Aaron said:
I have the Canon I860 printer. The original Canon Inks that came with
the printer produced excellent color prints. When the cartridges were
depleted , I replaced them with generic cartridges from China that
cost between $2 & $3. each. The
results were TERRIBLE. Not knowing the problem was the ink or the
printer, I tossed out all of the generics & inserted genuine Canon
brand that cost approx 4 times as much. The results with the Canon
were excellent and as good as the original prints made when the
printer was first installed.
NOW, I am prepared to purchase only Canon inks. However, if there is
anyone reading this that does use third party inks for their Canon
I860, with results as good as the original Canon inks, please advise!
I'd be interested in knowing.
Sure. I use only genuine cartridges from Canon (two sets on rotation)
and then refill them with high quality ink from atlanticinkjet.com. This
is the good stuff, it prints like Canon. I've done tests, maybe not of
professional nature, but yet to notice any difference in printouts.
No colour difference, no abnormal fading, and no running or feathering
of text and images. Side by side tests with text seemed identical to
my eyes. I used a magnifier lens to check the feathering.
My original idea was to buy those cheaply priced eBay cartridges that
sell for like $1 or $2 each. I actually ordered two sets, took one look
at them and promptly tossed them out. Correction, I did try the black
cartridge and immediately noticed it was runny, text was extremely
feathered, almost like very wet dot matrix ink. Gross stuff! That was
enough for me to toss the black cartridges, ALONG WITH the color ones,
which I hadn't tried yet, in the garbage! Live and learn.
Never use "Universal" ink or any ink that says it's good for all
printers. It has to be MADE for that printer line or cartridge model.
If you refill, keep the original orange Canon break-off caps, as they
are perfect for sealing the exit hole when refilling. 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 (Important: 90% full,
not 100%) and then seal the hole with very tiny stainless steel (won't
rust) 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. I don't remember the price of
the Allen Key. They're inexpensive anyway. I ordered 5 as they're quite
thin and could break. You probably won't find this special sized Allen
Key in any store. You must order it too, same place.
The screw will go in quite tightly the first time. But you need a tight
fit to avoid leaks. Pay close attention to that little plastic locking
arm that sticks out from the cartridge. Very easily broken off while
handling the cartridge, dooming it. KEEP THAT IN MIND AT ALL TIMES.
I've learned my lesson the hard way.
But I love this screw system (that someone suggested last year) because
it's both efficient and cosmetically attractive. Others have suggested
glue guns. Tried it as a test on a scrap cartridge. I found it an
unattractive, sticky option. You can never be sure the hole is 100%
covered/sealed. 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.
After 16 months I've had no clogs, no streaks, no funny color. When one
color is empty I replace all 3 colors as a unit with my backup set of
cartridges. It simplifies the changing operation - doesn't interrupt me
again, sometimes just a few minutes later, or in the middle of long
print job. The black gets changed separately from the color unit.
I'm very satisfied with the ink from Atlanticinkjet. I wouldn't switch.
Costs me about $5 to refill all 4 cartridges. Genuine Canon, with tax,
would set me back about $125 here in Canada if bought at a department
store. I do get a better deal at $75 plus tax at Costco for 2 blacks
and 1 of each colour.
P.S. I do not work for atlanticinkjet. This is just an honest
testimonial since you asked for advice. Note: refilling isn't messy.
At most I get a few little spots on my hands from carelessness. You
may find it challenging the first time until you get a little practice.
Now it's child's play. I've refilled all four major brands of
printers. By far the Canon is easiest with their transparent cartridges.
You always know exactly how full it is when refilling and you never have
to wait until they stop dripping after refilling. They simply do not
drip, like Lexmark and HP cartridges.
-Taliesyn
