Here's what I do:
I hardly ever use the power clean feature, the sound of ink poring into the trash gives my blood a chill! I first do a nozzle test and then a manual cleaning, I'm offered a auto or manual cleaning option. If you use the auto it will keep printing nozzle tests and cleaning cycles until it gets a good nozzle test. In so doing it is again pumping ink into the trash.
If after the second nozzle check and cleaning all is not well I turn the printer off and let it set for a couple of hours after which I turn it back on and run a nozzle check and usually it is good to print after that. I've been doing this for years with the Epson 9600 and 9800 printers with great success, only rarely having to repeat the procedure more than once. It does use up time but I'm still young {:-) When I'm waiting I usually spend the time working on other images that I may be able to print with the others.
There is also another procedure using a paper towel soaked with Windex window cleaner that you slide under the printing head and leave to soak the dried ink from the nozzles. I have not gathered the courage to try this yet but know several friends that have and report no negative effects.
The new printers have improved inks, printing heads and nozzle design (finer drops of ink = better resolution), and printing technology all add up to improved quality and performance. For more info try the Yahoo Epson or Canon user groups.
Hope this helps.
David
Hi all,
Well, my epson 1290 has bitten the dust, bought the farm, snuffed it, shook a seven..etc and not before time I'm thinking. The amount of ink wasted trying to clear blocked nozzles would probably have put several children through university! In its defence though I often left it for several weeks between prints. Which is why I'm considering a laser printer instead of an inkjet.
I was wondering if anyone uses a laser printer to make digital negs as I don't think these (laser printers) have the same problems with blocked nozzles if left idle for weeks. I'm loath to replace the 1290 with another expensive colour inkjet only to have it block up again. If so what do you print on and are there any special techniques needed? Thanks in advance for all your help,
Regards
Davidh