Digital BW, The Print

I'm wondering what the bulk of their business is. Is it selling carbon inksets to artists or do they make a fair share of their money selling bulk systems of straight cmyk+++ to the printing trade.

I work prepress at a sheetfed lithographer and we use two Epson 9600s, two Canon IPF8000s and an Epson 9800 for color proofing and imposition foldup proofs. We go through quite a bit of ink and lately I've been getting pressure to find some savings in ink. I was considering looking into third party inks, specifically, MIS. But with this recent round of non-support I must say that it would be out of the question. 

The quadtone inks for my stuff at home is one thing. Usually no big deal if I have to wait a day or two. But imagine being in a fast paced production environment and having a problem and having to wait a week or more for a resolution. Don't think I wanna put my neck in that noose.

Is it possible to get the base carbon black from somewhere else (Image Specialists) and make the base yourself and mix the various dilutions. I can imagine that is what Paul is doing. No?

What would you need? A good digital scale, some graduated cylinders and a few flasks/beakers.  I already have a nice water distiller. Makes a gallon in about 4 hours.

I can dream can't I?

Clark