Advice appreciated

Hello,

I am new to this forum and 3d printing.
If I am in the wrong section please let me know.
I am building a Prusa i3 printer.
I have completed most of the frame and fitted the stepper motors.
Before I go any further I am seeking a bit of advice.
Firstly, which controller is the best, easiest to use.
The weak part of my knowledge is the software, so any help will be appreciated.
Next question, what diameter printing material is best.
I am shortly going to make the Hot end so I need to make it to suit the diameter.
On the same subject is there any agreement on the best Hot end design.

Thanks

Tony

I use a modified $20 all metal jhead hotend. Im getting consistent feeding with abs hips nylon and pla. I wouldnt wasted any time making my own hotend until i got the printer rock solid.

For me my problems are the endless supply of settings in slicing and print speed vs quality

As far as electronics again going with a beginners outfit like arduino and ramps might be conventional wisdom but there are better all in one boards that are still marlin based for about the same price as arduino and ramps. Reprap wiki has the list.

Thanks for the reply.

Tony

Could anybody tell me what size filament is easiest to use, 1.75 or 3 mm.
I presume 1.75 is easier to melt.

Thanks

Tony

I don't think 1.75 is easier to melt... most heaters have plenty of excess power available. The amount of heat needed depends on the volume of filament being printed, not the diameter of the filament.

I think 1.75 is more widely used, so more widely available, and most commercially made printers have 1.75mm nozzles.

The downside of 1.75mm is that a small variation in diameter (which is fairly common, especially in cheap filament) is a big percentage change, which in turn could lead to extruder clogs or thin spots/holes in your object.

I guess the advantage of 1.75 is that you get finer control over extrusion/retraction rates, because 1mm of 1.75 contains less filament than 1mm of 3mm diameter.

Thanks for the reply..
I will start with the 1.75, I can experiment once I get it working.

Tony