Digital BW, The Print

>I'd love to have a high end epson for printing, but ...
> an Epson C88+ is not a bad place to start.
>They are also cheap as dirt ...

And most can't see the difference between a C88 print and those of the most
expensive printers.

>It comes with cartridges, but I'm thinking that since 
>this will be dedicated to B&W, it is not worth it to 
>pump any of the color stuff through the lines?

I'd keep the OEM carts until I knew the printer was working right.

>I would like to be able to buy cartridges and refill them myself.

The ones MIS sells pre-filled can be re-filled.  So, I'd start with the
pre-filled carts to eliminate that variable and get started sooner.  Then
buy the bulk ink in 4 oz. bottles.  The midtone inks in the "color"
positions are all the same density.  There is warm (pure carbon) and
"neutral" (a bit cool on most papers).  For a more neutral print, I use warm
in the yellow position and neutral in the C and M positions.  So, when you
get to the bulk buying stage, at most you'll need only 2 bottles of the
midtone inks -- warm and neutral.  However, to start you'll need the carts
that have the right chips on them.  So, buy at least one each of the C, M
and Y position inks.

See http://www.inksupply.com/utez.cfm?setMediaCookie=1&the_media_linkID=33 


What black to use depends on the paper type: matte paper requires Eboni for
good blacks, and glossy papers require "photo black."  You can switch these
carts as needed.  I'd buy both an Eboni and PK.

When you get to re-filling, you'll need a couple of 10 cc syringes, needles,
and a chip re-setter.  See the MIS accessories page at
http://www.inksupply.com/accessory.cfm  

When you fill a new cartridge, an air bubble stays near the outlet.  A
bottom-fill adapter is used to pull this out.

At the end of my page on the C86-88, I have some information on re-filling.

Be sure to get good paper, including some that have settings noted in my
page.  Epson Enhance Matte is cheap and easy.  I don't recommend it for
important prints, but for learning and for proofing it's a good paper.
Hahnemuhle Photo Rag is traditionally considered the best matte paper.  So,
be sure to try some of this.

The excellent cheap glossy paper from Costco appears to be out of stock at
Costco.  MIS and stores may still have some.

Have fun.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com