MakerGear Forum

As I approach the last few windings of my initial spool of PLA included with my M2, I'm trying to get a gut feeling on how much more I can print without running out mid-print.

I found this thread from a few years ago estimating the length of a spool given its weight:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=100&p=749&hilit=estimate#p749

Along the way, I've only been keeping a *mental* note of how much filament each of my prints uses but I've not written anything down. I do plan on keeping more detailed logs going forward...just trying to figure out how to account for the occasional failed print.

Aside from some sort of filament odometer, are there any tips I could use?

The last 20% of a spool will account for about 80% of its capacity, somehow -- but only if you're watching it print.

It's some kind of rule of the universe or something.

insta wrote:The last 20% of a spool will account for about 80% of its capacity, somehow -- but only if you're watching it print.

It's some kind of rule of the universe or something.

it truly is the worst.

I use a different solution than I have seen posted.

When I get a new roll I throw it on a digital scale that I picked up for $13.00. Right down the spool weight on the spool. When I I have a print S3d tells you how much filament you will use. (its actually real close not like the time). I can just weigh the spool and see if there is enough left.


http://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Digital- ... ital+scale

Cool! Just picked one up.

Slipshine wrote:When I get a new roll I throw it on a digital scale[...]

Great tip! I happen to have a digital scale in the kitchen. Time to re-purpose it

Thanks!