I've gotten into the habit lately of mixing before every job to make the ink more creamy and easier to use. I'm currently only on a manual and it's been cold but I see this continuing into the spring.
Also, I use the top of coat hangers cut down and put in a drill. So easy to clean, I haven't taken it out for weeks. Just a quick wipe with a cloth and I'm good to go.
edited to add an image of a coat hanger special. I am going to look into getting these made by a local metal shop so the straight part is longer and I can not worry about getting ink on the drill. I am stepping this up to a table top top drill in the next few weeks.