My printer just ran out of ink and I don't really want to spend all my money on a cartridge. Has anyone tried one of those refill kits (with the syringes and all) and do they work well enough? Because they certainly are cheaper...

2/13/2006 5:26:14 PM

Better idea...go to Cartridge World on Hillsboro St. I got my color and black cartridges refilled both for 14 bucks. They also give a 10% discount when you show your NCSU ID. They print like new. No complaints. hollllllla

2/13/2006 5:28:29 PM

They suck, don't waste your money.

2/13/2006 5:35:02 PM

Yeah that is a pretty sweet deal. I'd still like to know if anyone has tried this, I can get a 4 color kit (33mL per color) for around 15 bucks which will supposedly last me for 13 refills, so the potential value is a lot more. I just want to know if it's a load of bullshit that people are throwing around or if it's actually a viable way of doing things.

And I don't really care if it's a tedious process, I'm a design major and I've got to deal with that all the time anyway.

2/13/2006 5:35:50 PM

yeah, i have one and it really is annoying to do, and doesnt work very well either...it's worth the extra money to get a real cartridge

but, you may have more patience than me for it

[Edited on February 13, 2006 at 5:37 PM. Reason : ^]

2/13/2006 5:36:40 PM

i used to do it w/ black ink, never w/ color
after a couple refills it doesnt work too well

[Edited on February 13, 2006 at 5:38 PM. Reason : ad]

2/13/2006 5:38:11 PM

So after a few refills does it just not print anymore? does it leak? smear?

2/13/2006 5:40:14 PM

for me, there was some leaking and smearing...but not a lot or anything

2/13/2006 5:43:54 PM

ive never had a problem with them.. runs great, oh well

plus, i dont use my printer to do dramatic 8x10 photo gloss prints either

oh well

2/13/2006 5:44:25 PM

Haha, yeah. No, I'd only be using this printer for papers, no photo quality stuff needed.

2/13/2006 5:47:41 PM

it leaked all over the place trying to fill it up. something happened where it didnt have a good seal, but this was about the 3rd time that i had refilled that particular cartridge. it was a giant mess. now i just go to cartridge world(probably not what you wanted to hear)

2/13/2006 5:49:23 PM

Quote :

"They suck, don't waste your money."

The one I tried smeared, printed blots of ink.. Not worth it.

2/13/2006 5:58:04 PM

aside from running out of ink, cartridges just wear out after a while.

you can try saving a few bucks by refilling it - I've had pretty good results.

but you might end up paying for the refill kit and a new cartridge in the end anyway.

2/13/2006 6:31:26 PM

i knew someone who did it and it just leaked and got all over the place.

2/13/2006 6:50:56 PM

i've refilled the same cartridge about a dozen or so times and everything works perfectly. i guess you just have to either get lucky or not be an idiot and follow instructions.

i'm sure it's the former.

2/13/2006 6:54:24 PM

Cartidge World is the way to go, definitley. Cheap, and good quality. I print fotos all the time, and Ive never had an issue with their carts.
$0.02


XSMP

5/1/2006 1:45:53 PM

cartridge world. I just got a cartridge filled up there.

The good thing about that place is that they give you somebody else's core cartridge that has been refilled. That way the printer thinks it has a brand new cartridge in there.

5/1/2006 2:18:56 PM

Just dont try to refill a cartridge that is completely empty and has been sitting in your printer for six months like that. They tend to cause problems. If you refill them before they completly run out its better.

5/1/2006 2:41:58 PM

When I tried to use a refill kit it leaked all over my fingers and the ink wouldnt come off with anything. I tried nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, peroxide, butter, vegetable oil, lava soap and that goo in a jar you use to clean your hands after working with cars. Nothing worked. Then I ate some ribs for dinner and it came off. Odd.

Anyways, yeah just go to Cartridge World. They even have Dell ones which you normally have to order online.

5/1/2006 6:24:06 PM

Quote :

"Then I ate some ribs for dinner and it came off. Odd."

haha

-ZiP!-

5/1/2006 6:44:13 PM

I'd recommend you go to cartridge world instead.

