Posts by rustysurfer79

Kimberly Wilson67 said:Can I actually clean that tank myself? Like, where is it even located, or am I stuck taking it to a repair shop?

You've gotta reset it first. And you'll need the right reset software for the HP DeskJet 4450 to do that.

Kimberly Wilson67 said:Let me try to be more specific about what's happening; on the top left side of the printer, there’s the power button, then right below that, there's an icon of a sheet of paper, and next to it, there's a light that just keeps flashing red at me. Below that, there's an ink icon with another light next to it that's also constantly blinking red. I'm not sure if it's supposed to stay like that or if something is actually broken.

If both those red lights are blinking

then you probably need to call a repair shop.

It could mean the printer can't sync up, there's a paper jam somewhere, or the waste ink pad is totally full.

Check your computer screen and see what the driver status says.

Kimberly Wilson67 said:I borrowed an HP OfficeJet from my sister just to see if I could get it running on my laptop. But I've hit a snag—when I power it on, those two color lights just keep blinking. She mentioned her cousin was messing around with the ink cartridges recently. Any idea what's going wrong?

Try hitting that button right under the Power on and Carriage lights; it should cycle through and show you which specific ink is empty.

If it isn't the black cartridge, you might be able to score some partially used ink for free at an Epson service center. Just don't expect any warranty on it.

Most repair shops have a huge pile of cartridges left over after they swap out the originals for stuff like Colibar or other refillable brands. They don't just toss them.

Kimberly Wilson67 said:I’ve got a plug nearby, so why wouldn't I?

The thing is, if you take a portable printer and start tearing it down to compare it to a cheap
printer from
Costco, you'll see they aren't actually all that different.

The main difference is just that the portable one has a battery and this $100Costco model doesn't. They use the same ink, the speed is basically the same, and the cost per page is identical.$667
The only real gap is the initial price tag.

Maybe look for something similar to this instead. You can always power it up using a 12V to 110V inverter in your car, on a boat, or even if you're stranded on some desert island.

rowdywalker25 said:So, what should I actually go out and buy then?

If you’re looking to save some serious cash on printing, you really need to find someone willing to give you a bulk rate for a full run of around 2,000 copies.

Why though?

That’s only because it's the only way you can actually get printing costs down. Besides, that package price already includes a commission just to keep the vendor on their toes.

Look, when you're grabbing pears or apples, just lay them all out on the counter first. Compare them side-by-side to see how much you're actually getting. Check the price per pound for each option—sometimes that third choice ends up being way cheaper for the exact same amount of fruit.

There's no such thing as a free lunch around here.

If you honestly think you can just refill cartridges on your own, go find something similar in your backyard and give it a shot.

I’ve been messing around with my old printer setup lately, trying to figure out if I can get more life out of it without spending a fortune on official supplies. It’s one of those situations where you just want things to work without a headache. I was looking into setting up an Ink Tank System to save some cash on ink, but man, it can be a bit of a gamble. You really have to track everything carefully to make sure you aren't making a mess or ruining the print heads. It's definitely not as simple as just plugging it in and walking away. I remember talking to rustysurfer79 about this a while back, and they had some good points about the risks involved. It’s a fine line between being smart with your money and accidentally turning your desk into an ink graveyard. Honestly, I'm still weighing my options. Is it worth the DIY hassle, or should I just bite the bullet and buy the name-brand cartridges? Sometimes I feel like I'm overthinking it, but hey, that's just me.

If you're looking for something that's just straight up Plug and Play, you might want to hunt down an MFP with a setup like this.
I was digging through some old files and found this link about setting up an Ink Tank System for my printer. It’s basically a guide on how to mod things to get better ink yields. Just thought I'd drop it here in case anyone else is looking to save some cash on printing costs.

