Cleaning solution: the ultimate test

[Ink stained Fingers]

thanks for the hint, I may try that clear ink when I'm running out of the octopus-office rinsing solution

 

[astecno]

Just to let you know: since mid May, I've been using the @pharmacist solution for cleaning the purge pad and wiper blade from my Epson 3800 and since then it simply never clogged again, even when I left the printer without any job for an entire month (before that I couldn't leave the printer alone even for a week without being plagued by clog in every channel)!

 

[The Hat]

Just to let you know: since mid May, I've been using the @pharmacist solution for cleaning the purge pad and wiper blade from my Epson 3800 and since then it simply never clogged again, even when I left the printer without any job for an entire month (before that I couldn't leave the printer alone even for a week without being plagued by clog in every channel)!

Yet another @pharmacist solution success story...

 

[websnail]

BTW, did you ever try this "clear ink" as a thinner - to dilute M and C to LM and LC?
Wouldn't this be a better fluid than GO or nozzle cleaner, for making a 6 color ink set out of the 4 color fuji drylab ink (well known and tested in other threads)?

..I have ordered some dilution from MIS, formulated by Paul Roark, but the shipping to Germany costs more than the item..

Do you mean the WJ807 ink base solution that Image Specialists had? If so, I have a litre of the stuff in 100ml (or was it 125ml).

Don't know if that's of any use or not but let me know if it is...

 

[martin0reg]

Hello websnail, the clear base I've mentioned is a custom formulation by paul roark for his special B&W ink sets.
Could you describe a little more about the WJ807? I can't find any information about it and about the intended use. My main question: Is it compatible only for epson piezo printer inks , or would it be suitable also / only for canon thermal printer inks? And how much will it cost?

 

[websnail]

Hi Martin...

The 807 has always been referred to by Image Specialists as "Inkjet Ink Base".

As I've never done the mixing for that blend of inks I don't know the in's and outs or recipe, but over the years I've picked up that the 1082 formulation is the black that any DIY blenders want and 807 was the solution that made it happen.

In terms of cost it's fairly old stock but happy to let you have some on a pay-it-forward basis if that's ok.

 

[martin0reg]

Learning English with printerknowledge .. I've just found out that "pay it forward" doesn't mean "pay in advance".. So thank you (in advance) for the offer! I will send you a PM...

 

[websnail]

Learning English with printerknowledge .. I've just found out that "pay it forward" doesn't mean "pay in advance".. So thank you (in advance) for the offer! I will send you a PM...

Ah yes.. sorry, as you've learned it's a case of don't pay me, donate your time, money, effort to someone else who needs it. In short, "be kind".

Just on this base thing, I have 9 bottles of the stuff in 100ml volumes + a single 50ml as a spare. Never occurred to me that anyone might want more than 100ml which I think we can classify under the category of "Doh!"...

Can I suggest I send the two requestees that I have, just 200ml or so, of that lot to each of you, so you can test it out and make sure it's exactly what you want. Meanwhile I'll check current availability as I've an order to STS pending anyway...

 

[Paul W.]

@pharmacist:

My apologies if you've answered my question elsewhere but after some time searching I couldn't find an answer. My question is on the following:

-3 ml propylene glycol (or 2 % glycerol)
-20 ml isopropyl alcohol
-distilled water up to 100 ml

The cleaning solution to free up clogged printheads is by adding 20-25 drops of concentrated ammonia to each 100 ml of cleaning solution.

It looks like this formula is for Canon printers. I'm using a couple of Epsons (see my profile) which have clogs but it appears from the many positive comments your formula is popular among users of printers besides Canons.

I can't easily obtain concentrated ammonia where I live, so can I use Windex? (the original formula, ie with ammonia.) And since it's less concentrated, how many ml would I use in your formula (decreasing the distilled water)? I want to use it in a set of flushing cartridges for my 1400 and 1430. By the way, do you know if these printers have copper in their heads? I don't think so...

Thank you!

 

[pharmacist]

Hi Paul,

Windows should be a good alternative to my solution. You should calculate to obtain a total concentration of about 0.25-0.33% pure ammonia. 20-25 drops of concentrated ammonia is about 1 ml. Concentrated ammonia contains about 25-33% dissolved ammonia gas. We don't have Windex in Europe. The most popular spray is called Glassex here in Europe (without ammonia).