My plan on refilling CLI-8's and PGI-5BK

[wlai]

Based on the feedback on the forum, I purchased a refurb Canon MX-850 from Newegg, and is really happy with it. I'm now getting ready to order the supplies to refill the cartridge, and would like your expertise in making sure I have a sound plan:

0. I have a new printer with all Canon OEM cartridge at the moment

1. I'm going to go with the German Refill Method

2. CLI-8 Dye based Ink: I'm going with the Inktec prefilled bottles on inkjetcartridge

3. Going to order these Howard Electronics 10cc syringes

4. Is this the redsetter that everyone is talking about?

5. What PGI-5BK Dye should I get? I understand that the Inktec dye may cause clogs

6. For convenience, I'd like to have a spare set of cartridge around. Seems like Canon OEM empties is the way to go? Is there a place that sells empties? I couldn't find them on ebay.

Did I miss anything else? Thanks!

 

[on30trainman]

My comments:
0. Good
1. Method works well
2. Why not Image Specialist (www.precisioncolors.com) or Hobbicolors - should be cheaper
3. Guess they are OK. Your link doesn't show picture. Must have at least 2" needles for German method. I personally use squeeze bottles from Howard Electronics
4. Looks OK to me. Not one I have but is OK - claims it is the original.
5. PGI-5BK is pigment ink. Both Image Special and Hobbicolors have a pigment ink
6. Yes spares are good - almost necessary. I have at least three of each cartridge so I can have spares filled and ready to go. E-Bays pickings are very slim right now unless you want 100.

Just my thoughts,

Steve W.

 

[iP4XXX]

You might take a look at this deal; a resetter and five empty carts:

http://cgi.ebay.com/5-Canon-cli-8-c...cmdZViewItemQQptZBI_Toner?hash=item33559b04a8

 

[wlai]

Thanks IP4XXX for the link. I'm a bit confused about the deal though: Is the blue resetter any good? I keep reading that the "redsetter" is the way to go. Also, the deal's cartridges needs cleaning, and I'm not sure how to go about that. Pealing the OEM chip off these dirty cartridges and putting them on a compatible cartridge doesn't seem worthwhile, if it is the OEM cartridges themselves that's the key.

on30trainman: I mostly read about inks from Hobbicolor and Inktec as being the two most referred ink. And in particular Inktec has the ease of use factor with their small refill bottles. Is the Image Specialist ink comparable to these other two? It sure is cheaper, and I'm just seeing the Canadian prices and should be cheaper in US$.

As for empties, if they were previously used, I should always keep them full of ink right? Otherwise I'm assume the sponge will dry out and clog and have other problems.

 

[ghwellsjr]

You're going to need the JG18-2.0 needles (18-gauge, 2-inch) and the JG18-SCP scabbards (18-gauge). Unfortunately, Howards sells way more than you need of all these parts including the syringes. You really only need a couple syringes, one for Windex and one for your pigment (not dye) PGI-5Bk ink and six needles/scabbards, that is, if you are going to use the Inktec bottles because they are actually syringes.

The Image Specialist ink is more expensive if you buy it from the USA distributer than if you get it from Canada, (Precision Colors). Just get it from Canada if you plan to go with that ink.

I would not bother with spare cartridges, just refill your originals until they indicate low. If you ever have a problem, you can go out and buy another brand new Canon OEM cartridge and continue to refill that. Or you can buy a set of Canon OEM cartridges ahead of time and keep them wrapped up until needed. But if you do want empty spares I would recommend that you clean (purge) them and let them air dry until you need them.

Purging cartridges is very easy, you just turn them upside down and let warm water from your faucet run into the outlet port until it starts filling the space between the top of the sponge and the top (now at the bottom) of the cartridge, then turn the cartridge right side up and blow into the air vent on the top of the cartridge until no more water/ink comes out of the outlet port. Keep repeating until the sponge is pure white for dye cartridges or until no more dirty water comes out for the pigment cartridge. Place the cartridges in a warm spot for many days. You'll know when they are dry if a paper towel blotted against the outlet port remains dry.

The ebay auction that includes the five empty cartridges looks like a good deal if you want spares. Any resetter that works should be OK.

 

[wlai]

ghwellsjr:

Thanks for clarifying the needle/scabbards.

I've read many of your informative posts and would love to hear what ink you are using for CLI-8's, and PGI-5BKs. I heard you mention the Inktec for the dyes, but you held back on the PGI-5BK pigments. Between Inktec, Hobbicolors and Precision Colors, what do you like for the CLI-8 dyes and PGI-5BK pigments for your Canons?

 

[ghwellsjr]

I continue to use the Inktec dye inks. I'm starting to use Precision Colors for my pigment black but I'm still testing the clog issue of the various pigment black inks.

 

[jimbo123]

welcome to the forum, you'll find lots of info and helpful people here.

i have the MP830, the predecessor to your MX850, same 5 carts. been refilling for over 2 years, 105+ refills, german method, hobbicolors ink. still refilling my orig 2 year old CLI8's.

easiest thing to do is to contact dave at hobbicolors, give him your printer model and ask for a price including 10 2" needles and 10 syringes. dave will take care of you. one stop shopping.

http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=ho...inter_Accessories&_odkw=hobbicolors&_osacat=0

you can always pick up a resettter later on EBAY for $20. FYI, i did not use a resetter for the first year, i just examined the carts to see when they needed to be filled.

the hobbicolors EBAY listing even gives links back to the nifty-stuff forum
http://cgi.ebay.com/Hobbicolors-5CM...mQQptZPrinter_Accessories?hash=item3ca9ccbdb5

J

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Printers: Canon MP830, IP4500, MX700
Method: German Durchstich Method
Ink: Hobbicolors
Misc: Squeeze bottles, needles, scabbards from Howard Electronics

 

[ghwellsjr]

Does hobbicolors also provide scabbards? They are absolutely necessary if you are going to leave your needles on the Inktec bottles. What is the gauge of the needles? I think 20 is too small to leave on the bottles, they are too easily bent. I use 18 gauge.

 

[jimbo123]

agreed that if you leave needles on the inktec bottles or squeeze bottles that scabbards are needed.

not sure if hobbicolors has scabbards, but if you rinse the syringe/needles after refilling there is no need for scabbards.

just trying to keep it simple, no scabbards, no resetter, less $ to get started.

J

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Printers: Canon MP830, IP4500, MX700
Method: German Durchstich Method
Ink: Hobbicolors
Misc: Squeeze bottles, needles, scabbards from Howard Electronics