ytrewq said:
What bulk ink do you use?
We have 3 i850 in use.........
I and several others in this newsgroup strongly recommend
atlanticinkjet.com They have separate divisions in the U.S.
and Canada. Bulk is especially handy for me (they have kits too, of
course) because I like to print freely, not skimp, and because I split
the order with my sister who also has an i850. I find the quality
matches Canon's ink perfectly. Mind you, I only use my eyes and a strong
light to compare and not an electronic microscope as some here do,
because that is how I normally view my prints ;-). I re-printed a photo
using Atlantic inks that I had originally done with Canon inks and it
was identical, as far as I could tell, and that's close enough for me.
If you refill, keep the original orange break-off caps as they are 100%
perfect to seal the exit hole. (When the caps are not used store them
in a clean ziploc baggy to avoid contamination with dust and dirt, you
don't want that going in your print head!) Wrap strong rubber bands
around the cap and the cartridge. I drill a small hole (1/16" drill) at
the top, near the back, fill with ink and then seal that hole with
very tiny stainless steel set screws, size 2-56 x 1/8. The screws and
the matching 2-56 Allen Key can be obtained from microfasteners.com
The last time I bought them they were 20 screws for $2.90 (don't
remember the price of the Allen Key). You probably won't find this
special size Allen Key in any store, you must order it too.
The screw will go in very tightly the first time, you need a tight
fit to avoid leaks. BUT, pay close attention to that little plastic
locking arm that sticks out from the cartridge. It's very easily broken
off while handling the cartridge, dooming it. KEEP THAT IN MIND AT ALL
TIMES. I learned my lesson.
I love this screw system that someone had suggested because they are
both efficient and cosmetically attractive. Others have suggested glue
guns. I don't like that as it simply looks unattractive. The hole that I
drill is very small, the needle barely passes. The set screws are about
the height and width of this letter "I", depending on your screen
resolution - or about 2mm wide and a tad over 3mm long.
You mentioned you had 3 i850s. Then you may or may not want the little,
empty plastic bottles Atlantic also sells. These are handier to use
than the large bulk bottles. But I can tell you that if I order on a
Monday, the ink always arrives by Thursday or Friday at the latest. And
more often that not I have had instantaneous replies to questions and
orders. I appreciate that. I deal with Atlantic in Canada, so I'm not
familiar with the service on the US side of the dividing line
Good luck!
-Taliesyn
