Digital BW, The Print

Andy,

You wrote:

>Can someone suggest an entry level printer that I can start to do
>some b.w (and preferably color too) digital work on? I just want to
>get a feel for these processes and need some on a budget.
...

I use an Epson 1160 for both color and B&W.  I have B&W and color pigmented
inksets in CISs and also use a lot of individual cartridges that I've
filled.

It is a bit of a nuisance to switch inks, and it takes, usually, 3 cleaning
cycles to get a good nozzle check when this is done -- that does waste some
ink.  However, I don't do enough color to need to switch all the time.

The 1160 is getting hard to find, and it is not state of the art.  The 6-ink
printer like the 1280 will do noticeably better color work (barely
noticeable, in my view).  The problem with the 1280 and other newer Epson
printers is that they use the "chipped" Epson cartridges that make it harder
to use 3rd party inks.  The continuous flow systems have overcome this, but
I'm not sure whether individual carts are available for the 1280.

If you can find a good refurbished 1160, I think it's a great bargain.

Paul
http://www.PaulRoark.com