Advice on my first Canon inkjet?

[alexzxz]

So I bought a Canon 5220 yesterday for about $89+8 bucks tax.
I don't want to pay the crazy prices for ink. 2 refills is more than the price of the printer.
I'd really love a CIS system, but I doubted it'd be practical for my cramped space. (every bit counts) Plus, I couldn't find many ink systems out there yet, and nonexistent reviews.

I've been doing some research on ink, via Amazon and Google, but I have some questions that aren't answered, so here goes my plan:

In a month or two, I'll buy a resetter

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0057QIBYY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=A2A7VHYWZPXO4E
and whole lot of 225 ink

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00431NDFQ/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&m=A2NAHESOCRSK6B
and a whole lot more of 226 ink

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004N35QVS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=A2NAHESOCRSK6B

Then when the cartridges run out, I'll drill the original Canon cartridges, use a syringe and needle to inject ink. Then I'll use the resetter to reset all the chips. Blue-tack to cover up the drill hole and I should be fine, right?

Questions:

-Can I actually use the original cartridges or do I have to buy non-OEM cartridges?
-How many times can I refill the cartridges?
-Should I buy clear cartridges instead? like these
Sophia Global Ink
-How should I drill the holes? I've seen drilling from the top, and from the side. Which is the best?
-Tips? Common newbie mistakes?

Sorry if this is a mess, I'm kinda new.

 

[panos]

Then when the cartridges run out, I'll drill the original Canon cartridges, use a syringe and needle to inject ink. Then I'll use the resetter to reset all the chips. Blue-tack to cover up the drill hole and I should be fine, right?
-How should I drill the holes? I've seen drilling from the top, and from the side. Which is the best?

If your needles are long enough to allow for the German method, then use the German method and you don't need to cover the drill hole. If your needles are not long enough, then find a source of long needles. Sharp if possible.

I prefer to reset before refilling.

-Can I actually use the original cartridges or do I have to buy non-OEM cartridges?
-Should I buy clear cartridges instead? like these

Original cartridges are the highest quality but if your cartridges are opaque then you'll have to figure out the correct amount of ink. Your first refills may cause a few spills. When that occurs remember to draw some ink back to the syringe. After you figure out how much ink you can safely inject when the cartridge is empty the process will be easy.

However I prefer not to work in blind and in the case of opaque original cartridges I would keep the aftermarket transparent cartridges an open option.

-How many times can I refill the cartridges?

With the German method many of us report years of refilling without problems yet.

-Tips? Common newbie mistakes?[/b]

Make sure your cartridge doesn't drip before you insert it into the printer.

Keep in mind that your initial investment will save you a lot of money if you print a lot. If you don't print a lot, refilling may not be a good option.

 

[fotofreek]

Alexzsz - Most of the answers to your questions have already been answered many times on this forum. I would suggest that you do your homework first. I'm not reluctant to spend the time to give you the advice you need, but most of it is already here. I still use the top fill method, and I've stayed with it as my workflow is well established for this technique. As for good quality ink specifically formulated for each printer, I've used Image Specialist ink from Precision Colors as their service is excellent and the product manufacturer is clearly stated on the label. Inkjet inks have about a two year shelf life so you don't want to over order unless you expect to use it within two years.

 

[panos]

fotofreek, the top filling method could prove dangerous for new printer models.

 

[fotofreek]

fotofreek, the top filling method could prove dangerous for new printer models.

I've read that there can be a clearance issue on some newer Canon printers when using the top fill method. This must depend on the device used for the sealing technique. Fortunately, I've laid in a reasonable supply of older Canon printers so that I can avoid the newest ones - perhaps for a lifetime! Has anyone measured the actual clearance to see what would work? I've been using the tried and true panhead screw plus o-ring. Grandad was using flathead screws without o-rings, and the tapered underside of the head effected a good seal. Must be some sort of screw or other device that would fit the limited space.

 

[stratman]

Must be some sort of screw or other device that would fit the limited space.

Octoinkjet sells "Low Profile * Recommended for MP/MG model Printers " silicone plugs for this issue.

 

[The Hat]

panos fotofreek, the top filling method could prove dangerous for new printer models.

stratman Octoinkjet sells "Low Profile * Recommended for MP/MG model Printers " silicone plugs for this issue.

I have tried out these low profile plugs from octoinkjet on 521 cartridges and they are flush
with the cartridge top so there are no clearance issues while using them on any printer..

 

[FRUSTRATED PRINTER GUY]

Does anyone know if there are any issues with clearance with the new MX models ? I have an MX 882

TIA