back

by wiradikusuma·12y ago·view on hn ↗
I purchased Solidoodle 2 last year (or 2 years ago?). The very first time I used it (after installation), the filament got stuck inside the nozzle. I emailed their support, they told me to "keep pushing":

"You can try to use a sharp bit or wire or other similar implement to break through the clog. If the clog is small, or easily broken this will be very easy, but it easy to imagine how this might not work every time." (http://wiki.solidoodle.com/unclogging-procedures)

I did that but no avail. I didn't dare to push too hard worrying it might break the machine and (obviously) break the warranty.

It's now sitting in my room. I can't return it for refund (if they accept) since the shipping fee is >$100. I feel like a total idiot spending almost $800 (including import duty) for a very expensive toy that doesn't work.

2 comments
Read the Soliforums, disassemble the hot end and clean it with acetone and/or a torch. Worked for me. Or consider ordering another hot end like the E3D one. Solidoodle support is famous for not giving proper advice out of fear of liability. If you don't intend to keep it, don't forget that because of shipping costs and time delays, a solidoodle will still fetch a decent amount of money on the second hand market. Just contact your local hacker space and you will probably find someone to take it off your hands.
So you're not willing to push harder because you don't want to break the warranty, but you're not going to claim on the warranty either? Huh? What do you have to lose by trying something that might break the machine compared to what you've done now?
his time.

I'm not defending the position, but I have done the same thing with things. Sometimes a string of bad luck can really disenchant a person.

Yes that's what exactly happens. I spent literally days dealing with it, and then I just gave up.