# Taz 5 HELP! first layer failing pretty bad.

**URL:** <https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/taz-5-help-first-layer-failing-pretty-bad/1727>\
**Category:** LulzBot TAZ\
**Created:** [May 6, 2015, 12:12pm UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/taz-5-help-first-layer-failing-pretty-bad/1727 "2015-05-06T12:12:17Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![svarda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bcef8e/32.png) [@svarda](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/svarda)\
**Post date:** [May 6, 2015, 12:12pm UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/taz-5-help-first-layer-failing-pretty-bad/1727/1 "2015-05-06T12:12:17Z")

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Okay so, I have a Taz 5 and it is having a few different issues.

It is my first 3D printer so please bear with me.

The PLA filament is grinding up inside the extruder, the extruder is clicking maybe every 2 minutes before grinding, the filament starts to print perfect on the first layer, but slowly degrades to a shredded type layer, then it becomes strands, which then the extruder stops extruding and grinds the filament. PLA temp is the requested 205 head and 60 nozzle.

I have tried to level the bed and set the nozzle distance, but apparently it is off, but i am not sure in what direction, please advice me so I can get back to printing!

Thank you for your time and advice.

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**Author:** ![ray](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e9a140/32.png) [@ray](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/ray)\
**Post date:** [May 11, 2015, 8:35pm UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/taz-5-help-first-layer-failing-pretty-bad/1727/2 "2015-05-11T20:35:59Z")

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From the bit of waviness on the top left corner of the first layer, it may be that the first layer is a bit too close to the bed. That could cause that filament stripping over time. Give that Z-axis endstop screw an adjustment, just a quarter turn up at a time, and see if that helps the issue!

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**Author:** ![piercet](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/forum.lulzbot.com/piercet/32/12_2.png) [@piercet](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/piercet)\
**Post date:** [May 11, 2015, 11:31pm UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/taz-5-help-first-layer-failing-pretty-bad/1727/3 "2015-05-11T23:31:20Z")

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I’d try tightening your Idler arm screws a bit and maybe back the nozzle slightly away from the bed a quarter turn or so.