Just wanted to share a quick comparison. I’m currently running some tests on this ancient HP LaserJet with an Ink Tank System attached. It’s been chugging along non-stop for about two or three hours now. It’s just spitting out copies of invoices from a database—around 100 pages plus a color memo. Even in Photo mode, it hasn't required a single system reset. $333

Either hunt down a different model on YouTube that shows how to install an Ink Tank System and just try to DIY it yourself.

rowdywalker25 said:Which of these two all-in-ones is better for light home use:
HP Envy ($166) or the HP 1515 AiO ($133)?

Thinking about performance, ink costs, and how easy it is to use third-party ink...

Thanks!

Old question, same answer.

Neither.

Why?

Because manufacturers pump out these new models specifically because they know the old ones actually meet those needs—and they can't afford to let that much profit slip through their fingers.

Kimberly Wilson67 said:Can I just pick up a refurbished one at any store that carries printers, or do I have to look in specific spots? Is it actually decent? I just need something to print stuff here and there, nothing crazy.

Do you even have a power outlet nearby?

Honestly, it’d be way smarter to just grab a compact inkjet and a 12V converter. Problem solved for about $167

Kimberly Wilson67 said:Which ones are crazy expensive? Do you know anyone selling an older model that actually still works?

HP Envy series, 20/14ppm, battery included
Price $733.

while refurbished units are

500 - $333

Kimberly Wilson67 said:Is there any kind of small portable printer I can grab for my laptop that actually handles standard letter size? Where could I even find one?

The new ones are crazy expensive.

Finding parts for the older models is a total pain, too. But hey, I guess you'll figure it out.

lonedriver29 said:Stima, I'm with you, but I burn through that whole set in like 5 or 6 months (I don't even turn it on for two weeks at a time), so it’s really not that big of a deal.
If I actually printed more often, I’d probably take your advice.

Alright

There's just one other thing the average user doesn't realize. About 20% of the ink they claim is in those disposable cartridges never actually gets used.

How?

We were actually just working on converting some Dell OptiPlex cartridges over to edible ink the other day. Those cartridges are labeled as having a 16 ml capacity. But since we had to flush them out to fill them with the edible stuff, IT TURNED OUT WE COULD ONLY GET 12 ML OF INK OUT. That extra 4 ml was just stuck in the sponge.

Basically, if we couldn't physically pull that 4 ml out, the printer can't spray it onto the paper either. We had to use a few liters of water just to rinse that leftover junk out of the sponge. So, every single time you toss a disposable cartridge, you're essentially throwing 20% of your money away.

In your situation, it's like taking $27 and just $5.25 tossing it in the trash.

But when you refill your own cartridges, you actually get to use all of that $5.25.

lonedriver29 said:I picked up a Canon PIXMA last year, and honestly, it runs perfectly even with third-party inks from a local shop in Washington, D.C.
The only catch is you gotta have a solid firewall set up to block the printer from hitting the web (basically just kill its WiFi access)
I actually just grabbed a full set of ink for $26 (all 4 colors)

So, let me break down the math for the XP 205
3 * 3.5 = 10.5
1 * 5.5 = 5.5
Total = 16
80 / 16 = $1.75 = 1 ml

Basically, if you go with a Dell and refill the cartridges yourself using a nano defil kit

At 15 ml, you're looking at $8.25
or
25 / 15 = roughly $0.53 = 1 ml

or
3 * 50 ml = $25 + tax
75 / 150 = $0.10 = 1 ml

It all ends up being the same deal

Robert Martin23 said:I’ve been stuck with this year-old Epson SX130, and frankly, I’m trying to figure out what kind of third-party inks might actually work in it. I can't say I'm particularly happy with this machine, though it was more of a forced purchase after my old Canon Pixma 3000 suffered a catastrophic print head failure... and while I was incredibly satisfied with that Canon, it’s currently sitting uselessly in a corner because replacing the head just isn't worth the cost...

The issue with Epson seems to be how aggressively they signal that a color is running low, even when you haven't actually printed much at all...
If I had my way, I’d go back to the Canon I used to rely on in a heartbeat...
I appreciate any insight you all might have...

