Re-filling ink cartridges may be OK for some printers, but I would not
recommend it while your printer is under warranty.  If you read some of the
fine print you'll see that using non-manufacturer cartridges (re-fillables)
will void your warranty. It could also be a problem with certain types of
cartridges that use special inks.  Epson comes to mind because their
cartridges are electrically charged and often use proprietary inks to
achieve the photo-quality prints.  If you shop online for cartridges for
your printer you can get some real deals.  When you're refilling cartridges
attach some value to your time spent preparing to refill, refilling, and
cleaning up afterward.  I think if you pay yourself a minimum wage of
$10/hr. you'll find the money saving isn't much when weighed against the
danger of damaging your printer.  For instance, I can buy the color
cartridge for my Epson Stylus Photo 700 at CompUSA for $17.95, and have seen
it online for $14.95.  This is a 5 color cartridge that just wouldn't be
worth my time to refill.  The black cartridge is more expensive at the same
store, but is only $21.95.  I'd have to be saving the cost of the cartridge
to make it worthwhile.  HP cartridges are more expensive, but how much will
I really save?  Is the savings worth it when weighed against my printer not
working?  Kevin has a working system, but as he says, his cartridge is full
of ball bearings which have to reduce the already limited capacity of the
cartridge.  By now he must have to refill it much more often.  I am not
against refilling, nor do I work for a printer manufacturer.  I just think
as consumers we need to consider all sides of an issue.  If your time has
zero value, you have a printer that's out of warranty, and you are on a
budget, refills may be your cup of tea.


Sorry folks, I've lost the original thread, my apologies if I'm on the wrong
track.

I've been re-filling my Canon BJC-255SP black cartridge for so long now that
it
sounds like a musical instrument when I shake it, due to all the little
ball-bearings which have been pushed inside and replaced.
I simply buy 'Calidad' refillkits and follow the instructions, - although it
can be quite messy no matter how careful I am; - lots of old newspaper and
tissues are a must.
Recently decided to refill the 3 colour cartridge using the equivalent
kit, -
and it worked beautifully.
The colour on plain paper seems to be even better than the original,
although I
don't doubt that a lot of the success is due to the fact that I changed to a
better quality paper also. (Which is undoubtedly the problem with the paper
curling, some-one else had a problem with recently)
The Canon cartridges have a built in printer head so no doubt they won't
last
forever, but in the meantime I've saved about 70% on my printing costs.(Less
the
difference for better paper.)
Now I understand why there are so many little businesses offering to do
refills
- the original profit must be huge !

Kevin,
New Zealand.

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