Inkjet cartridges are kinda designed to wear out (I.E. not refill and have a limited lifetime, so after you refill them a few times the image quality can go to crap), and the ink you put in won't be the same as the ink that was in there originally (haha, my dad works for HP and they've done some pretty in-depth research on these refill products. Laser printer refills tend to use crappy toner that results in a much lower quality image, the ink is also cheap and not the stuff they put in there (and their stuff is supposed to last longer or something and doesn't clog print heads)).

Basically if you wanna try it, do it, but you'll have to buy new cartridges fairly often, still (I'd guess you'll save about 30-60% on refills over time, depending on the condition of the cartridge when you refill it and how junky the ink/toner you put into it is).

OH, don't get the spring loaded refill kits. They're evil (I wish I had the photo. just imagine ink covering everything in an office).

5/1/2006 6:57:46 PM

The Textiles Library has ink cartridges on loan. You just need to bring them back within 48 hours.

5/1/2006 7:04:59 PM

Don't buy refills youll fuck your p.c

5/1/2006 8:14:34 PM

i work for epson, and i haven't heard anything good about refill kits. i'm pretty sure you can't refill epson's cartridges (i could be wrong) but i do know that you run a much higher risk of messing up your printer itself if you refill. they're much more prone to getting the print heads clogged, and if you use refilled cartridges instead of the real ones you'll most likely void your warranty.

5/1/2006 11:35:35 PM

refill kits sucks


try

http://www.cnrink.com

5/1/2006 11:43:32 PM

^^i used a refill kit about 5 years ago for my epson printer. never had any trouble, probably refilled the same cartridge 4 or five times, and haven't really used it since. just had to tape back over the hole you punched it the top.

5/2/2006 12:12:54 AM

I bought one of those cheapie refill kits from Sam's Club for my Epson inkjet printer. I didn't print any fancy pictures, so the quality didn't really matter. I got about 4 or 5 good refills before the ink blotter (i think that's what it was) clogged up and started messing up the print quality.

i had to go buy new cartridges after that, but was able to get a few more refills off that new cartridge.

5/2/2006 12:15:43 AM

Don't buy refills youll fuck your p.c


Are you really that dumb?
Cartridge World is great dude! Talking with the guys that work there, they said this about their refill/remanufacturing techniques.
the get their ink and toner from staticcontrol in sanford. every part is replaced during the reman, drum, pcr, wiper blade, doctor blade(f needed) and even the mag roller sleeve. the toner is awesome too...the formula is just far enough off the same recipe that OEM's come with so they dont get sued.
+ there's the student/faculty/staff discount to think about. all told, usually you'll save 45-50% off retail cost(sourced from officedepot.com)
If that's not enough, they gurantee their work 100%. your cart dun werk? replace/refund no hassle.
i have saved hundreds allready just by not ordering my carts from dell, not to mention dad's lazer printer.
but dont beleive me....go ask them yourself.
$0.02

5/2/2006 11:23:34 PM

Buying remanufactered toner is fucking retarded.

And if you have an Epson or Canon printer, just get a continuous ink system for it, they run like 100-150 bucks, and you NEVER have to change catridges again.

The Epson printhead problem will happen REGARDLESS of what kind of ink or cartirdges you use, because eventually the purge line will cake up with ink and stop draining. There's instructions on the net how to clean it all yourself, which puts you back to a nice new Epson again.

5/2/2006 11:43:07 PM

"Buying remanufactered toner is fucking retarded."

there's no need to curse, especially when...
You obviously dont know what you're talking about. do you work for HP or something? or maybe you don't wanna think that other people can make toner too(i.e. the germans)? or is it that you just don't want anyone to save money?

"There's instructions on the net how to clean it all yourself, which puts you back to a nice new Epson again."

Good Luck. It hardly ever works. Epson are designed to last about 2 years, or so. Same as Lexmark. Same as Dell. Oh yeah, btw, Lexmark makes* Dell printers...both have silicone floating around in the black ink carts to make sure* they are single-use. the bright side is, Lexmark carts work in Dells, so long as you modify the underside of the cartidge clip inside the printer...look for yourself, the only diff is the top. all of it is made in teh same plant. the downside is, Lexmark charges out teh ass for carts(more than a new printer w/ carts in it!)


[Edited on May 3, 2006 at 8:25 AM. Reason : 8^)]

[Edited on May 3, 2006 at 8:26 AM. Reason : .]

