refills any good?

  • Thread starter Thread starter hillier
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H

hillier

I have a Canon mp150 and wondered if I would save some cash by getting a
refill kit. I have never used one and would like to know if they are any
good and if it's easy to do ( any problems to watch out for ).
 
They are not easy
They are messy
You will save cash until you clog the printhead
The quality is not as good
Fading will be apparent
The relabelers will not tell you the brand (the mfg/formulator) of the
ink they sell
The ink is not consistent


That said you purchased the lowest end Canon and since it is not worth a
great deal you may elect to take your chances.
 
measekite said:
They are not easy
They are messy
You will save cash until you clog the printhead
The quality is not as good
Fading will be apparent
The relabelers will not tell you the brand (the mfg/formulator) of the
ink they sell
The ink is not consistent


That said you purchased the lowest end Canon and since it is not worth a
great deal you may elect to take your chances.
Click to expand...

Plus, if you want information about research that has been done on the
topic, see measkite. He'll point you to a good research resource, ...or
he will tell you about mountain biking in the Santa Cruz mountain
region. Evidence suggests that both are, at least to him, of comparable
value.

BD.
 
hillier said:
I have a Canon mp150 and wondered if I would save some cash by getting a
refill kit. I have never used one and would like to know if they are any
good and if it's easy to do ( any problems to watch out for ).
Click to expand...

Refilling is easy.
Quality is as good if not better than oem.
You'll not clog your print head because of the ink you use (big myth!).
The oem relabelers will not tell you what is in their oem ink but who
cares, just as long as it works.
You'll save enough cash in one year to purchase a new house!

Most importantly, pay absolutely no attention to our resident troll,
meashershithead, as he is a moron idiot pathological liar who has never,
ever used after market ink. Plus he's plant, a shill, for oem inks. That
will give you an idea of just how desperate oem's are today.
Frank
 
hillier said:
I have a Canon mp150 and wondered if I would save some cash by getting a
refill kit. I have never used one and would like to know if they are any
good and if it's easy to do ( any problems to watch out for ).
Click to expand...

This employs the PG40 / CL-41 cartridges, perhaps even the PG50/cl51,
i'm rather vague as to whether the mp150 will accept the larger
capacity cartridges of the mp170 or not.

PG-40: 195 pages at 5% coverage
CL-41: 155 pages at 5% coverage

At about $20 for each pg-40, it takes 2.56 of them to make the volume
of a cartridge on a ip4200/ip5200 pgi-5 cartridge.

The color is less horrid, it takes 1.8 cartridges to equal one cli-8
cartridge, at about $25 per.

So, it's rather safe to assume $96 of ink on the mp150 is equal to the
yield you'd expect on a ip4200, which tends to sell for between $80 and
$100. The printer, the ink floats at $72 for a complete set.
---------------------

That being said, when looking for refill ink for your printer, it's
best to avoid those "universal" ink sets you can find at many retail
stores. For example IMS at costco while a good deal is a soso color
match for the older canons, but the water seems even more water like
than canon OEM and the print quality suffers. I don't know of many
people who have the new canon ink. Check with www.hobbicolors.com and
http://www.weink.com/ecom/catalog/ultra-flo_for_canon_light_fast_inkjet_ink_3628928.htm.


Also, check with the folks at cartridge world or island inkjet. They
offer a fill as you wait service. It would cost more than filling your
self, but you'd have some idea what issues a refilled cartridge has on
the mp150, such as the lack of a low ink warning which is likely to be
an issue as is on all new canons. If they do it, it's their
responcibility to answer questions. I've never delt with either
company, I only know they exist.
http://www.islandinkjet.com/

And all this being said, the ip4200/ip5200 are easier to refill by far,
and there are more people in this group who have a clue about these
models.
 
hillier said:
I have a Canon mp150 and wondered if I would save some cash by getting a
refill kit. I have never used one and would like to know if they are any
good and if it's easy to do ( any problems to watch out for ).
Click to expand...

