Ink Swap Chronicles: Transitioning from CLI 551 to GI-53/56 Inks on Canon iP8750

Acknowledgements and Supplier Shoutout:

First and foremost, a shoutout to the community members who paved the way for this ink swap journey. Special thanks to "the Hat" for initial guidance and "Ink Stained Fingers" for their detailed write-ups and fade tests on the forum.

For supplies, our user turned to Octoink.co.uk, where Martin's exceptional customer service, prompt delivery, and reasonable pricing earned a nod of approval. Martin's YouTube tutorials also proved to be a goldmine of information. For those considering an ink swap, Octoink comes highly recommended.

Motivation Behind the Switch:

The driving force behind this venture was undeniable – significant cost savings. With Canon OEM CLI 551 XL cartridges priced at £19 each and a 60ml bottle of OEM GI-53/56 ink available for about £13 at Staples UK, the decision was clear. This switch not only saved money but also provided a better alternative to compatible inks, known for their shorter lifespan compared to OEM inks.

The Experience:

1. Chip Resetting:

Before delving into the ink refill process, our user wisely employed the Redsetter to reset the chips in the cartridges. While not mandatory, using a chip reset device eliminates the need for manual ink level monitoring.

2. Stopper Ball Removal and Resealing:

Careful and patient, our user used pointed needle-nose tweezers to remove the stopper balls, steering clear of more invasive techniques like drilling. The key takeaway here is patience. Resealing was accomplished with aluminum foil tape.

3. Refilling Process:

A valuable lesson was learned during the refilling process – avoid overfilling cartridges. Our user, armed with Tupperware boxes, managed potential overflow. A longer syringe would have eased the process, a detail to note for future endeavors.

4. Full Test Printing:

The user conducted comprehensive test prints on different papers, adjusting settings for optimal results. The first test, using Canon OEM A4 265 g/m2 Photo Paper Plus Glossy II, met expectations with vibrant colors and sharp details. The second test, with PPD A3+ Inkjet Satin Premium Photo Paper, yielded similar positive results.

Longevity Consideration:

A fellow community member highlighted an essential point – switching to GI-53/56 inks might not match the longevity of the original Chromalife 100+ inks. While our user acknowledged this, they found the results close enough to be satisfactory.

Community Interaction and Positive Vibes:

The forum conversations didn't solely revolve around technicalities. Users shared appreciation for OctoInkjet's continued excellent service, with a nod to Martin's helpfulness. Grandparenting anecdotes even found their way into the discussion, reminding us of the human side behind the tech talk.

In Summary:

The transition from CLI 551 to GI-53/56 inks proved to be a rewarding journey, combining cost efficiency with print quality that rivals the original Chromalife 100+ inks. While hiccups were encountered, the overall experience was deemed worthwhile by our intrepid user.

TLDR:

In a nutshell, our Canon iP8750 user successfully swapped CLI 551 cartridges for GI-53/56 inks, achieving notable cost savings. Learning from the experience, the user advises on proper filling techniques. Despite initial hiccups, the end result boasted great print quality. Kudos to Octoink and forum members for their guidance.

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