That's pretty standard behavior for these machines. Your best bet is to grab some continuous ink tanks and call it a day. Or, honestly, just hunt down a refurbished Canon IP 4000.

Post a sample printout and I'll send you the email for a lady from Columbus who switched her SX 130 over to continuous ink two years ago. She’s laughing at complaints like yours now. She actually just stopped by yesterday to pick up a refill of 4 * 100 ml bottles. Just ask her directly for advice.

rapidmoose17 said:the price is up to $1,300, not cents 😁

Nice

for that kind of cash, you could grab 7 brand new HP LaserJet 1320 printers and toner for about $98,000... yeah, math works out to 7 * $14,000

Just put three of them on every desk and watch the papers fly everywhere.

rapidmoose17 said:not trying to start a whole new thread here,
but I need some solid advice on a printer that can handle a monthly workload of over 5,000 pages.
Up until now, we've been running an HP LaserJet 1020 and a P1005, but honestly, the toner costs are killing us at this volume. They did their job, but they’re basically ready for retirement. My old lady just signed some massive contract with a local firm, so the paperwork is about to explode, and she asked me to hunt down a reliable machine. While scouring the web, I stumbled upon an HP LaserJet P4515; from what I can see, it goes for around $1,400, and the OEM toners aren't cheap either—about $140 for a 10,000-page yield.
Still, that actually ends up being cheaper per page than the stuff we were using for the 1020 or the P1005. I was checking eBay and found some dirt-cheap compatible toners that claim a massive 24,000-page yield; you can grab a 4-pack for about $150. I’m a bit skeptical they'll actually hit those numbers, but even if they only manage a quarter of that, it's still a steal for the price.

So, I wanted to run this by you guys: is this printer actually a smart move in terms of ROI, specifically regarding the toner costs? Or is there some other option out there in a similar price bracket that makes more sense? Thanks, cheers!

You can grab a new HP LaserJet 1320 bundled with 3 toners == $400 + tax
== yields 14,000 pages

Once you burn through that starter kit, a new pack for 14,000 pages will run you about $600 + $240 + tax

bluecobra2 said:What does "BX 20 black head" actually mean?
here's the link for the HP:I've got an inkjet printer up for grabs if anyone's looking for a deal. It’s an HP Envy 5000, works great, just don't need it anymore. Everything is in good shape—it's been a solid little machine for me. If you're interested, shoot me a message and let's talk.
I've been messing around with my old HP DeskJet lately.I’ve got an inkjet printer up for grabs on Craigslist. It's an HP Envy 5000, pretty much in great shape. Honestly, I don't use it nearly enough to justify keeping it, so it's gotta go. If you need something reliable for home use, this is a solid little machine. Shoot me a message if you're interested!
So, about that HP Envy... why am I pushing the continuous ink idea? Look, I totally get it. I’m not exactly rolling in cash either, and spending a bunch more on ink when you only dropped fifty bucks on the printer feels like a total scam. It feels like you're throwing good money after bad. But honestly, once you look at the math, it's a different story. It just saves you from getting ripped off in the long run. $100

Look, if you're checking Craigslist today, even the cheapest brand-new printer is sitting at like $300.$133 That’s like someone trying to sell you a single sheet of paper.

You really think you're gonna come through? $17 And then, tucked inside, I found three twenty-dollar bills. $33.

Sorry, but you won't find that anywhere.

Your only smart move here is to grab an HP LaserJet for... $117 With a full toner tank, you're looking at roughly 3,000 pages.

There's one catch, though. You won't find a USB port on this thing—it only has an LPT port.

