I chose to use Repetier-Host with Slic3r. I also considered Pronterface and Skeinforge but Repetier-Host appealed to me at the time (Q2 2014).

I did a lot of reading to learn how Slic3r worked and the effect of modifying each setting. I liked the fact that Slicer was so configurable and their documentation seemed decent.

Thingiverse has hundreds of test and calibration prints for tuning all types of different scenarios. I spent a lot of time tuning. Adjust a setting, print, adjust, print, adjust, realise a different setting is also impacting, adjust, print, etc.

I focused on the following:

• Dimensional accuracy
• Wall thickness
• Overhangs
• Stringing (Retraction)
• Optimal layer height
• Bridging

I would generally attempt to print something then realise half way through that it could have benefited from a small adjustment. It was really difficult to tune the settings for all types of objects. Settings that work great for one object might just not work for another object.

I probably spent about two months tuning to a quality I was happy with.

A selection of test prints - bridging, thin walls, overhangs, stringing, tolerance etc.

Sometime in 2015 I tried using Cura for a little while. Out of the box it required minimal tuning and produced decent quality prints. Prints were also much faster due mainly to lower default perimeter/shell counts and infill density. The main reason to try it was the feature of printing multiple objects sequentially rather than at the same time. I found this perfect for printing spinning tops for some children at a school demonstration. I believe other hosts could do it at the time but Cura seemed easiest.

Sequential spinning top handles

Tuning is a constant activity as printing every object provides new challenges.