5/3/2006 8:24:29 AM

That's funny because I do know what I'm talking about.

I know how toners are manufactured, and I know how they are typically refurbed. And while I wouldn't have any problem dropping a refurb toner into a 10 year old laserjet, I wouldn't let one NEAR a new laser printer.

Quote :

"Good Luck. It hardly ever works. Epson are designed to last about 2 years, or so. Same as Lexmark. Same as Dell."

That's funny, because my Epson lasted about 8. Why would it "hardly ever work"? It's a straightforward process to clean the purge tube, wipe down the components and put the printer back together. I'm not talking about the 39 dollar piece of shit inkjets that I'm sure you sell ink to, I'm talking about photo printers.

You must be out of your mind if you think printers are "designed to last about two years" and actually think it to be true. If you take care of your inkjet and clean it when it starts gunking up, it will last much longer than the PC attached to it. Not to mention, if you get a continuous ink system you never have to worry about cartridge replacement or fillup again.

Quote :

"Lexmark makes* Dell printers...both have silicone floating around in the black ink carts to make sure* they are single-use. the bright side is, Lexmark carts work in Dells, so long as you modify the underside of the cartidge clip inside the printer...look for yourself, the only diff is the top. all of it is made in teh same plant. "

Lexmark doesn't make Dell printers. Lexmark's ODMs make SOME of Dell's printers. Dell uses other ODMs as well. Some of their printers come from HP ODM's among others.

I don't know who told you that silicone in the ink makes sure they are single use, because that's the biggest load of absolute bullshit I have ever heard. It the imbedded serial number on the cartridge that makes it single use, and even that can be gotten around with the removal and reinsertion of a battery in the printer.

I respect your business, because at least you are offering somewhat cheaper ink prices, but dude you don't know what the hell you are talking about.

5/3/2006 11:45:38 AM

"Lexmark doesn't make Dell printers. Lexmark's ODMs make SOME of Dell's printers. Dell uses other ODMs as well. Some of their printers come from HP ODM's among others."

first off, lex does make dell printers...the engines are exactly the same, and the cases....the logo and the carriage are slightly diff(the clips only)

"I don't know who told you that silicone in the ink makes sure they are single use, because that's the biggest load of absolute bullshit I have ever heard."

flush out any dell or lex ink cart, by pushing hot(almost boiling) water through the print head, and you'll see* the blob of silicone.it wieghs in at around 1/2 to 3/4 of a gram.

" It's the imbedded serial number on the cartridge that makes it single use, and even that can be gotten around with the removal and reinsertion of a battery in the printer."

that's prolly true, I haven't personally tried yanking batt's out of a printer, cause there has never been a need.

"I know how toners are manufactured, and I know how they are typically refurbed. And while I wouldn't have any problem dropping a refurb toner into a 10 year old laserjet, I wouldn't let one NEAR a new laser printer."

I have a list as long as hillsborough st. of clients that have no problems at all, meaning 100% success with our toner carts. new or old printers.
we get our parts from staticcontrol.com out of sanford....all the parts are thouroughly tested before being offered for sale. It doesn't pay to be in this buisness if we don't know what we are doing.

"I respect your business, because at least you are offering somewhat cheaper ink prices, but dude you don't know what the hell you are talking about."

I'd say that 45-50% off is a bit more than slightly cheaper...just throwing that out there.

I would be interested in talking with you further in person, just come on down to CW NCSU and we'll chat....no need to flame each other, as we both seem to have strong and seemingly well-informed opinions. who knows, maybe our combined ideas will make a singular truth.

oh yeah...and please stop cursing at me...it just isn't polite.

5/3/2006 12:27:39 PM

and here's our warranty, just for everyone's edification.

Our Warranty

Cartridge World uses only the best quality imaging supplies and guarantees that cartridges refilled by our company will perform as well as the original equipment manufactures supplies under similar conditions.



Our toners and inks are sourced from top suppliers the world over, and are each uniquely formulated for the many different cartridges available. Our extensive range of testing equipment is further assurance of our commitment to quality control and customer satisfaction. Worn parts are replaced if necessary so that our cartridges produce sharp black text, vibrant colours, with clear graphics.