The BX 20 is basically a black cartridge designed for the HP Envy Photo that packs about 40 ml of ink. Compare that to the black ink in an HP Envy, which only gives you around 7.5 ml. Not even close.

bluecobra2 said:Hey everyone!
I have a question, hoping you guys can help me out. I don't know the first thing about printers, so any advice is huge. I'm looking to grab something on Craigslist for around $17. It’s just for personal stuff—faxing, some schoolwork for my sister, basically just occasional use. Here's what I found:
1. Canon HP Envy Photo, == + $33 for the BX 20
2. Lexmark, == = Points
3. HP, which model should I get?
4. HP DeskJet color == = Points,
5. HP Envy printer == + $100 with refillable cartridges + ink
Any tips on which one to pick that actually works and won't break the bank on ink? What should I look out for when buying used?

HP Envy Photo

Then you grab a $33 BX 20 black printhead and you're looking at a capacity of 800 B&W pages

For number 5, just make sure you're happy with the print quality first.

As for $17, there's no way it's working right or printing clearly on paper

Michelle Young46 said:I'm looking for both features in one single unit. So, this thing? It's either going in the trash or being sold to someone who already owns an "HP beauty."

still waitin ☕

Specifically, over the last couple of weeks, we've been testing two Canons with CISS setups using desktop ink.

The MP 250 and MP 495

work like a charm for printing invoices and basic office stuff.

Total investment is $267 plus tax

And if the printer finally dies on you, you just grab a new one for about 130 bucks—$50

Michelle Young46 said:Hey there,
Can anyone recommend a decent all-in-one printer for home use? I mostly need it for scanning stuff—text docs, photos, whatever—and printing out documents and graphs. I almost never touch photo printing.

P.S. I’ve got an Epson SX130 that’s only a year old, and it already bit the dust. I swapped the cartridge once and then the print head just gave up on me. Fixing it would cost twice what the printer is actually worth, so please, spare me any suggestions like that. 🤣

Thanks!

The HP DeskJet 1515 is perfect for that. As long as you aren't actually printing anything, you've got a scanner. But once you run through a cartridge? YOU CAN'T COPY ANYTHING ANYMORE. Haven't tried the scanning side, though. On the plus side, you can refill the color tank and print cheaply. So basically, you end up with a printer but no scanner.

Or right now, you've got a scanner but no printer. Honestly, I just see a beautiful romance happening between an Epson guy and an HP girl. Or vice versa.

Andrew Sanders4 said:@ rustysurfer79
Quick question—since we're talking about the HP OfficeJet Pro. I’ve actually had one sitting on my desk for quite a while now. I picked it up right when it first hit the shelves, and I've always stuck to genuine ink, never touched any off-brand stuff. Lately, though, the print quality has gone totally downhill. I'm thinking it's because I let it sit idle for a month or more at a time. I tried running all the standard cleaning and alignment cycles through the maintenance menu, but honestly, nothing seems to be working. Even with the ink levels looking fine, the prints just look terrible.
So, what’s the move here? Should I just bite the bullet and grab something new, or try to keep this old thing on life support? Honestly, maybe someone out there would even buy it off me. I was browsing the aisles at Best Buy today and saw an HP Envy 5000 going for about... $147 They're out there marketing it like it's the absolute best choice on the market right now.
P.S. It’s definitely not beat up from heavy use. Actually, it's the exact opposite—it’s barely been used at all. I've only printed about ten photos and maybe a few hundred pages total.

Look, go check out the Epson website for a second and see how they talk about their inks. It’s nothing but pure hype. They claim everything is perfect. But honestly, you haven't even printed ten photos yet, so don't start acting like it's time to recycle the thing. Besides, rustysurfer79 is offering it in a bundle that comes with something like 88 cartridges.

See, that's exactly where I messed up. I bought the Epson in one of those bundles—you know, the printer plus a whole pack of 88 cartridges—so if I’d done that today, I wouldn't be dealing with all this headache.

Of course, Epson gets that too, which is exactly why they rolled out the L series. But let's be real—those same Epson printers aren't even hitting the $400 mark anymore. $167 Already hit 1600... $667And obviously, you're not gonna drop 1600 bucks on that. $667 For 10 photos.

If you get that, then you totally get why HP still pushes those printers where you end up buying a whole new printhead every single time.