I recently refilled my first cartridge -- in this case, a black HP. It
was easy to do and cleanup was simple; I've been printing perfectly with
it for a few weeks. My color ink kit just arrived; I'm looking forward
to doing that one soon.

I wore surgeons' gloves, but there was almost no reason to do so. My
hands stayed perfectly clean: so did the gloves!

Richard
 
hillier said:
I have a Canon mp150 and wondered if I would save some cash by getting a
refill kit. I have never used one and would like to know if they are any
good and if it's easy to do ( any problems to watch out for ).
Click to expand...

Argh! I say argh because after reading your question I can foresee
Meesshite's answer.
 
Get Ready for Greys Anatomy.

Richard said:
I recently refilled my first cartridge -- in this case, a black HP. It
was easy to do and cleanup was simple; I've been printing perfectly
with it for a few weeks. My color ink kit just arrived; I'm looking
forward to doing that one soon.

I wore surgeons' gloves, but there was almost no reason to do so. My
hands stayed perfectly clean: so did the gloves!

Richard
Click to expand...
 
BD said:
Plus, if you want information about research that has been done on the
topic, see measkite. He'll point you to a good research resource, ...or
he will tell you about mountain biking in the Santa Cruz mountain
region. Evidence suggests that both are, at least to him, of comparable
value.

BD.
Click to expand...

You'd think by now that everyone who frequents this ng would be aware
that meashershithead is a complete imbecile, a moron and a total idiot
to boot. His only claim to fame is that he has succeeded in disruption
this ng for no good reason!
Dump the dumb ass! Please kill file him once and for all!
THX
Frank
 
Oh Yeah VD got it rite

You're a target, man - you MAKE yourself a target. Is it really worth
it, seeing every post you fire up followed by 7 or 8 from people saying
you're a complete fool?

Must be. Ah well, If it's worth your time to post, it's worth mine to
mock.
 
You'd think by now that everyone who frequents this ng would be aware
that meashershithead is a complete imbecile, a moron and a total idiot
Click to expand...

Problem is people who do _not_ frequent the group, but are coming in
fresh looking for reasonable info.

I dunno - might keep the chatter down if no one responded to sh*tface's
posts, but if no one does, he'll keep posting anyway, and people will
(well, may) listen to him.

If the more balanced of the populace wants to ensure that unbiased
opinions are provided, then until fecal-boy packs up and leaves, this
is the way it's likely gonna be.

I've seen other options, though - in one other group one guy took it on
himself to post a weekly warning, specific regarding the zealout in
question. Almost like a FAQ.

I expect that fecal-boy is about to spooge all over his monitor,
reading that someone suggested a FAQ just about him. I bet he's all
a-quiver inside. ;)
 
I have a Canon mp150 and wondered if I would save some cash by getting a
refill kit. I have never used one and would like to know if they are any
good and if it's easy to do ( any problems to watch out for ).
Click to expand...

Make sure you find recent reviews about the company and the specific
product you are buying. If you cannot find any good reviews, or any
reviews at all, I would not buy the product even if it is from a
reputable refill company. The refill kit I bought for my HP1100d from
MIS, which I could find zero reviews or information on, didn't work.
I'm now stuck debating between buying a new printhead for this printer
and sticking with OEM ink (which is just too expensive for the large
amount of printing I was planning on doing) or trying to sell the
parts and getting an Epson C88, which several companies have gotten
good reviews for CIS and refill kits. But MIS' refill kits for this
printer do not seem like much of a savings, only about 50% cheaper
than OEM.

--

http://www.FenrirOnline.com

Computer services, custom metal etching,
arts, crafts, and much more.
 
BD wrote:

snip
Problem is people who do _not_ frequent the group, but are coming in
fresh looking for reasonable info.

I dunno - might keep the chatter down if no one responded to sh*tface's
posts, but if no one does, he'll keep posting anyway, and people will
(well, may) listen to him.
Click to expand...

it is obvious they do
snip
 
Fenrir said:
Make sure you find recent reviews about the company and the specific
product you are buying. If you cannot find any good reviews, or any
reviews at all, I would not buy the product even if it is from a
reputable refill company.
Click to expand...

