Question for Epson 1400 users

[screenxpress]

Does the ink rub off film easily?  Been seeing this using HP9800 and think it may be from ink differences....or is it?

[Ripcord]

I had an Epson 1520 for a long time and didn't have the rubbing problems that I have with the HP9800. It's because Epson uses dye based ink as opposed to the pigment based HP ink. (I assume the 1400 uses the same ink...) This also means you can use non waterproof film, which is a little cheaper.

That being said, I'd rather use the HP any day and just be careful with the film. You can buy ink in bulk and refill the cartridge for a few pennies as opposed to having to buy genuine Epson cartridges to keep from clogging the head. If the HP head clogs and you can't clear it, you just need to put in a new cartridge and your problem is solved. I'll never go back to Epson printers.

[Prosperi-Tees]

I use a 1400 with dye based ink and dont have any problems on either wp film or non wp film.

[ftembroidery]

I have no experience with the Epson printers, I just had the HP9800.  I used Murakami  Kimoto film and HP or generic-eBay ink.  I don't remember a  problem with the ink rubbing off and I kept my films for years.

Welcome to the board Neil.  Good to finally see you here.

edit: I put the wrong manuf. of the film....another "senior moment".

[Binkspot]

We run two 1400's with both types of films and bulk ink from Films Direct and never had trouble with ink rubbing off. I do let my films dry for about 15 min before using them to give the ink time to dry.

[screenxpress]

I had an Epson 1520 for a long time and didn't have the rubbing problems that I have with the HP9800. It's because Epson uses dye based ink as opposed to the pigment based HP ink. (I assume the 1400 uses the same ink...) This also means you can use non waterproof film, which is a little cheaper.

That being said, I'd rather use the HP any day and just be careful with the film. You can buy ink in bulk and refill the cartridge for a few pennies as opposed to having to buy genuine Epson cartridges to keep from clogging the head. If the HP head clogs and you can't clear it, you just need to put in a new cartridge and your problem is solved. I'll never go back to Epson printers.

This brings up a different question. Since I also have a 1400 (boxed/new), if I break it out, being a low volume printer, how often would I need to print a test (color) page to keep the nozzels from clogging?

[Prosperi-Tees]

I had an Epson 1520 for a long time and didn't have the rubbing problems that I have with the HP9800. It's because Epson uses dye based ink as opposed to the pigment based HP ink. (I assume the 1400 uses the same ink...) This also means you can use non waterproof film, which is a little cheaper.

That being said, I'd rather use the HP any day and just be careful with the film. You can buy ink in bulk and refill the cartridge for a few pennies as opposed to having to buy genuine Epson cartridges to keep from clogging the head. If the HP head clogs and you can't clear it, you just need to put in a new cartridge and your problem is solved. I'll never go back to Epson printers.

This brings up a different question. Since I also have a 1400 (boxed/new), if I break it out, being a low volume printer, how often would I need to print a test (color) page to keep the nozzels from clogging?

I have let my epson sit for a week and have not had a problem.

[Ripcord]

This brings up a different question. Since I also have a 1400 (boxed/new), if I break it out, being a low volume printer, how often would I need to print a test (color) page to keep the nozzels from clogging?

Mine clogged from using generic ink. After I had it fixed I only bought Epson ink and it never clogged again. But the ink was expensive, which I why I like the HP. I bought a half pint bottle of ink and a syringe for about $25 and it lasted more than a year, during which time I think I replaced the cartridge twice.

[ZooCity]

Hey Wayne,

I went through the cart of stock ink that came with our 1400 (Epson Claira, dye-based, fyi) and it made excellent films.  I switched to the MIS Claira drop-in replacement (so I didn't have to bother flushing lines) and it did work as a drop-in with no clogging but evaporates much more slowly and leaves a clear halo around the image area. 

In both cases, I didn't really test for scratch resistance or longevity because I don't find Fixxons (MicroJet) type "WP" films to be very worthy of archiving for over a year anyhow.   The WP I've used sucks in terms of longevity compared to the Kimoto I used in the past. I used to archive those films for years and still use some of them for a few repeat jobs every year to this day.  This year I'm going to try and get back on the non-wp film perhaps but have other things to tend to first. 

As far as clogging goes, general Epson rules apply:  leave it on all the time and try to print with it at least weekly if you can.  Ours is a backup unit that has the black as refillable with the rest stock epson colors.  I'll print job tickets on it a few times of week to keep it moving and all's usually well.  Newer Epsons are much less likely to have clogged heads than everyone's old standby the 3k's generation were.   Leaving them on at all times is key however, I think most run lighter auto head cleanings this way which probably uses much less ink over the long run than shutting down/starting up and doing power cleans. 

1400 is a bangin deal and makes excellent film.  Get a replacement warranty on it from one of those box stores and haul it back in for another if it goes down. 

[screenxpress]

Thanks for the info. 

I got the 1400 on an online special deal and it was really a bargain.  Didn't have the opportunity to buy an extended warranty, but I never buy them anyway, lol.

[Ripcord]

This brings up another good point. If you do get a warranty, make sure it's for replacement, not repair. I had a repair warranty on my 1520 and it was nearly worthless because I had to take it to an authorized Epson repair center where it sat for weeks before they fixed it. I had to buy a laser printer to get my work done while I waited for it and on top of that every time I called to ask about it the guy said I could have it anytime I wanted, but if I wanted him to fix it I'd have to wait. (Wise guy...)

[JBLUE]

Here is where the time is money is great example. You can pick up a 1400 for under 200 bucks. Working on the printer and spending hours messing with it just cost you more money than if you bought a new one. I am all for trying to fix something and save a buck but when your down and cant print you are losing money no matter how you look at it.

[Ripcord]

Here is where the time is money is great example. You can pick up a 1400 for under 200 bucks. Working on the printer and spending hours messing with it just cost you more money than if you bought a new one. I am all for trying to fix something and save a buck but when your down and cant print you are losing money no matter how you look at it.

This is very true. Once I spent more than half an hour trying to gun out a misprint on a $3.00
T-shirt...and I couldn't get it out so I had to get another shirt anyway! I wasted time and money both.

[Sbrem]

Here is where the time is money is great example. You can pick up a 1400 for under 200 bucks. Working on the printer and spending hours messing with it just cost you more money than if you bought a new one. I am all for trying to fix something and save a buck but when your down and cant print you are losing money no matter how you look at it.

I have three without any serious issues. All non Epson ink, from inksupply.com. Black dye based for positive films with AccuRIP on one, another for color proofs and the 3rd for heat transfers. I'll admit Epsons can have their issues, but I have an old, 10 years at least, 880 that just won't die or clog, even with cheapo inks.

Steve

[Northland]

...I've never had the Epson ink rub off a film. I'm using refill ink in my 1400 and it's trouble free too.

I like my 1400 (and FilmMaker rip) so much that I bought a second 1400 to put on the shelve, just in case my main printer pukes during a busy time. Every once in a while Epson has them for $179 with free shipping.