Lifetime of idle ink cartridges?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bert Hyman
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Bert Hyman

I don't print much. I replaced my B&W inkjet with a LASER printer several
years ago because the ink cartridge kept getting clogged up while sitting
idle in the weeks between uses.

Now, I have a digital camera and just ordered a Canon 960. I'm sure I'll
use the printer a lot in the first few weeks, but after the novelty wears
off, I'll probably use it less often.

Do "modern" ink cartridges stand up (or sit down) to non-use better than
the old ones did?

I suppose I could just get into the habit of running a test print once a
week to keep things flowing; is that necessary, or at least a good idea?
 
In
Neil Slade on his informative website suggests we run a test print
ONCE A DAY. I hope that's a little obsessive, but his printer
maintenance suggestions seem to be generally very good.

Check his website here:
http://www.neilslade.com/papers/inkjetstuff.html
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link; there's stuff in there I'd probably have never
thought of.

He mentions "inkgrabbers.com"; are their $2 ink cartridges really any
good?
 
I don't print much. I replaced my B&W inkjet with a LASER printer several
years ago because the ink cartridge kept getting clogged up while sitting
idle in the weeks between uses.

Now, I have a digital camera and just ordered a Canon 960. I'm sure I'll
use the printer a lot in the first few weeks, but after the novelty wears
off, I'll probably use it less often.

Do "modern" ink cartridges stand up (or sit down) to non-use better than
the old ones did?

I suppose I could just get into the habit of running a test print once a
week to keep things flowing; is that necessary, or at least a good idea?
Click to expand...


I wouldnt worry too much. Ive gone months without using my I850
without a problem. It passed the nozzle check just fine. Ive set it
idle for 2 weeks or more many many times without a bit of trouble.

The unit will take care of itsself pretty much. You dont even have to
print anything, just turn it on and let it shut itsself down if you
have auto power enabled. It will go through a practical self clean
routine on its own.

Just my opinion but im not sure if my unclogged nozzles are in better
or worse shape than someones regularly used unclogged nozzles.

Oh, The ink doesnt seem to evaporate on its own. Atleast nothing
noticable to me. Of course im sure there is some evaporation.

As far as storage. I lay mine flat for long term. To me It would keep
saturation and pressure evenly distributed instead of being upright
and heavy at the exit hole. Maybe it matters maybe it doesnt.. its
just what I do.
 
In the writings of Bert Hyman, the <Xns94EA63E3FFD6CVeebleFetzer@
209.98.13.60> scrolls contained these prophetic words:

I suppose I could just get into the habit of running a test print once a
week to keep things flowing; is that necessary, or at least a good idea?
Click to expand...

I use the i965 (the UK version of the i960). Some weeks I do about 5
prints, other weeks nothing (longest left without printing about 3
weeks), maybe the occasional letter. The Printer does a self clean on
power up if left switched off for more than 24 hours.

I still use Canon inks (I can get them cheap and for saving a £ a time
it's not worth the gamble to be honest). I have only had to change 2
carts and that's the light Magenta and Light Cyan, the rest are still
the new carts (printed about 40 8x10 prints, and may be about 20 6x4s
excluding the failed prints).

Overall, I certainly commend the 960/965 and the 850/865.

Also works well under Linux.
 
My i950 has sat as much as 6 weeks, and the first print out has always been
perfect.

-Larry
 
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