printer maintenance

MikeTurnrose · Post by **MikeTurnrose** » Thu Jul 28, 2011 2:02 pm

I have a cheap HP printer that I've been using for at least 5 years. It squeeks pretty loud when the paper is printing out through the roller. Can these things be lubricated? What about WD40 or silicon spray? Thanks.

E_Page · Post by **E_Page** » Thu Jul 28, 2011 2:34 pm

If you don't mind greasy printouts to which ink won't stick, go ahead and try that WD-40 thing.

Otherwise, I think you provided your own answer when you stated "I have a CHEAP HP printer..." They've only gotten less expensive in the last 5 years. You can probably replace one you paid $300 for 5 years ago with one of comparable function and quality for less than $150 now. If all you're doing is printing letters, or even CRs, there are plenty that can do that adequately for under $100.

T. S. Higgins · Post by **T. S. Higgins** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 6:02 am

I agree with Evan; there are several with all-in-one capability (and wireless) that can be had for under $150. Just ensure that the printer you are looking at doesn't have exorbitant ink cartridge costs. I'm looking at you, Epson.

More to your original question; 3-in-1 Oil will do the best job. WD-40 evaporates, so it tends to stop working, and can result in poor print quality if you have any overspray onto other components.

Ian Wilson · Post by **Ian Wilson** » Sat Jul 30, 2011 7:18 am

Mike:

Costco has a Brother MFC5895CW All-in-One color printer capable of 11x17 prints for just $99.99 with the coupon. I've got a coupon for you if you need one.

land butcher · Post by **land butcher** » Sat Jul 30, 2011 2:57 pm

Last year I saw a decent HP printer for less then the ink cartage's at Walmart

Anthony Maffia · Post by **Anthony Maffia** » Mon Aug 01, 2011 10:21 pm

My Brother MFC-6490CW rocks - 2 trays, 11x17 printing & scanning, paper feeder, tons of networking options, and ink is cheap, not like epson or hp. 10 cartridges, 4 black, 2 magenta, 2 cyan, 2 yellow for $10 shipped.

I got it for $225 last year through Amazon, but I think there must be a newer model by now.

Not for printing pictures, though.

E_Page · Post by **E_Page** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 10:51 am

I was at Walmart last night and saw several brand name printers, including multi-function ones for under $100, including two basic no frills printers at $39 & $59, respectively (I think the brand was Brother).

With all these options, it makes the cost of repairing an old printer seem liek wasted $.

Anthony Maffia · Post by **Anthony Maffia** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 11:12 am

A $39 new printer with ink may sound like a bargain, but often there is only enough ink to print 100 sheets. The next set of ink cartridges is $50, or for an Epson maybe $100.

land butcher · Post by **land butcher** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 11:30 am

Printer makers are in the ink business, printer mfg is a sideline.

My Epson 1280 eats black ink and the cartage's are not cheap.