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Which printer is best for using generic ink?

Started by Nathan Foster5 · · 👁 6 views · 92 replies

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Participants Nathan Foster5frozenheron7rustysurfer79Angela Reed3silentsailor23Dennis Young57lonedriver29casualmarlin22Daniel Thompson9Raymond KimNoah Thompsonswiftbear86silentfalcon422Bryan Edwards75wiredbison182nimbleowl4Andrew Sanders4bluecobra2Michelle Gonzalez11rowdywalker25northernsurfer3Sophia Sanders89dustyridge7George Morgan67 …
rustysurfer79 rustysurfer79 Member
29 messages
joined Jun 2009
#41 ·
Noah Thompson said:I'd try to fix it if I could, but if not, I'd just grab a new cartridge or an Intel chip off eBay. 🙂

Nice

How long does that usually take and what's the damage?

I mean the total cost—shipping, fees, everything just to get one Intel chip sent over.
swiftbear86 swiftbear86 Active Member
211 messages
joined Jun 2012
#42 ·
I'm running into a bit of a headache with my Lexmark Impact S305 color printer.

I don't really use it that much.
The issue is, whenever I try to print a PDF document, everything comes out looking pinkish.
I already swapped out the black ink, ran a test page—where the text actually looks perfectly black—and even tried a deep ink cleaning, but it’s clear the magenta and cyan just aren't showing up on the paper at all.
The ink levels on the display say I've still got plenty left.

I went ahead and pulled the cartridges out, cleaned the print head myself, and popped the ink back in.

Then I tried an alignment on the cartridges, but now it's just printing in grayscale; those colored sections of the page are completely missing.

Interestingly, if I make a copy of the same document, it works fine and the black text looks totally normal.

Is there anything else I can try to fix this on my own?
rustysurfer79 rustysurfer79 Member
29 messages
joined Jun 2009
#43 ·
swiftbear86 said:I'm having issues with my Lexmark color printer, an Impact S305.

I don't even use it that much.
Everything comes out pinkish (it's a PDF document).
I swapped out the black ink, ran a test page (black text looks fine), tried a deep cleaning, but there's clearly no magenta or cyan showing up on the paper.
The ink levels say I've got plenty left.

I pulled the cartridges, cleaned the print head myself, and put everything back in.

Then I ran the cartridge alignment, and now it just prints in gray—the colored parts of the page are totally missing.

If I just make a copy of the same document, it actually turns out okay, just normal black text.

Is there anything else I can try on my own?

You probably need to take it to a repair shop to see if the print head is clogged or if the thermal elements for the colors have burned out.
silentfalcon422 silentfalcon422 Newcomer
6 messages
joined May 2010
#44 ·
I have a question and was hoping someone could help me out. I've got a Canon PIXMA IP1000 that’s probably about 8 or 9 years old now. For the most part, I've just been using third-party ink cartridges.

It was working perfectly fine until a few days ago. I ran out of color ink, so I popped in some new cartridges, but as soon as I tried to print, the thing just died. Now it won't stay on. It just blinks a light for a second and then shuts right off.

I tried messing around with it a bit, and I can sometimes get it to turn on if I lift the cover that holds the cartridges in place. But after that, one of two things happens: either it dies again right when it tries to print—just like before—or it actually starts printing, looks like it's doing its job, but ends up spitting out completely blank pages.

Does anyone have any idea what might be causing this?
rustysurfer79 rustysurfer79 Member
29 messages
joined Jun 2009
#45 ·
silentfalcon422 said:I've got a question if anyone can help me out. I'm dealing with a Canon PIXMA IP1000 that's about 8 or 9 years old now. Most of the time, I've just been using generic ink cartridges.

It was working perfectly fine until a few days ago. I ran out of color, popped in some new cartridges, and as soon as I tried to print, the thing just died. It won't turn back on at all. Just a quick flash of the light and then nothing.

I played around with it a bit and managed to get it to power up only when I lift the little latch that holds the cartridges in place. But even then, two things happen: sometimes it shuts off right when it tries to print—just like before—and other times it looks like it's printing normally, but it just spits out blank pages.

Anyone have any idea what might be going on?

Sounds like the power supply finally gave up the ghost.

== $33
silentfalcon422 silentfalcon422 Newcomer
6 messages
joined May 2010
#46 ·
rustysurfer79 said:It's probably just a blown power supply.

== $33

Does anyone happen to know where I could pick one up?
rustysurfer79 rustysurfer79 Member
29 messages
joined Jun 2009
#47 ·
silentfalcon422 said:Anyone know where I can actually pick this up?

http://rustysurfer79.com/Work/Map.htm
Bryan Edwards75 Bryan Edwards75 Newcomer
2 messages
joined Nov 2013
#48 ·
Looking for a solid printer that won't break the bank on ink—ideally something where third-party refills are cheap. I found three options online and could really use some advice or firsthand experience to help me pick... doesn't strictly need color, just black is fine, even a laser would work, but I'm mostly worried about print quality and making sure the thing doesn't die on me after just a few months.
rustysurfer79 rustysurfer79 Member
29 messages
joined Jun 2009
#49 ·
Bryan Edwards75 said:...I need a solid printer that won't break the bank. Ideally something where the refill ink is cheap if I go the ink route... I found three options here, so if anyone could weigh in with some advice or experience, I'd appreciate it... Color isn't a huge deal—black alone is fine if that works—but I'm mostly worried about quality. I don't want it to die on me after two or six months...

http://www.bestbuy.com/printer-example-canon-lbp6020b

http://www.walmart.com/product-example-canon-mg5350

http://www.staples.com/product-example-epson-wf2520nf


My golden rule is pretty simple: the more basic the machine, the less stuff there is to actually break. If a device looks like a Christmas tree with all those extra bells and whistles, expect it to have a pretty short lifespan.

