Fixing a clogged Epson 1280
2005-02-17 by keithd2010
My relatively new b&w dedicated 1280 was irrevocably clogged. I tried all the recommended cleaning methods from Arthur Entlich's Epson Cleaning Manual. Nothing. So, in desperation, I took it apart and removed the print-head. Despite dire warnings, it turned out to be extremely easy. Four screws for the top cover, pull 3 cables from head, 2 more screws, done. I soaked the print-head (not the electronics!) in cleaning solution for a couple of days. Still nothing. However, I happened to have an old 890 that I don't use very often. It has the identical print-head. I put its print-head in the 1280 and, voila, perfect nozzle check and prints. New print-head for the 1280 are available here for US$90: http://www.compassmicro.com/parts.cfm But I think you can get a used 890 for a lot less than that. Just in case there's anyone else out there with a 1280 out-of-warrenty that they think is unfixable. -Keith