First 24 hours with my first 3D printer - Getting Started

Background:
I've been wanting a printer every since I saw the Zcorp ($650K at the time). now 2014 I saw the Solidoodle Press, pre-ordered and waited.. and waited. Saw a lot of issues with the first batch so I got tired of waiting and ordered a Robo3D R1 as my first printer. I hope some of my experiences will help people new to the printer.

I'm still learning and trying to figure this out (see Problem 3)

Getting Started with your new R1:
Note: these are my observations and I only have 24 hours of printing experience and about 1 week of scouring the forums.

1) tighten bolts + Hot end: I did not do this. so I'm assuming all bolts are tight (search the forum, people were finding a few bolts loose. over time they may wiggle loose). all is well so far.
2) Follow the supplied instruction install software, upgrade to latest firmware etc. Start with PLA instead of ABS (less chance of problems.. maybe). BEFORE you install PLA. 'Season the hot end' - this means grab some canola oil dip your PLA filament in it, i did the first inch and removed any drops. now feed it through the extruder until it comes out the hot end. I pulled it back out, cut off any small strands and repeat 2-3 times.
3) Extruder calibration: watch this: . Now if using default software (Matter Control) go to CONFIGURATION and you'll find it in there. (printer is printing right now and can't access it ). I was out by 7mm. This solved holes in my prints.
4) Calibration print: I printed this before step 3, calibrated the extruder and had better prints. Print this and see how it looks. Mine was good until the last cube. (see problem 2 below). You might have to scour this forum for any additional fixes if you have problems. If not step 5
5)Print an Oiler for PLA: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:406418. PLA likes a LITTLE canola oil (read forums). I just took apart 3 Q-tips and added a little canola oil. Don't try to push the filament through all the cotton, it may cause friction. I just pushed the cotton to one side and fed it through. Gravity generally keeps it sliding back towards the filament spool.

6) Print Fan Ducts: see Problem 2. Find a 20mm fan that has high CFM. I bought 2 which are 4200RPM and 4.5CFM. not nearly enough. Still on the hunt for another fan.

7) enjoy!

Recommended Upgrades:
- See getting started (#5, #6)
- LCD Screen: will enable printing without use of PC. Have not looked into detail on how to setup but start here: http://forums.robo3dprinter.com/ind...ics-lcd-controller-display-enhancements.4428/
Purchase here: http://www.reprapdiscount.com/home/35-smart-lcd-controller-xxl.html or http://www.printedsolid.com/shop/printer-parts/smart-lcd-controller-xxl/
UNKNOWN: not sure what the difference between these and let's say a Hobby King one: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...l_Graphic_Smart_Controller_RAMPS_RepRap_.html
- Hex fan mount: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:436927. I'm assuming this one is more efficient but have not been able to successfully print it. (see problem 3). Printer is working fine as is, so I might not install this one.

Tips:
- use hairspray on the bed (use a box to cover the area to avoid over spray.) I found blue tape was good until after a few prints or oil ends up giving me problems with sticking on first layer. I've had one print curl but I think no hairspray was applied to that area.

Problem 1: The printer has multiple versions and are all called R1. A lot of the fixes/upgrades for the newer printers are no longer relevant as the manufacturer have upgraded these already.
Solution 1: If you ordered after Jan 2015 the printer should have the following updates:
Z-axis fixes - Looks like longer rods and slot in top of the printer case to hold them in. support for the rods are already there. On the new printers I don't think you should remove the cover.
items NOT needed: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:126873, http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:199407
Insulated bed - don't worry about removing the bed and adding insulation. it heats up pretty fast.
Hobbled bolt - stock bolt seems to work fine so far. no plan to upgrade.

Problem 2: My first print (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:24238) top cube dis-formed.

Solution 2: I found the reason is cooling. the standard fan does not reach taller prints due to design. If you have an intricate part it will fail if it is tall. Solution is to move the fan. I printed these (note apparently they don't allow you to print as high!): http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:431160.

Installation: I took the cover off, removed the gantry with the hot end, unscrewed the fan and extended the wire. I also added a second set for the fan on the other side. After moved the fan, prints were more consistent on that side only as I only have one fan right now. Other side wasn't as clean


Problem 3: Support material doesn't remove easily
UNKNOWN Solution 3: NO IDEA, still trying to see if it's a setting or have to figure out what settings to change. Had a few failed prints. like the hex fan shroud http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:436927. tried different orientations but no go. you can select grid or lines, I chose lines but they would not add support unless I chose EVERYWHERE.

 

I've done a few test prints here, seems ok, but I am running a larger job now, and the head is elevated about 1/4 inch off the built up material and drizzling melted PLA down. Is this some printing mode? Things look mostly ok, but I am nervous.

 

For solution 2, you added a cooling fan shroud to the fan and you talked about adding another cooling fan and shroud, I assume to the front of the robo.
If this is correct where will you reposition the hexagon hot end fan and shroud.

 

I moved the part fan (not hot end fan) to one of the cooling ducts: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:431160
I attempted to print the updated hexagon fan but no success, haven't tried yet: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:436927
I think see your point. probably not going to make the hexagon fan now.

 

You can't have 2 cooling fans and the hexagon fan with shroud at the same time. Waiting for a picture of all 3 fans with shrouds.