Yeah goto www.pcworld.com and do a search for either generic ink or
aftermarket ink and read what you find. It is a storehouse of good
unbiased information
The refill kit I bought for my HP1100d from
MIS,
Click to expand...
They will not tell you who the mfg/formulator is so you cannot track the
performance in the marketplace. Therefore you cannot find reviews on
this ink. That is the way all of the relabelers want it. Buy Buy Buy
for more blue sky.
which I could find zero reviews or information on, didn't work.
I'm now stuck debating between buying a new printhead for this printer
and
Click to expand...
sticking with OEM ink
Click to expand...
That is the best choice with one exception. Your printload is so high
that you can save money before you get a clogged head. That is as long
as you are willing to accept a reduced result and rapid fading.
(which is just too expensive for the large
amount of printing I was planning on doing) or trying to sell the
parts and getting an Epson C88, which several companies have gotten
good reviews for CIS and refill kits. But MIS' refill kits for this
printer do not seem like much of a savings, only about 50% cheaper
than OEM.
Click to expand...
Oh god that is surely not worth it.
 
Fenrir said:
Make sure you find recent reviews about the company and the specific
product you are buying. If you cannot find any good reviews, or any
reviews at all, I would not buy the product even if it is from a
reputable refill company.
Click to expand...

Mr. Enterprises brings up an interesting point: Companies change!

Case in point: I found Inkgrabber highly recommended on the site of a
very critical photo artist for refilled cartridges. I placed an order.
The price was very low. The ink is fine. The cartridges were a little
dirty -- no problem to clean them up. Printing is excellent.

But my order was shipped USPS in a bubble bag! This caused the cartridge
boxes to be slightly damaged. Now, a bit more rough handling and the
cartridges themselves would have been damaged, too. This is unacceptable
shipping, and they won't get another order from me.

Richard
 
Mr. Enterprises brings up an interesting point: Companies change!

Case in point: I found Inkgrabber highly recommended on the site of a
very critical photo artist for refilled cartridges. I placed an order.
The price was very low. The ink is fine. The cartridges were a little
dirty -- no problem to clean them up. Printing is excellent.

But my order was shipped USPS in a bubble bag! This caused the cartridge
boxes to be slightly damaged. Now, a bit more rough handling and the
cartridges themselves would have been damaged, too. This is unacceptable
shipping, and they won't get another order from me.

Richard
Click to expand...

My case was a little worse than this, as it seems that MIS' ink for
the Business Inkjet series is totally incompatible. My printheads are
rated for 10 sets of cartridges. I had only run 1 full OEM set through
it, the refill ink clogged up the printer. Several forums I asked for
help from mentioned that there had been problems mentioned on MIS'
forum (which is shut down as they only have one moderator who is on
vacation). MIS tried to blame the printhead and said they'd never
heard of this problem before. Another company I called said that they
had never even sold any of these kits, despite carrying the same
thing, due to the relative rarity of the printer. They also said not
to buy any ink from them, as they could not guarantee that it wouldn't
do the same thing (which begs the question: why sell it if they have
no faith in their product?)

I'm starting to suspect that Epson pigment based printers are the only
ones that are good candidates for refilling (I'm printing newsletters
and forms and other things that don't require good ink and aren't
likely to be needed longer than the ink would fade). If I could find a
non-eBay way to sell off the remaining parts for this printer, I'd buy
a C88 and cheap dye ink which would definitely remove clogging issues.

--

http://www.FenrirOnline.com

Computer services, custom metal etching,
arts, crafts, and much more.
 
measekite said:
They are not easy
They are messy
You will save cash until you clog the printhead
The quality is not as good
Fading will be apparent
The relabelers will not tell you the brand (the mfg/formulator) of the
ink they sell
The ink is not consistent


That said you purchased the lowest end Canon and since it is not worth a
great deal you may elect to take your chances.
Click to expand...

