I have a few questions for anyone that has a continuous ink system:

1. Where did you get your system.

2. How do you like it.

3. Is the image quality good.

I'm thinking of getting a continuous ink system for the Epson Artisan 1430 printer when I get it, as I want to print 12x12 paper.

Thanks.

I bought one last year for my Artisan 800 (maybe it was an 810, can’t remember) Anyway. I waited about 6 months before installing as I had Epson ink cartridges to use up. I finally tried it and it was a little difficult to install. The printer had problems reading the “cartridges” and then because the tubing prevents the top scanner bed from fully laying closed, I kept getting an error message. Eventually got it squared away. I used it for a few months with no problems. Print quality was fine. Then all the sudden a couple weeks ago the print quality was REALLY bad and there was a lot of striping and discoloration. It was REALLY bad. It looked like maybe a color was missing from the photo, eventually I started getting an error message and sure enough I notice one of the tubes was being blocked (it was kinked where it laid up against the edge of the scanner bed that was laying on top of it. I fixed that but could never get the good quality back. And I am not just being picky. It contained striping still, just not as bad. Well then the kicker… I got a message saying the “printer pads” were nearing the end of their useful life. I printed a couple of 8x10 pages and then bam, oops sorry your “printer pads” are at the end of their useful life. Please contact Epson for support. UGH! I read they are really expense to replace, so I opted to get a new printer. I read that Epson programs their printers to basically stop printing after a certain number of prints (something to do with the printer pads). Now the point in me telling you all this is I am a little suspicious that the CIS “caused” some/all of my problems. Honestly we don’t print that much (text pages or photos) I expected this printer to last longer. Well I decided that although I was always happy with the Epson quality (until the end) I won’t be buying their printers again unless something changes. Also, I am suspicious of the CIS and therefore will likely not try that again….. FYI Here is the CIS I bought on Amazon….

http://www.amazon.com/gp/produc...f=oh_details_o08_s00_i00

Thanks, ladies. This continuous ink system stuff is new territory and it helps to have a some input.

I have been looking into getting a CIS for about 3 months now, so thank you everyone for your comments. I still haven't decided but my eye is on an Epson WF-30. While I would love to print 12x12 (and I do have a wide format HP), I want to 1 printer dedicated to CIS only, which is why I'm looking into other printers.

Thanks for the question Leahdax!

Edited by user Wednesday, November 28, 2012 11:50:46 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

I have an Epson Artisan 835. I got a CIS for it just over a year ago from www.hotzone360.com (I ordered it off Amazon, but that's who the seller was.) I use my printer ALL the time and I haven't had to refill my tanks yet. I am extremely happy with it!! I honestly can't tell the difference between prints made with the "original" ink and the prints made with the CIS ink. It was the best $40 I ever spent!! Seriously. The whole system cost less than 1 set of 6 ink cartridges.

Ok, so I just got the Epson Artisan 837 printer from Office Depot. It was only $100 - on sale for $150, plus I had a $50 gift card - so I couldn't pass it up. It uses the same ink as the Epson Artisan 1430. I plan on getting refillable cartridges for both printer (the 837 and the 1430), then I can just buy the bulk ink and refill as needed. And since the 837 is an all-in-one I don't have to give up the ability to scan, copy or fax.

I've poured over all the suggested sources for buying ink. Haven't decided on a vendor, yet, tho. I'm leaning towards Ink Owl because they claim that their ink is formulated to exactly match the manufacturer's ink. They're pricier than some vendors, but cheaper than others.