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Subject: Tip for those making phototransparencies: cleaning out inkjet printheads

From: Steve Greenfield <alienrelics@...>
Date: 2003-07-14

For Stefan, maybe you can clean out that printer using this tip. Or
for anyone else using an inkjet to make transparencies, plagued by
clogged heads.

I just cleaned a black printhead that was completely clogged. Canon
BJC 6000, not a spot of black ink coming out.

I tried household ammonia, like I did on another printhead. Gentle
application by wiping the bottom with a lint free rag, sort of
pushing ammonia into the inkfeed screen with a plastic eyedropper
didn't budge it.

So I borrowed a tip from Epson users- I found an adapter that fit
the inkfeed port and put it on a 5mL syringe. I warmed the
household ammonia in the microwave (careful! fumes deadly) and
forced it through the head, starting slowly. Tada! Tiny jets of
dissolved ink came out. I ran through about 5 or 6 syringes worth,
last 2 came out clear. Completely cleaned out now. Blew distilled
water through it several times to flush the ammonia, then just air.

Not that hard, really, and easier than doing it on an Epson because
you can't remove an Epson's heads.

This should work on removing Future Acrylic Floor Polish, as it too
is meant to be removed with household ammonia.

I picked up an Epson 800 (not color) and I'm going to clean it and
try Future in it. My only caveat is I don't have a cartridge for it
but I think I can get around that. The inkfeed is a spike with
several holes on it, just the right size to put some vinyl tubing
over. I also have some refill ink so I can test it with that, and
then put a small amount mixed with the Future polish. The Epson 800
has a removeable back to clear paper jams, but looks like it can be
used as a straight through paper path.

Of course, we still don't know if after all this the Future will
stay put on the copper or run everywhere.

Steve Greenfield
http://www.polyphoto.com
I may not know Art, but I do know his brother Bob.

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