Ramps 1.4 errors with Pronterface

I am using ramps 1.4 and Pronterface software. Whenever I begin printing a print I get a small dribble of PLA for the first couple of layers and and then it seems to flow normally. No matter what I do I have been unable to resolve this. The dribbling tends to get stuck at the nozzle and then I end up with a blob. I have tried heating the bed to 75, I have even put painters tape on the heated bed but still nothing. When I calibate I get 5mm of extrusion but I just can't seem to get rid of that initial blob. Any ideas would be apprecriated

how far from the bed is your nozzel?

What are you using to slice the model? Are you printing a perimeter so you can see if the plastic is sticking, and to allow the extruder to "flow" properly before it gets to the object?

Are you pre-heating your extruder and heated bed first?

Just after they're both at temp, are you manually extruding to ensure that your extrusion flow is fine before pressing the "Print" button?

Using a "skirt" is meant for priming your tip before your print starts...

thanks for responding everyone. I believe the answer to all questions is yes. The bed is ~2mm from bed. The extruder temp is 185 and I always extrude 5 or 10 mm of filiment before printing. I'm going to make a video of what's happening and submit. I am going to try using ReplicatorG and see if I can get that to work.

"The bed is ~2mm from bed" - I think you mean the nozzle is 2mm from the bed, in which case that is way to far!

You need to lower the nozzle. Your nozzle needs to be just touching the bed when it is at zero.

Yeah, echo that - in reprap terms, 2mm is like an air shot in golf!