Originally shared by Patrick Charlton-O'Shea Gurus and gurettes, I'm using the Vellerman K8200... Ok.

Originally shared by Patrick Charlton-O’Shea

Gurus and gurettes, I’m using the Vellerman K8200…

Ok. When you’ve stopped laughing, I’'m doing alright with it, but it’s time to upgrade. I think the most common source of fail at the moment is the z-axis. I don’t think it’s processing layers properly. On one layer I’ll get extruder slip, on the next it prints fine.

I’m thinking of upgrading to the linked lead screw, so I’m looking for opinions on that, and for solutions in the mean time.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/1pcs-antibacklash-ball-screw-1605-L400mm-C7-BK-BF12-2pcs-6-35-10mm-couplers/959750635.html?spm=2114.10010108.100009.4.wyZhPD

I have the printer and an upgrade to z screw made a big difference in the z wobble I was having. However that didn’t solve all my problems.

Top 3 improvements I’ve made to my printer

#1. Z axis lead screw. I got mind from banggood for like 14$ or so. Just a metric screw and matching nut, no anti-backlash, no bearings. I just re-used the original bearings. Major improvement. Spending more here probably would have helped even more.

#2. Bondtech V2 extruder. Solid design from @Martin_Bondeus . Nice gears on both sides of the filament and a guide that is very close to the gears which would probably make it ideal for flexible filaments. I have yet to get some of that.

#3 E3D v6 Hotend. This has also been a solid product, but I never had experience with the stock hotend as I stripped and broke it during the build. Didn’t look back and went straight for E3D.

Good luck.

@Steve_Hogg I’ve already picked up the E3D V6, and a bowden extruder - though I can’t recall the brand.

Banggood for the lead screw you say? Under $20AUD and I won’t even need the permission from the Minister of War and Finance.

You can print your own extruder also. http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1318849 <-- This one is recommend for printing flexible filament and just about everything else, people swear by it on a FB group.