Filament Extrusion/Retraction Method

[Sparky]

I haven't found dedicated filament extrusion/retraction buttons, so what would be the procedure?

[Simplify3D]

If you bring up the Machine Control Panel (Ctrl-P or Command-P on a Mac), you can select the Extruder axis. In particular for the extruder, I would suggest using the "Custom Jog" button to move a specified distance. For example select Extruder axis and enter 225mm/min for the speed. Then enter 20mm in the custom jog box and press the button to extrude 20mm of plastic. You could enter -20mm for retraction.

Does that help?

[ketil]

I also struggled to find that.

If you're sticking with the "select axis then move" concept, perhaps you could add shortcuts like hitting x, y, z and e to choose the axis, and add a plus and minus button for the custom distance?

[Simplify3D]

Nice, I like that idea! Especially useful for the extruder. Saves you from having to enter a minus sign every time you want to back up.

[Sparky]

. . . Does that help?

Yep, and it works nicely, but leaves me questioning my observation skills and wondering how I've avoided snakebites for so many years.