I’m still using the same stepper motor, but that was next on my list had replacing the extruder not solved the issue.

Like others are saying, probably a clogged nozzle. However, I want to say I just went through this myself and it was not a clogged nozzle. At temperature, I could put light pressure on the filament with my hand and it would come out smoothly, no clog. It can also be that your nozzle is too close to the print bed. In my case, it would do this even when suspended in the air, so that was not the issue.

I upgraded to a metal extruder, and no longer have this issue.

Despite what most people say, sometimes parts are the problem. This other commenter explained better.

That’s what I typically do. This was an odd case where I had failed half a dozen prints already, and ended up getting a successful print with a different orientation.

On his back, but 0.2mm

This was probably 2 or 3 years ago, but I had a .2mm nozzle and .08 layer height as well most likely.

My pla prints have always looked rough, no matter what tutorials or tweaking I do.

You are welcome! I know there are many serious miniature painters who still don’t find the quality of a 4k resin printer acceptable; I am not one of them. However, even pro miniature painters are content with 8k printers which can still be reasonably priced when on sale.

This is a popular misconception, resin has become very affordable in recent years; see my other comment.

Not answering your question exactly, but consider this:

Creality Ender 3 Pro (common entry level PLA printer) - $236

Elegoo Mars 3 Pro (common entry level resin printer) - $194.99

I own both for different reasons. As many will tell you, resin for minis, PLA for terrain.

Here is the best PLA mini I ever printed:

You simply cannot get the level of detail you would desire for mini painting from PLA. I know others out there have done better than I have in the above photo, but it still pales in comparison to an entry level resin printer.

Edit: I have a photo of the same model printed with resin, but having a hard time uploading it for some reason.