We have a R1800 for small prnt jobs here in the office. We outsource all other printing.

I've seen a lot of prices that are lower for Epson "compatible" inks. Has anyone used any of these?

I'm leary of not using Epson ink, but would love to save some $$ if possible.

What do yo do?

I tried the Media Street ink. While you do save quiet a bit on ink costs. I had to redo all my paper profiles, etc. Plus the MOST OBNOXIOUS thing was the head cleaning. I have never had to clean printer heads more often than when using their ink. And yes, I turned the printer off every night (their recommendation).

It was so bad, at one point I couldn't get them clean no matter what I did. Both my 800 and 1800 zonked-out because when you clean, it flushes the system with ink to clear any clogs...which means it fills up the ink maintenance tank (and WASTES INK).

With the 1800 you must bring it in to get it "fixed". Only with the 1800 they just gave me a new one...I was told the 1800 printers are difficult to change those out, so if your printer is under warranty, Epson just sends a new one. The 800 they replaced the maintenance tank.

I prefer to use my 4000 anyway, but can't print less than 8.5x11 sheet.

I did not really save any money because of the CONSTANt head cleaning which used a lot of ink to flush the system. I cannot recommend it unless they have improved their ink formula to take care of this issue.

I changed back to Epson and check the heads everyday. I have only had to clean them twice in 6 months since I changed back. I did not use that printer for a while so I think that was the main reason.

I have to say a TOTAL WASTE OF MONEY since I had it on 2 printers @$400 each plus ink for both.

Has anyone found or used a cutter for the R1800?

I see the other models come with a built in cutter, and the R1800 comes with a roll attachment, so I assume that a cutter is available for it.

I would run far far away from 3rd party inks.

A used pro printer will save you more in the long run.

Here's a price breakdown of my Epson 4800, using 110ml inks (220 is available to further cut costs), and using Ilford Gallerie Smooth Pearl 16x100' roll.

Corey - thanks - I suspected as much on the inks. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is...

We are a little way from getting a pro printer, since we are just finishing up our first year Too many other equipment costs to get started, so we had to start small with the printer. I would love to move up to a higher Epson.

Do you do all your prints, use a lab or a combo?

The R1800 doesn't come with a built in cutter so I'm not sure roll will be easy to use unless there is an add on for it.

Thanks for the numbers!

heres a new one for you guys, i knwo that in the uk its called jetone with a rooster on the front, black box maybe different, its one of the top compatibles. but the point is that epson own it, can you believe it? just remember that if you use comaptibles and dont use your printer alot youll have problems, why because epson dont have replaceable heads for printers wheras canon and hp do. but no worries you can fix your printer for 20£ here in uk so probably about 40-50 in us if you run into trouble, just buy a cleaner fluid and run it through your printer at the end of each. youll save a heap and if your compatibles are good not downgrade your printer and still end up giving epson profit! something i was told by a printers firm working beside my current workplace in ireland. thought id pass it on seeing the post.