Lately, I've been messing around with desktop ink using super cheap refills for cartridges like the HP 301 and Canon PG 520 CL 521. Honestly, the results are great, especially when you run a Canon with a CISS setup. The only real downside is that the original cartridges hold almost nothing. But hey, that ink is dirt cheap.
Only $8.25
for 50 ml.
Check out these results:

An HP 301 print using black
http://example-site.com/HP-301_6_LL.jpg
and one without HP 301 black
http://example-site.com/HP-301_5_LL.jpg

Basically, this HP can run on just color, just black, or both. There are no chip locks to stop you. Just keep in mind you won't get any ink level indicators.

Again, the main catch is that the cartridge capacity is tiny. But for maybe $300, $133 you get a brand-new printer plus ten times more ink than any other setup out there. If that sounds good to you, go for it.

On the other hand, if you look at replacements for current printers, even a tiny 5 ml cartridge will set you back at least $13. That's the bare minimum.
Bryan Edwards75 Bryan Edwards75 Newcomer
2 messages
joined Nov 2013
#50 ·
rustysurfer79 said:The golden rule is simple: the less bells and whistles a gadget has, the less stuff there is to break. If it looks like a Christmas tree with all those extra features, it’s probably gonna die just as fast.

Lately, I've been messing around with desktop ink for the cheap cartridges, like the HP 301 and Canon PG 520 CL 521. Honestly, the results are killer, especially when you run a Canon through a CISS setup. The only real downside is that the original cartridges hold almost nothing. But hey, the ink is dirt cheap
just $8.25
for 50 ml.
Check out these prints

HP 301 print using black

and without HP 301 black

So this HP can run on just color, just black, or both at once. There's no Intel chip blocking you, but you won't get any ink level readings either.

Again, the big catch is how tiny the cartridge capacity is. But for maybe $133 bucks, you basically get a whole new printer and 10x more ink than any other way. If that's your vibe, go for it.

Compare that to third-party replacements for the newer printers—those tiny 5 ml cartridges will set you back at least $13. Minimum.

...thanks for the reply...so which Canon are you actually using...that one you mentioned with the cheap ink?
rustysurfer79 rustysurfer79 Member
29 messages
joined Jun 2009
#51 ·
Bryan Edwards75 said:...thanks for getting back to me...so which Canon printer are you actually using? The one you mentioned with the cheap ink?

Right now, I've got the Canon MP 495 + CISS undergoing a durability test.

Before this, I was running an Epson SX 525 with those refillable cartridges.

Which one wins?

The SX 525 is faster and just feels better overall, but the MP 495 works perfectly fine too. Plus, unlike the Epson, you don't have to deal with resetting the CISS. You just can't push the machine too hard, that's about it.

So basically, it's $333 vs $233 for the same amount of prints.
wiredbison182 wiredbison182 Newcomer
1 message
joined Dec 2013
#52 ·
My Epson SX 405 is acting up... I'm getting double letters during printing, and to make matters worse, one set of the characters looks lighter than the other. It’s like the quality just keeps tanking with every single page that comes out... Is this a color issue, some kind of fading, or something else entirely? I can't quite pin it down...

The photos actually turn out fine.
rustysurfer79 rustysurfer79 Member
29 messages
joined Jun 2009
#53 ·
wiredbison182 said:My Epson SX 405 keeps printing double letters where one is lighter than the other, and the quality just keeps tanking with every page... Is it the color, fading, or something else entirely?!!??

Photos look fine, though.

Try bumping up the resolution.
nimbleowl4 nimbleowl4 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Jan 2014
#54 ·
So, a few months back I was hanging out at a Best Buy picking up some ink, and I started chatting with the clerk about getting a new setup, though I can't quite recall the specifics of what we discussed. Long story short, he told me that grabbing an Ink Jet isn't really worth the money anymore and that everyone is moving toward these newer laser printers where you pay a bit more upfront for the machine itself, but then the toner stays super cheap. I'm just wondering if there's actually any truth to that logic or if he was just trying to sell me something based on total guesswork.

