Posted by Jack Garrett on February 13, 2008 at 12:54 AM
I have a chance to buy an Epson R1800 which has been on display in our store for about a year. The problem is the cartridges were installed but this printer has not been used in at least 9 months. I fear the print heads are clogged and would like to know if there is any way to unclog them. I can get this printer for about $100.00 but the price means nothing if it is irreparably damaged...any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
Jack
Posted by Ken Wyatt on February 13, 2008 at 12:56 AM
Of course you would go to www.fixyourownprinter.com and order the Epson Ink jet Head Cleaning Solution (kit)!
Ken
Posted by Ken Wyatt on February 13, 2008 at 1:04 AM
You'll have to enter the URL manually or delete all the extraneous stuff. For some reason the forum Web is acting weird...
Ken
Posted by Scott Fricke on February 13, 2008 at 1:22 AM
Easiest thing to try first is to run the print utility, clean the heads and then run the printer head test, this will show if there are any heads are clogged.
Posted by Jack Garrett on February 13, 2008 at 1:26 AM
Ken, Have you ever used their product and do you know if it works?
Jack
Posted by Les Barstow on February 13, 2008 at 3:23 AM
I trust the Auto Head Cleaning procedure available from the Epson R1800 print utility more than I trust the regular head cleaning. It requires a sheet of paper, but I think it does a better job, and it's certainly a confidence booster to see those blocks coming out in solid, beautiful colors.
If it's beyond a simple automated head cleaning, then it's on to other solutions (as described above).
I'd insist on trying to run the cleaning in-store before committing to the purchase. 9 months is a long time to let a print cartridge sit there unused.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on February 13, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Have to agree with Les. If the printer won't clear itself through its own utility, I would probably skip it. The head cleaning uses alot of ink and if the printer turns out to be a lemon from sitting, it could cost you a lot of money in ink due to cleanings.
I've had my R1800 since early 2005 and its been a solid performer.
My R1800 is a bit prone to clogging like I understand most Epsons are. Seems to be worse in the summer then the winter for some reason (I figured it'd be drier in the winter). But if you can get the heads cleaned with the printer's utilities, then I'd say you are good to get it. It can produce some pretty amazing output up to 13X19.
Posted by Ken Wyatt on February 14, 2008 at 10:19 PM
Hi All, yes, I've tried the solution I suggested above and it works.
Discussion
8 repliesJack
Ken
Ken
Jack
If it's beyond a simple automated head cleaning, then it's on to other solutions (as described above).
I'd insist on trying to run the cleaning in-store before committing to the purchase. 9 months is a long time to let a print cartridge sit there unused.
I've had my R1800 since early 2005 and its been a solid performer.
Mel-
Ken