Printer question

I have a EPSON inkjet printer with 4 inks. I rarely use it and depend on printing through shops in town. Due non use of printer it is second time that the inks have dried up or their nozzles clogged making printer unusable and requiring me to replace ink catridges.

I am planning to buy a new printer. (I have suddenly felt that my last printing order for 90nos 4x6 prints all looks flat / not vibrant color at all). So I have decided once again that I will print my self. I am enthusiast and print once in 3-4 months the good ones for self & family.

Q. Are their printers which will not stop working if left unsed say for 45 days.
Q. Which 'value for money' printer -- I have short listed Canon PIXMA MG6170 & PIXMA IX6560.

Thanks in advance for your comments / views

Ink is a liquid. All inkjet printers will have their ink dry up and clog the heads if left unused too long. Print something once a week to keep the ink flowing.

mike_d thanks.

Any views on choice of printers from forum members.

Hmmm. My Epson 1400 has been stored sometimes for up to a year(!) without any problem with inks, even with hot weather. First print after storage is always perfect. I think must depend on quality of ink how long can be stored -- and -- I do always turn off via power switch before storage, printer must clear the head of ink then.

The professional Epson printers seem fairly resilient to clogging, as I've easily been able to use mine after about 5 months and sometimes more once I ran a power clean.
The best value for money printer depends entirely on the size of the ink cartridges that it uses, if it's somewhere around 50~80ml expect to replace the inks pretty often (expensive), if it's 110~200ml then it's pretty good economy-wise, and if the printer supports 220ml+ then you can print hundreds of images without worry.

Even if you don't use it that often, do get a nice printer (even if it's refurbished), because the cost of ink and paper is really a much more important consideration.

I had nothing but problems with my Epson consumer grade printer. Heads would clog after a week. Switched to a Canon and no issues whatsoever.

You will have better luck with printers, that have their heads integral with the cartridges. Rather than ones, that have separate head nozzles.

I have a HP C5250 combo printer, scanner, copier, and never have a problem with ink drying up. At worst if I did, it would mean replacing a $30 cartridge not several heads plus labor, that would be sufficient cause to just buy another printer.

I have always used the Epson Photo printers and now have a 2200 that I use to print on mate papers and, and an Epson 3880 for glossy papers. Started with a 1200 years ago, never had a clogged head but I use my printer regularly. I also control humidity and temps in the room where my computers and printers are used. If you are not going to use them regularly most of them will clog a nozzle. I chose the Epsons for their inks, like the vibrance and the longevity. I sell prints occasionally and print for others somewhat is important.

Another hmmmm...my Epson CX8400 all-in-one consumer grade printer (US$50 from Epson refurbish web site) has stood unused longer than the 1400 -- it, too, has never failed to print perfect the first print after.

The solution is simple; once a week, even once every two weeks, run a nozzle check. It uses a tiny amount of ink and is enough to keep the nozzles clean. It is no more troublesome basic maintenance than washing the windshield of your car occasionally.

HI Folks,

I was thinking of posting this as a new topic but your thread seems appropriate.

I currently have an Epsom C66 inkjet that I have owned for well over 4 years. Having only recently gotten into digital photography and begun printing larger volumes, can any one suggest a good printer (in terms of print quality) with inexpensive inks?

I used to be able to get OEM cartridges for £2 black and £4 for the three colours, however they are no longer available. My local Tesco is the cheapest I have found so far and the full set is £58 !!!!!!

Any advice greatly appreciated . Any prints I make will be purely for friends and family so obviously not looking at professional level equipment.

Guesty wrote in post #13117482
HI Folks,

I was thinking of posting this as a new topic but your thread seems appropriate.

I currently have an Epsom C66 inkjet that I have owned for well over 4 years. Having only recently gotten into digital photography and begun printing larger volumes, can any one suggest a good printer (in terms of print quality) with inexpensive inks?

I used to be able to get OEM cartridges for £2 black and £4 for the three colours, however they are no longer available. My local Tesco is the cheapest I have found so far and the full set is £58 !!!!!!

Any advice greatly appreciated . Any prints I make will be purely for friends and family so obviously not looking at professional level equipment.

If it's only for friends and family and a rare wall-hanger sized print, I would advise finding a good print lab instead of buying a printer. You will save a ton of money. High end printers are for us obsessed anal nuts who can't compromise on control.

tzalman wrote in post #13117330
The solution is simple; once a week, even once every two weeks, run a nozzle check. It uses a tiny amount of ink and is enough to keep the nozzles clean. It is no more troublesome basic maintenance than washing the windshield of your car occasionally.

Thanks - good idea. In fact I have been thinking of printing every week atleast one picture - the best of the week.

Kolor-Pikker wrote in post #13113387
.....The best value for money printer depends entirely on the size of the ink cartridges that it uses, if it's somewhere around 50~80ml expect to replace the inks pretty often (expensive), if it's 110~200ml then it's pretty good economy-wise, and if the printer supports 220ml+ then you can print hundreds of images without worry.
.....

I went to market today to look for printer with largest size catridges. To my surprise the largest catridges are just 19ml. Some thing seems to be wrong some where...

Well, your big-box stores will tend to stick with "consumer" printers, meaning smaller (more profitable) cartridges. And, since some printers have a larger cartridge size that can be used, at least for, say, Black, you can figure that the printer will be shipped with just the smaller cartridge.

Your best bet is to come up with a budget, and get some suggestions here for a good printer that falls within your budget and also for a reputable online seller.