Hi MtG, welcome to the nuthouse!
Pointers -
Best advice I got when i started here a few months ago (brand spanking new, just like you) was to start getting familiar with the 3D design software I planned to use while i was waiting for the printer to be delivered. (Basically, anything you can do to get a grip on it is going to speed things up.)
The guys recommended several great 3D modeling programs, most were very expensive (but a lot easier to use than the free options), I settled on
Rhino, which I have come to love in a few short months. There are a couple of threads on software - just take a look at those and decide which one will work to meet your needs and get going. (Or, if you already have something that you know - skip to the next pointer.)
You will need some simple tools (metric, thanks ed!) to get the machine up and running quickly, you can pick those up now (Amazon) if you don't have them:
1. A set of
Feeler Gauges if you don't have one. They are invaluable in setting the Z-stop.
2. Set of
Calipers. (Needed for calibrating the extrusion widths and heights.)
3. Buy a can of
AquaNet Extra Super Hold Hairspray or
Garnier Fructis Ultra Hold Hairspray,
and an Elmer's Washable Purple School Glue stick. Either can be used to stick the prints to the bed and you might prefer one method over the other. Blue Painters tape is also a good idea to have on hand.
4.
Sprue Cutters and
Tweezer Nose Pliers, for removing support and cleaning up your prints.
5. If you have a Dremel tool, a good set of
Burr Grinders is also great for removing junk.
6. Fine grade sand papers for smoothing.
7. Eye Protection.
ALWAYS wear goggles when you are cleaning up a print - i got hit in the eyelid with a bit that flew off when it was snipped. (Thank God i was blinking at that exact moment.)
8. Gloves. Useful when prying a print off the glass. (You
can cut yourself with the dull spatula when the print lets go.)
9. A small, thin bladed spatula for prying the print off the glass. Cricut makes a good one. (Amazon)
10. Or, as opposed to the hairspray and spatula route, you might want to try an 8" x 10"
Zebra plate from PrintinZ. I recently got one and it is well worth the $45 price tag from an ease of use standpoint. (Or you might want to wait and change it out later once you are more proficient - up to you.)
Then when the machine arrives:
After you get your machine set up, you will set the Z-stop. (Very, very, very important to get that right, but to do it, you will need the smallest/shortest 8mm wrench that you can find, or you can probably use flat Needle Nose or Tweezer Nose pliers to do it - it's very hard to reach the nut. There is a printed Z-stop wrench that most of us use, but you won't have it at the beginning. (
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:198811)
After that you calibrate the extrusion width and the height.
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1964 ....and....
http://www.forum.makergear.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2193
Then you start printing and the addiction is complete.
Other helpful threads:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12 M2 Tips
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1712 Preventive maintenance for
HBP power wires
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2132 How to Switch Colors/Pause and Resume Prints with a single extruder/
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1951 Insta's
Filaments that work on the M2
Anything in the
Getting Started and
How To/Guides sections
Sorry! (Think i must have been a teacher in a previous life or something.)