I've been reading this forum (and others) and I would like to share my experiences with others. I know I have done many things wrong so feel free to criticize my actions to spare someone else the same problems.
First of all I use my printer in spurts not every day like others. I print hundreds of pictures in a short period of time then I wont print pictures for months. I use cheap Chinese cartridges. I save enough money during the course of a year to more than pay for a new printer. Depending on how much you print, this may or may not be the case for you.
Anyway, I printed hundreds of 8.5 x 11 pictures last November and December. Probably about 8 sets of cartridges worth. Since then I have been using the printer for everything except photos. Lots of Black, Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, but no PM, or PC and probably no cleanings run for 9 months. I went to print a photo and the PC is clogged. (Surprise, Surprise)
Here are the steps I have taken to try to unclog it.
1) Multiple Cleanings
2) New Cartridge and multiple cleanings
3) Canon Cartridge and multiple cleanings
4) Compressed air - Canon Cartridge and multiple cleanings
5) Soak in Windex overnight Compressed air - Canon Cartridge and multiple cleanings
6) Windex cartridge ( I made this by taking a new China PC cartridge, forcing as much ink out as I could then filling it with Windex. My first attempt at refilling and it was easier than I expected.) Currently this has been in the printer for a week. A deep cleaning almost every day. I am printing the nozzle test with the Windex cartridge. The PC ink has colored the Windex a bit so I can still see the results.
I am about to go and buy another IP6000D while I can still find one. This time I will set the default to photo paper so that the PC and PM nozzles are used in everyday printing. I am also planning on refilling so I can choose the ink I use instead of the China cartridges I am currently using. I will hang around here reading others experiences with ink suppliers before I choose one.
First of all I use my printer in spurts not every day like others. I print hundreds of pictures in a short period of time then I wont print pictures for months. I use cheap Chinese cartridges. I save enough money during the course of a year to more than pay for a new printer. Depending on how much you print, this may or may not be the case for you.
Anyway, I printed hundreds of 8.5 x 11 pictures last November and December. Probably about 8 sets of cartridges worth. Since then I have been using the printer for everything except photos. Lots of Black, Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, but no PM, or PC and probably no cleanings run for 9 months. I went to print a photo and the PC is clogged. (Surprise, Surprise)
Here are the steps I have taken to try to unclog it.
1) Multiple Cleanings
2) New Cartridge and multiple cleanings
3) Canon Cartridge and multiple cleanings
4) Compressed air - Canon Cartridge and multiple cleanings
5) Soak in Windex overnight Compressed air - Canon Cartridge and multiple cleanings
6) Windex cartridge ( I made this by taking a new China PC cartridge, forcing as much ink out as I could then filling it with Windex. My first attempt at refilling and it was easier than I expected.) Currently this has been in the printer for a week. A deep cleaning almost every day. I am printing the nozzle test with the Windex cartridge. The PC ink has colored the Windex a bit so I can still see the results.
I am about to go and buy another IP6000D while I can still find one. This time I will set the default to photo paper so that the PC and PM nozzles are used in everyday printing. I am also planning on refilling so I can choose the ink I use instead of the China cartridges I am currently using. I will hang around here reading others experiences with ink suppliers before I choose one.