I’m pretty excited, I ordered the Kobra X, along with 9kg of various colour filaments.
I’m wondering if I’m missing some stuff like bed glue, a scraping tool or things I haven’t even thought of. What do I need in preparation?
With PLA, drying is usually less of a concern, but will be more important once you start getting into PETG and other more hygroscopic filaments. Other than the other things mentioned, I’d suggest needle nose pliers and flush cutters. Calipers too once you start getting into functional printing.
Congratulations! From a side of printing that’s heavier-duty and plays with engineering materials more, have some knowledge:
- PLA+ != PLA. PLA+ is a monster of a plastic blend that’ll do a lot of heavy-duty things provided you keep the heat light
- Carbon fiber is not what makes a plastic strong. Treat CF blends individually – Nylons are usually pretty good structurally, PLA-CF less so
- Moisture content has a huge impact on print quality. +1 for a good filament dehydrator
- Keep yourself safe. Do not sand or cut filled plastics (-CF, -GF, etc.) without PPE! Don’t be the example case for new-age asbestos lung
Think about a good place to store your filament. It will want to absorb moisture.
What do you have for tools? Just laying around my printer, there’s probably 2 wire brushes, 2 spatulas, a deburring tool, a hobby knife, a magnifying glass, and a couple of flashlights. Plus tools to actually adjust the machine - screwdrivers and pliers mainly.
Large glue sticks, they will fix 90% of problems.
Do I need special glue sticks, or just any from like a school supply store?
This?Yep…boring pva glue
You dont need a scraping tool. It’ll only damage your bed. My printer came with one and it was a mistake to ever use it.
I never bought anything extra. Id say be patient for now, only spend after you realise there is a problem that needs fixing.
To add to this, I would actually 3d print a scraping tool. PLA isn’t likely to damage the print bed like a metal one would.
That’s a great idea, 3d printing upgrades to my 3d printer is my favourite use case for my printer!



