extruding too much on 1st layer??

ok - i figured id start a new topic as this is really the only concern I have now with printing abs. it seems like im extruding too much just on the first layer and it balls up. now it seems to cover ok, but id rather it be as minimal as possible.... in sfact, what would be the best thing to adjust to control this? print speed? extrusion? I just dont want to mess up the other layers as the single wall test cube printed out great.
what tabs would this all be under? I guess im just too timid to mess something up now that I have nice prints coming off of this.
Thanks!
Jeff

The settings for the first layer are in Raft, I believe. Make sure your first layer flow rate is equal to your first layer feed rate. If that's fine, the nozzle is probably too close to the surface for the first layer. In that case, move your Z-endstop up a fraction of a millimeter or else add a fraction of a millimeter to the Altitude setting in the Bottom plugin. Doing it in hardware is preferable though.

Thanks for the quick reply. I did mess with the zstop a bit, and it either wouldnt stick or it would be as it was pictured.
Ill look into the flow and feed rates here in a few....
as i watched its more of the first 3 "fill" layers that seem to have excessive plastic. after it gets to the "griding" layers it is perfect!
jeff

Honestly, messing with Skeinforge/SFACT settings is for the birds. Try Slic3r. You'll spend much less time tearing out your hair and more time printing beautiful objects!

yeah, I was looking into that - havent messed with it as of yet - does it set up like sfact? or is it all different measurements that I have to do?
Is there any docs on calibrating for it?
Thanks!
Jeff

Well,
I tried Slic3r, not too impressed - maybe its me - being a noob or not getting documentation on configuring it.
Care to share any pics of pieces printed with it? More to the point - gears and Belt sprockets?? I know I had a hell of a time printing my drive sprockets using sfact - in the end finally got them better by slowing speed and temp - still would like them nicer tho.
Jeff

I just printed this Yoda head with Slic3r:




What didn't you like about it? What problems did you have? You should join us in the #reprap IRC channel.

I stop into irc sometimes - man - what a PITA it is tho!! Just like being back "online" in the 80s!! LOL!

The Yoda head looks great tho!! What thickness and width are you running? What diameter tip? how about showing me a belt pulley? Im curious to see that kind of precision.