), so I wonder if it is something to do with that because they aren't exactly the same as the creality nozzles.

Martin Stone · 25 Feb 2022 at 13:14

I've now printed that test piece a dozen times or more with various settings and it misses in exactly the same places every time. I also tried another test and that misses too.

It almost seems as if there is something in the gcode creating these spaces.

again, If you right click on it and "Copy image address", you can paste it into chrome.

Martin Stone · 9 Mar 2022 at 17:10

Sorry I haven't got back sooner, I got fed up with it so left it a few days. Good news is, I've sorted it. It was the extruder. I went back to the printer yesterday and noticed that although the blue plastic wheel was turning, the filament wasn't always being fed. I tightened the adjuster as much as I could, which helped, but still patchy. I then ordered a Redrex Tech dual gear extruder which I have just fitted.

Thanks everyone for your help & suggestions.