Re: laser printer for diginegs
David, not sure what the point is here since it sounds like you have
to clean your nozzles about as much as I do with the 1280. (The
1280-1290 doesn't have an "auto" clean cycle, only what corresponds
to your description of a "manual" clean cyle; you print a nozzle
check and then you clean if needed, and repeat if needed). I've
never had to run more than two cleaning cycles to get a good nozzle
check, so it sounds very similar to what you're describing with the
9600.
But even if the 1280-1290 did need more nozzle cleaning than later
models, I wouldn't attribute that to "old" technology, because the
old Stylus Photo, which I used for 7 years before I bought a 1280 in
2005 (and glad it was still available, because I am still convinced
the dye inks work better for digital negatives) never clogged, ever,
and I just left it on all the time and even when I had times that I
didn't print anything for a month or two, it usually gave me a good
nozzle check immediately and off I went. It was quite an adjustment
going from that to the 1280, which does have to be kept off except
when printing, and even then does require fairly frequent cleanings.
Katharine
On Aug 28, 2009, at 8:57 AM, David Ashcraft wrote:
I believe the 1290 came out in 2002 which in inkjet age is a long
time ago, alot has changed. If you used it for that time you got
your $$ worth. My printers are not used constantly infact will sit
for several months sometimes, I use them for digital negs and color
printing.
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
On Aug 28, 2009, at 7:22 AM, davidhatton@totalise.co.uk wrote:
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
David Ashcraft
david@davidashcraftgallery.com
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