Inkjet cleaning cycles killing ink-> Unplug when not in use?

[JEDI]

Brother MFC 210c

I only use it to make copies, and 90% of the time it's just black and white.

the problem is that even if I turn the printer off, it still go thru a cleaning cycle every few days.

I've only made like 5 copies since replacing all the ink cartridges and now it's requiring a new Yellow ink cartridge.
(All the copies were black and white.)
and it wasn't even me trying to make a copy. it gave me an error beep while doing a cleaning cycle.

I'm thinking about just unplugging it till I need it.
What do you think?

 

[nickbits]

What about leaving it on all the time?

Are you saying it does a cleaning cycle at random or just before printing sometimes? If the latter, I don't see unplugging it accomplishing much.

 

[Stuka85]

i got tired of ink printers because of that, you have to be using them several times a week so the cartridge doesnt get clogged. i bought laser printer and i never had that ptoblem again, even if you dont use it for a year.

 

[JEDI]

What about leaving it on all the time?

Are you saying it does a cleaning cycle at random or just before printing sometimes? If the latter, I don't see unplugging it accomplishing much.

yup, cleaning cycles at random, even if I turn the printer off.
it comes on by itself and does a cleaning cycle, then turns it self off.

 

[mfenn]

The printer goes through a cleaning cycle to clean dried ink from the heads. If you unplug it, the heads will become blocked over time. So you'll need to run a cleaning cycle before you print.

But yes, I agree that a laser is going to be more frugal when it comes to supply usage, especially when the printer is so lightly used.

 

[JEDI]

The printer goes through a cleaning cycle to clean dried ink from the heads. If you unplug it, the heads will become blocked over time. So you'll need to run a cleaning cycle before you print.

But yes, I agree that a laser is going to be more frugal when it comes to supply usage, especially when the printer is so lightly used.

I use this inkjet as a copier/scanner for the rare times I have to make a copy or a scan.

 

[xgsound]

Here is a link to $2.99 each ink cartridges for your MFC210 printer. It's $5.00 for shipping by USPO. At $17.00 a set delivered instead of $62.00, usage becomes less important. http://www.swiftink.com/Brother-MFC-210C-Ink-and-Toner-Cartridges-s/1157.htm Code " USA " even gives a 10% discount until July 10th.

I have no experience with Brother, but I have used their ink for a Canon IP5000 for years.

Jim

 

[Stuka85]

dont waste more on cartidges, go ahead with a laser printer, after 1 or 2 years spending on new cartridges you would have bought a new laser printer that doesnt have this issue. they are cheap and have a better copy mechanism than the ink printers.

 

[corkyg]

If you connect the printer to a power switchbox, and turn it off, it can't start by itself to clean. Best advice is still - go laser!

 

[JEDI]

isn't a laser all-in-one (printer/scanner/copier) expensive?
and big?

 

[Blain]

People still use ink jets?

 

[Binky]

Ink jets are great for photos, and terrible for anything else. Ditch it if you're not doing photos. Even business color stuff is MUCH better on laser. Just spend the money now and avoid the hassle. The small Samsung and brother B&W lasers are hassle free and cheap to maintain.

 

[mfenn]

isn't a laser all-in-one (printer/scanner/copier) expensive?
and big?

More expensive up front than an inkjet, but you'll save a bunch on supplies. They're not really all that much bigger either. Here's a $160 B/W Brother MFC (w/ duplexer).