Look, if you actually care about print quality, go with an HP. But if you're just trying to save some cash on ink, the HP OfficeJet Pro is probably your better bet.

There’s actually a middle ground here. You can totally save some cash by refilling those HP cartridges yourself using cheap bulk ink meant for the HP 301. It's basically like getting three 50ml bottles for the price of one.$8.25Just a heads-up: you usually get two cartridges with the printer—one black and one color. But let’s not overcomplicate things right off the bat; honestly, just forget about that black one for now. Just pop that color cartridge into the tray and call it a day. See, with this generation of HP DeskJet printers—it was definitely the case with the HP LaserJet too—they basically run in "safe mode" using just the color cartridge. Plus, when you're printing photos, the printer doesn't even really use the black ink; it just blends colors from the CMYK mix. So, if you just refill the color cartridge, you'll end up with a decent print job without spending much cash. It won't be perfect, but it's not half bad either. Unfortunately, refilling isn't exactly plug & Play like those continuous ink systems from Epson or Hummingbird, but it gets the job done. Once you eventually get tired of the print quality, you can just grab a new color head and start the whole process over again.

Here are a few more posts to add to this thread.

I finally got around to testing out that old HP LaserJet. Honestly, I wasn't sure if it would even hold up, but man, was I wrong. It’s a beast. Even after all this time, it just handles everything you throw at it without breaking a sweat. I spent some time messing around with the settings, trying to see if I could squeeze any more life out of it, and it actually performed better than some of the newer stuff sitting on my desk right now. There’s something about those older, solid machines that modern tech just can't seem to replicate. They feel built to last, you know? Not like the flimsy plastic things we see everywhere today. Anyway, if you've got one of these lying around in a closet somewhere, don't toss it. Give it a shot. You might be surprised.
I can't believe I'm still tinkering with this old junk, but here we go. I’ve been messing around with my setup lately, trying to get everything running smoothly, and honestly, it's been a bit of a headache. So, I was looking at the specs for this HP Envy 5000, and man, things have changed since I first started printing. Back in the day, you just plugged stuff in and hoped for the best. Now? It's a whole different ballgame. I spent way too much time yesterday troubleshooting some weird driver issues that had me pulling my hair out. Anyway, if anyone else is struggling with their home office gear, don't feel bad. We've all been there. Just one step at a time, right?
I can't believe I actually went through this. Honestly, looking back at my experience with the HP LaserJet, I’m just glad it’s over. It was one of those situations where you think you know what you’re getting into, but then reality hits you right in the face. It started out okay, but things went south pretty fast. Dealing with the technical glitches felt like running in circles. You try to fix one thing, and suddenly three other problems pop up out of nowhere. It’s frustrating, especially when you just want to get your work done and move on with your life. I tried a few different workarounds, thinking maybe I was just doing something wrong, but it turns out the issue was deeper than that. At one point, I felt like I was losing my mind staring at the error messages. If you're currently stuck in a similar loop with your gear, trust me—I feel your pain. It's exhausting. Anyway, I finally managed to sort it out, but it took way more effort than it should have. Just wanted to share this so nobody else wastes their weekend fighting with a printer like I did. Stay sane out there.

The issue with the HP OfficeJet Pro and those original ink cartridges is that they use pigment-based, water-resistant inks. The problem is they oxidize when exposed to air, which is what makes them waterproof in the first place. So, if you’ve got some old ink sitting around for a while, all that oxidation happens right inside the printer itself. We see this constantly at our repair shop. Usually, after we give it a deep clean and swap in a Hummingbird ink kit, the customer ends up with a perfectly working machine—one that probably only printed about ten photos before it was headed for the scrap heap.

Since Hummingbird ink isn't even pigmented or waterproof, you don't really run into that issue even if it sits for a while. But honestly, looking at what's attached here, customers are still buying up the latest models like they've lost their minds.

swiftbear86 said:anyone used this printer before?

https://www.bestbuy.com/price-list-example

In what way?