How do you switch filament ?

Please forgive the horrific newbie question, but how do you switch filaments between prints?

In the manual it shows me how to insert a filament and there are a dozen youtube videos showing how to do it too, but, it doesn't explain if I already have filament in my extruder, how I go about switching over to a different spool.

Last night I had a extruder jam presumably because I used the wrong method, what I have been doing (and please correct me) is to cut the filament a couple of inches above the extruder and then hand wind the big gear until the filament has passed through the nozzle and then inserting the new filament.

Which method do you use ?

(Ps, feel free to yell at me and tell me that its in the manual and I'm too dumb to own this equipment)

 

I like to remove the two screws/springs/washers.
I DON"T like chasing any of them under the furniture so be careful.

I heat up the nozzle (assuming it's a new print not a midprint change) to about 210 or higher (I print at 190 usually).
With the tension wheel folded away, I push a bit of filament into the extruder to be sure it's flowing ok. I then pull the filament out. No cutting needed.

I then take the new filament and with the nozzle still heated up I insert into the small hole (old eyes of mine need extra light to see it) and gently feed it in until I get extrusion. I then continue to feed until the color changes from the first color to the new color.
I then replace the screws/springs/washers and test with the big gear.

When changing colors for a new print I also print out the test object "deprime" http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:147628
To be sure the new filament is going to perform as expected.

 

I heat up the hotend for the material, and then squeeze the tensioner to release it and feed the filament into the extruder and hotend. Then I release the tensioner. I never remove the springs/bolts. Once you do it a few times you get used to how far down to push the filament. Basically you just push it down until you feel resistance.

I also do a cold pull every filament change. So when you are ready to change filament, heat up to proper temp. Extrude 100mm of filament. Cool down to between 100 and 110. I have found the exact temp really depends on the filament. Let it stabilize at that temp (100-110). Release the tension on the filament as before, and pull up on the filament. You should feel slight resistance and then it will come out with a nice blob on the end in about the same shape as the nozzle end. There you go, all clean and ready to do it again.

 

Thank you everyone, it seems to be one of the things that is neglected on all of the guides and tutorials.

 

Switching the 3d printer filament of a 3D printer (otherwise known as changing consumables) is a common operation that usually involves the following steps. Make sure the printer is cooled and operated safely:
1. Stop printing and cool
If the printer is running, pause or terminate the current print task.
Wait for the nozzle to cool to a safe temperature, or preheat enough to soften the existing filament on demand, usually 180°C to 230°C (depending on the type of material).
2. Uninstall the old filament
On the printer control panel, locate and select the "Unload filament" or "Return material" option. If such an option is not available, you can manually heat the nozzle to the print temperature and then gently pull out the old filament.
Use the extrude button (manual or electronically controlled) to slowly pull the old filament out of the printer head. If the filament encounters resistance, do not pull hard and make sure the nozzle temperature is right to soften the filament.
3. Prepare new filament
Cut a length of filament from the filament roll, ensuring that the cut is smooth and the bent part is removed to reduce the risk of stalling.
Check that the diameter and type of the new filament is compatible with the printer Settings (e.g. 1.75mm PLA or ABS, etc.).
4. Insert new filament
Insert the new filament into the entrance of the extruder and gently push in until the filament touches the heated nozzle.
Using the "Feed" or "Load filament" function, start the extruder until the new filament is extruded through the nozzle and discharges the remnants of the old material.
5. Adjust the Settings
Verify that the new filament type matches the temperature setting. If desired, print parameters such as temperature and print speed can be adjusted in the printer software.
6. Test extrusion
Extrude a small amount of new filament to ensure that the filament passes through and exits smoothly, and the color is consistent without impurities. This ensures that the filament is switched and ready for printing.
With these steps, you can safely switch 3D printed filaments, avoiding clogging and print quality issues.