---In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, <over40_98@...> wrote :
Thank you, this was very helpful. Going forward I will definitely print "something" on each and all of my printers. I may still try the "Piezo" solution using refilable carts on my 1800!
Joe C.
On Sunday, September 20, 2015 7:14 PM, "brian_downunda@... [DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint]" <DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
Let me start by saying that I agree with everything that Larry said, although I also think that some printers with DX5 printheads are less prone to clogs than others, and here I'm referring to the 3880. You certainly get that impression reading Lula too.
It is definitely true that these printers need to be used regularly in order to keep them working, so the salesman is 100% correct. It also helps to maintain the humidity in the room where the printer is located, as low humidity -> clogs. The advantage of your 1800 & 2400 was that if you were not going to print for a while, you could have removed the Epson carts and inserted refillable cartridges with piezoflush solution, then reversed the process at print time. This is relatively inexpensive with printers with cartridges on the print head. But those printers are increasingly rare. You can do the same with the 3000, but it costs a heck of a lot more in wasted ink.
It is definitely true that these printers need to be used regularly in order to keep them working, so the salesman is 100% correct. It also helps to maintain the humidity in the room where the printer is located, as low humidity -> clogs. The advantage of your 1800 & 2400 was that if you were not going to print for a while, you could have removed the Epson carts and inserted refillable cartridges with piezoflush solution, then reversed the process at print time. This is relatively inexpensive with printers with cartridges on the print head. But those printers are increasingly rare. You can do the same with the 3000, but it costs a heck of a lot more in wasted ink.
The other issue with lack of use is pigment sedimentation. This is where OEM inks do seem to have an advantage over non-OEM. It's a particular problem with the B&W inksets, where you notice it in the prints much more readily. But for people who print sufficiently regularly and for whom cost is an issue, 3rd party inks are a viable solution. Especially the B&W inksets, which also provide better image quality.
Printer maintenance (cleaning the capping station, wiper blade and under the print head) becomes even more important with 3rd party inks. It's not something that you can ignore with OEM inks, but it's less of an issue in my experience, so you do get a simpler life, but pay a lot more for the inks. You pays your money and you takes your choices.
Finally, you could have kept your 2400 going by resetting the waste ink counter (not hard to do with software and perhaps a small charge) and then fitting a waste ink bottle (also inexpensive and not difficult).
---In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, <over40_98@...> wrote :
.... So, with these types of printers, at their cost, I would NEVER use brand x inks! That being said, with so many printers, and my printing infrequently, I think letting the 1800 sit for long periods without being used, caused this problem. Anyway, any other ideas? I was told by a salesman at one of the stores to at least print something regularly!