the reprap is now crudely functionion and has printed out several test shapes.

two squares with layers.

and a flat raft shape.

but most importantly, i've figured out how to consistantly start a print off properly.

using gcdump at the command line:

0. set metric mode

G21

1. move extruder to home:

G1 X-100 Y-100

2. get the extruder good and hot. i tell it to go to 118 with 

M104 P118

wait until it is up to temperature.  (will take a while)

3. turn on extruder motor

M101

3. lower extruder to work bench, and then up 0.5 mm

G1 Z-10

G1 Z0.5

the extruder should just touch the workbench, and then raise up 0.5 mm. this creates nice wide traces which stick to each other nicely. this may not be the best way to drive the reprap but it's working right now.

4. lay out a test bead.

G1 X20 F100 

5. if that looks good, draw test shape:

G1 X20 F100