Lessons from a newbie refiller

OM2

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I just filled my 2nd and 3rd ink cartridges tonight
Yeeee ha! :)

Some observations:

- I asked about the refilling needles in past threads
I was told that you could simply wash them out and didn't need to keep them separated
I'd argue against this - I've used 3 needles so far and despite washing them they seem to have small residues stuck inside
(I'm sure they would come out if I spent a further 10 minutes washing them)
So... to any newbie, I'd recommend keeping them separate
Question: how do keep track of which needle is for which colour?
Answer: use the squezee caps (erm, I think that's what they're called) and store with these in sealable bags
See below:
ztahvt.jpg


- When inserting the needle, I've figured 2 things that don't seem to be mentioned in the guides:

You need to insert the needle down the middle. Otherwise, there seem to be 2 columns left and right. If you hit these and push hard enough, you'll end up breaking or bending the needle (this is what I did with my first refill!)

If you go down EXACTLY down the middle, then you can hit a central column - this is a problem when you try to inject ink - since the column blocks the ink!!
So, you have to draw back the needle just a small amount

For both the above points, I'm sure I didn't read anywhere else in the guides
+ Could it be that Canon have caught on and have slight adjusted the cartridges to try and foil refillers?

- If you buy your needles from somewhere like Octoink, then the needles are the *exact* right length
(Someone please correct me if this is wrong)
The guides which I read said that I had to at least get 2 or 3mm of needle in
I was having a hard time figuring out if the needle had gone in enough
Whereas it would have been better for me to know: just insert the whole needle al the way!!
If you insert it right, then just the right amount of the needle is inserted!

(But be careful about bending the needle and getting it in all the way - since you'll probably have problems if you start inserting ink)

Would be good to hear what you guys think of all the above


Omar
 

stratman

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Great job OM2! Congratulations. Isn't the Durchstich/German method great?

Sounds like you were really muscling the needle-syringe and bent the needle. Bet you won't do that again. Nice system for keeping needles separate. Before I used squeeze bottle, I kept the needles on their syringes and marked the syringes and needle sheaths with their respective color. With the squeeze bottles, I don't have to rinse after every refill, the needle is locked on the cap/bottle, and I can refill a set of 5 cartridges in 10 minutes or less without rushing.

The bulk of instruction is on the forum, but there is always something each of us must figure out on our own. You did and now know the joys of refilling. Each time seems easier and easier until you can do it in your sleep.

Doesn't it feel great to spend one tenth refilling your cartridge versus buying a new OEM cartridge! :)
 

OM2

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stratman said:
Doesn't it feel great to spend one tenth refilling your cartridge versus buying a new OEM cartridge! :)
i'm happy to have joined the gang :)
for the ink though... one thing i've learned from this forum is that the cheapest ink isn't the best
i now buy from one of the sources suggested and pay double to what i paid on ebay

i used to have empty refillable cartridges for my mp830
yuk, that was damn messy - i must have destryed a few of my shirts using that
the german method is awesome :)
 

nche11

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It is a common sense to avoid dirt cheap inks on ebay. There is no doubt about it. But beware of over priced stuff too. Mp830 is one of the best multifunction to have. Don't let it go down to the landfill.
 

Redbrickman

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OM2.

Are you using the SquEasy bottles or syringes?

I ask because if you are using bottles you can leave the cap and needle with Leur lock attached.

As Stratman says, one only has to take off the cap and you are ready to fill, plus no messing around cleaning needles/syringes, just pop the cap back on when finished and store.
 
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