I've been using this Epson all-in-one printer-scanner-copier combo, but the black ink has basically dried up and become totally unusable, so now I'm stuck printing everything in grayscale by mixing all the colors together, which is a massive waste since I'm mostly just printing AutoCAD drawings for my classes...
I'm trying to figure out if it's actually smarter to just grab a cheap printer that gets the job done for my specific needs, or if that salesperson was actually onto something with his advice.
Also, does anyone know roughly how much I'd need to drop to find a decent new printer that lets me use third-party compatible inks?
rustysurfer79 rustysurfer79 Member
29 messages
joined Jun 2009
#55 ·
nimbleowl4 said:A few months back I was at a store picking up some ink for my printer. I asked the guy about newer models—can't remember the exact question. Anyway, the clerk told me it’s not even worth getting an Ink Jet anymore. He said everyone is switching to these new laser printers where you pay a bit more upfront, but the toner ends up being way cheaper. Is that actually true, or is he just trying to hustle me? ,

I've got an Epson printer-scanner-copier combo where the black ink has basically turned into concrete. Now everything I try to print comes out in gray because I have to mix all the colors just to get something close to black (mostly just AutoCAD drawings for school)...
I'm wondering if it makes sense to just grab a cheap printer since it does what I need, or if that salesperson actually had a point?
What kind of budget am I looking at for a new printer that can actually run on third-party ink?

Same question, same answer.

Basically, I just ask myself: which printer manufacturer actually benefits from making new machines if you're just going to buy off-brand ink or toner for them? It's like if you were a teacher grading exams and selling the textbooks too. Would you do the hard work of teaching the kids just so someone else could pocket the cash from the exam fees and fake diplomas? Doesn't make much sense, right?

So, you've gotta tell that shopkeeper to sell you a printer specifically for which they actually stock compatible ink or toner. If they don't have it, find a shop that does.

Just watch out—manufacturers aren't stupid. They won't sell you a perfect machine if they know you're just gonna go hunt for cheap replacements on eBay. Or vice versa.

Bottom line: you need the whole package. Printer + compatible cartridges + ink for those cartridges + a resetter for the chips, or just go with a CISS system. That's usually the sweet spot for both you and the shop owner.
nimbleowl4 nimbleowl4 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Jan 2014
#56 ·
I'm currently rocking an Epson SX100, which is basically my all-in-one printer-scanner-copier setup, and honestly, this kind of machine is more than enough for everything I need to get done, plus I really dig how it has individual colors that are super cheap to refill. Does anyone know if you can still find these brand new anywhere, and if so, what’s the damage like on the price?
rustysurfer79 rustysurfer79 Member
29 messages
joined Jun 2009
#57 ·
nimbleowl4 said:Right now I’ve got an Epson SX100—it's my all-in-one printer, scanner, and copier—and honestly, this kind of setup is plenty for me. I also love that it uses individual ink tanks because they're so cheap. Can you still find new ones like this, and what's the damage on the price?

You won't find a brand new one exactly like that anymore. But there are models with the exact same print head. Basically, you get the same print quality and speed. The only real difference is the casing and the fact that the cartridges hold about 50% less ink.

Just a heads up, the SX 100 uses the same print head as the SX 115, SX 128, and SX 130. Also the DX 3800 SX 4000 DX 4250 SX 4450. Though, if you ask me, those first three aren't the best picks.

When it comes to durability or how much ink you can pack in, the SX 115 is a total workhorse.

Any of the ones I mentioned above can be grabbed as a bundle with continuous ink tanks and enough ink for 80 - 100 refills for $167 + tax, or you can go with a CISS version for $267
nimbleowl4 nimbleowl4 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Jan 2014
#58 ·
I guess I didn't really explain myself right... I wasn't talking about one specific model, just looking for that kind of setup—you know, an all-in-one printer-scanner-copier combo where the ink actually stays cheap.

If I'm reading this right, I should be able to just swap out the print head on my current machine and everything should be back to normal, right?
rustysurfer79 rustysurfer79 Member
29 messages
joined Jun 2009
#59 ·
nimbleowl4 said:My bad, I phrased that poorly... I didn't mean that specific model, just that *kind* of machine—you know, an all-in-one printer-scanner-copier combo that uses cheap ink.

So, if I get this right, I can just swap out the print head on my current one and it should work fine again?


Pretty much, except Epson isn't actually going to sell you a replacement head.

Why?

Because they don't make any money off you using third-party ink. They'd much rather you just go out and buy a whole new printer so they can charge you double for cartridges that hold half as much ink.

I mean, they might technically sell it to you, but once you realize a new head costs more than a brand-new, boxed printer with the exact same setup, you're gonna pass.

Could you just scavenge a head from a brand-new, unopened printer?

No clue. Haven't tried it.

It probably wouldn't even work because the old firmware might not recognize the serial number on a newer print head. It’s more likely you'll just end up with a paperweight.

Look, when you do the math and see that for $167 + tax you can get a whole printer-scanner-copier with a continuous ink system and enough ink for 80 refills, the "investment" in a replacement printer or a perfect print head is basically $33. There's zero sense in buying a new head at a repair shop. And honestly, that's why no Epson service center keeps them in stock. They can order one, sure, but the price tag will be ridiculous.
Make sense?
nimbleowl4 nimbleowl4 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Jan 2014
#60 ·
I was sitting here wondering if it actually makes sense to drop cash on a new printhead for my current machine, and honestly, the answer is a hard no.
Also, I was checking out what a decent new printer would run me, and turns out you can grab one for roughly $167.

Thanks!

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