Well if you manage to refill a couple of times you probably saved the cost
of a whole new printer so even if the head clogs after half a dozen refills
you're still ahead of the game. Agree though that it can be messy, results
are not as good, ink is less waterproof etc. Maybe I am using the wrong ink
though there must be some products that are as good as the original? How
difficult is it to make a good ink?
 
Fenrir said:
My case was a little worse than this, as it seems that MIS' ink for
the Business Inkjet series is totally incompatible. My printheads are
rated for 10 sets of cartridges. I had only run 1 full OEM set through
it, the refill ink clogged up the printer. Several forums I asked for
help from mentioned that there had been problems mentioned on MIS'
forum (which is shut down as they only have one moderator who is on
vacation). MIS tried to blame the printhead and said they'd never
heard of this problem before. Another company I called said that they
had never even sold any of these kits, despite carrying the same
thing, due to the relative rarity of the printer. They also said not
to buy any ink from them, as they could not guarantee that it wouldn't
do the same thing (which begs the question: why sell it if they have
no faith in their product?)
Click to expand...

I'd appreciate your identifying these products a little further in your
text. I'm not familiar with these things enough to just recognize their
model numbers without names. So, are the "Business Inkjets" HPs? Who
makes a C88? Is the issue that the Business Inkjet uses
differently-formulated inks than other HP printers?
I'm starting to suspect that Epson pigment based printers are the only
ones that are good candidates for refilling (I'm printing newsletters
and forms and other things that don't require good ink and aren't
likely to be needed longer than the ink would fade). If I could find a
non-eBay way to sell off the remaining parts for this printer, I'd buy
a C88 and cheap dye ink which would definitely remove clogging issues.

--
Click to expand...

Why not buy some cheap dye-based inks and try them just to see what
happens? I'm thinking of the "one-size-fits-all" kits sold at various
chain stores -- they're emblazoned "Universal," which is actually their
trade mark -- nobody else can use this word for their printer ink.

Believe it or not, I did this just for the hell of it. I'm pretty sure
that the "black" ink is actually dye (when diluted a lot, a purple
residue remains in the water). So far, it's working 100% in my HP 940C.
I don't intend to continue using this ink into the future; my goal at
that point was to simply see if a cartridge that had appeared to be shot
could be resurrected.

Richard
 
I'd appreciate your identifying these products a little further in your
text. I'm not familiar with these things enough to just recognize their
model numbers without names. So, are the "Business Inkjets" HPs? Who
makes a C88? Is the issue that the Business Inkjet uses
differently-formulated inks than other HP printers?
Click to expand...

Yes, my printer is a Business Inkjet 1100d, though there are many
models in the series that take the exact same ink cartridges. Some
older ones took all #10 carts, newer ones took #10 Black and #11
colors, and the latest model takes the #88s

The C88 is Epson's newest 4-color printer. Epson is the only company
that makes a consumer level printer with pigment colors.
Why not buy some cheap dye-based inks and try them just to see what
happens? I'm thinking of the "one-size-fits-all" kits sold at various
chain stores -- they're emblazoned "Universal," which is actually their
trade mark -- nobody else can use this word for their printer ink.

Believe it or not, I did this just for the hell of it. I'm pretty sure
that the "black" ink is actually dye (when diluted a lot, a purple
residue remains in the water). So far, it's working 100% in my HP 940C.
I don't intend to continue using this ink into the future; my goal at
that point was to simply see if a cartridge that had appeared to be shot
could be resurrected.

Richard
Click to expand...

A universal kit would be even more likely to be color unbalanced or
clog your printer than one that's specialized for specific inks, since
they 'work for all printers', and all three brands use completely
different ink technologies, how could it possibly be formulated to
work well? At the least, it will work, but look pretty bad.

The ink for my printer is pigment based but has a little blue when
diluted. Just because there's pigment in it doesn't mean that the
fluid it's suspended in isn't dyed as well.

--

http://www.FenrirOnline.com

Computer services, custom metal etching,
arts, crafts, and much more.
 
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