gideon Loc: Tampa Bay, FL

I've read a bit about the savings in using a CISS rather than the super expensive cartridges for an Epson 1400. Overall the reviews are positive in regards to huge savings in the price of ink, but there are also some problems with print heads clogging, etc. Do any of you have experiences with any CISS you'd like to share?

PhotoArtsLA Loc: Boynton Beach

I have been involved with these systems and I would recommend upgrading to a printer which takes larger OEM cartridges. Yes, the ink will still cost more, but the quality will remain on spec. There are MANY problems with continuous ink systems not limited to mold, ink going bad, ultra clogs, air in the lines, etc. Be afraid... Be very afraid.

photosarah Loc: East Sussex, UK

My reply won't help you much, because I use an English continuous ink system from Marrutt (based in the SE of England) so it is not available to you locally, but it might help in general terms.

I have been using a continuous ink system for the past three years, using an Epson Stylus Photo R1900. I have printed more than 6,000 4 x 6 inch cards on it, and dozens of A4 and A3 prints of high quality (which win competitions and sell well). The ink is very like Epson's own ink, and was (and still is) set up by an Epson ink "technician" (for want of a better word). It is expensive to set up, but reduces the cost of printing enormously. I have never had a problem like those mentioned, such as mould, heads being blocked, etc. I have had minor problems, but Marrutt is very good at solving them over the phone or via e-mail. And I know they do ship all over the world, so they must be doing something right. My advice would be to do your homework, check out whatever system you have near you, and ask to talk to some of their customers before you go ahead: these systems are not cheap to install.

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

If you print a lot, it is THE way to go... but...
The printer makers go to great lengths to keep you from doing just that. I have a Canon Pixma 8120, and had to use a dremel tool cutting wheel in order to make room for the ink supply line(s).
I love it, MUCH cheaper for ink, think $5000 per gallon for OEM vs. $160~ per gallon (!) yes, I said $160, for the last black ink I ordered.
I have had excellent results with the off brand inks. Most guarantee their inks to be as good as OEM's quality.
Do I hear the fog horns for exec's over the top big yachts you are buying when purchase OEM ink?

smallsatori Loc: Santa Fe NM

I've had good luck with refillable cartridges for an Epson Photo R2400. I investigated a CIS system, but since I live at 7,000 feet, the altitude would make it well nigh impossible. The ink quality seems good, and about a 10th the price of OEM.

Check out InkSupply.com. (And if you do go for the refillables, spend the extra dollars upfront for the empty cartridges with automatic reset chips. The chip resetter doesn't work.)

geezer1111

I used a ciss rig from inkjetcarts for 4 years and it worked great and the results were as good as if not better than OEM.
I recommend some homework before jumping in but it's not really that hard,just a need to think about what your doing.

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

I switched to refillable cartridges when I bought a new printer. Like not having hang-up problems with the ribbon supply line. Don't have to refill too often either.

Michael Hartley Loc: Deer Capital of Georgia

Check out Cobra Ink, www.cobraink.com