If you are dissatisfied with the results of any of our refilled cartridges, please return the cartridge within 90 days of purchase together with receipt of purchase to the Cartridge World store where purchased. The Cartridge World store will either repair the faulty cartridge, credit the full amount against a new cartridge or provide a full refund in exchange for the faulty cartridge.



In the unlikely event of a claim that a cartridge refilled by Cartridge World caused damage to the printing mechanism of your equipment, please obtain a written statement from the equipment servicing company or the equipment manufacturer stating exactly how the Cartridge World refilled cartridge was responsible for said damage. Send this statement and the service invoice together with the cartridge to the Cartridge World place of purchase. Cartridge World will reimburse the full amount of the repair charge for any such valid claim.



This warranty is in addition and does not affect your statutory rights under local legislation.

5/3/2006 12:29:33 PM

Quote :

"first off, lex does make dell printers...the engines are exactly the same, and the cases....the logo and the carriage are slightly diff(the clips only)"

No they don't. Because lexmark doesnt make Lexmark's printers. It's called an ODM. And in some cases the engines are the same, sometimes the cases are too. But it's not across the board, as Dell engineers all their own interfaces, cases, and when they deem necessary, the actual board logic on their printers.

At best you could say that Dell and Lexmark platform share, but that's about it.

Quote :

"flush out any dell or lex ink cart, by pushing hot(almost boiling) water through the print head, and you'll see* the blob of silicone.it wieghs in at around 1/2 to 3/4 of a gram."

That's because its part of the ink technology. Silicon could very well be used as an additive ingredient for the inks, but it's definitely not a malicious material.

Quote :

"that's prolly true, I haven't personally tried yanking batt's out of a printer, cause there has never been a need."

Since HP cartridges have one use electronic limits on them, AND have electronic expirations (they expire after 18 months), it's something you should definitely check into for the occasional guy that comes in ranting.

Quote :

"I have a list as long as hillsborough st. of clients that have no problems at all, meaning 100% success with our toner carts. new or old printers. we get our parts from staticcontrol.com out of sanford....all the parts are thouroughly tested before being offered for sale. It doesn't pay to be in this buisness if we don't know what we are doing. "

Like I said, I don't doubt the quality of your products or business ethics, I'm just stating that refurbed/remanufactured toner is not a good idea in new Lasers.

Quote :

"I'd say that 45-50% off is a bit more than slightly cheaper...just throwing that out there."

Maybe off of retail new cartridges, but no way its even close to that compared to the hundreds of online refurb cartridge sellers.

As for the cursing, I apologize for that, although I hardly consider "hell" a curse word to become upset over.

But really, buy an Ad man, this is advertising spam in the thread.

5/3/2006 5:02:08 PM

where would one find a continuous ink system for hp and canon printers?

5/3/2006 6:33:20 PM

Quote :

"That's because its part of the ink technology. Silicon could very well be used as an additive ingredient for the inks, but it's definitely not a malicious material."

it is malicious. no other brand uses it. it does nothing else but solidify at the print head due to heat when there's no ink left. It's sabotage.
and Im not spamming. I just wanna answer questions so that people are better informed.
and like I said before, come down to CW and talk to us for a few....id like to know a bit more about the expiration period, and battery trick you were talking about, if nothing else...Because knowing is half teh battle.

5/3/2006 8:58:29 PM

http://www.continuousink.com/categories.asp

5/5/2006 3:48:39 PM

I've got a pretty fair amount of experience with both OEM and refurbed HP toner cartridges, and I don't think I've ever seen a refurb cartridge physically damage a printer. What I *have* seen is that the refurb cartridges have a disturbing tendency to break/leak, resulting in toner getting in all kinds of offensive places inside the printer, and smears/streaks/colors on your printouts for a long time after. This may not apply to the ones from Cartridge World, haven't used any of their products, but I certainly don't trust the ones out of the Staples catalog.

Especially with the warranty spoken of, I'll probably give Cartridge World a try whenver I do need toner next for my home printer (old LaserJet 5M), because I would have a bit of a hard time paying near $100 for an OEM HP cartridge when I only paid $50 (used of course) for the printer itself. Hopefully it will be better quality.

5/5/2006 4:00:21 PM