Cant Print ABS

Hello all,

I have a Heacent RepRap Prusa Mendel 3D printer (came with firmware already uploaded on Melzi board) and cannot seem to print ABS.

I have tried various hot end temperatures ranging from 230-260.
I bought new ABS (white).
Tightened my bearings.
Leveled my hotbed.
Ensured correct height from nozzle to bed.
Cleaned out the extruder using techniques posted online.
Put some oil inside to allow more fluid movement of filament.

Another thing, it is difficult to push filament through by hand.

I find this unusual because when using PLA, the printer responds well (I have printed several things).

Regards,
Chris

You'll need to elaborate a bit on what "can't print" means. Do the motors move, does plastic extrude, is something printing but its poor quality, are you seeing error messages? Just saying you can't print gives us nothing to go on.

The motor moves, plastic can only extrude when manually pushed through (and even then its difficult to push through) and no there is no error messages. Like I said, I dont understand why it is not working, I am currently printing PLA on the same printer as I type this.

Do you have a way of verifying the hot end temperature? It sounds like the temp is too low. I print ABS at 225, so you are in the right range, but it would be good to know if you are really reaching the temp you are asking for.