I just bought a new 4880 Epson which I will be using for my Dye Sub business. I originally was going to use it as a hybrid using the Chromablast on one side. After reading hundreds (possibly thousands) of threads and reviews I changed my cartridge order so I will have all 8 colors in dye sub. I want to try out the whole heat transfer process, but I want to start out small. My plan is to convert my 1280 machines over to heat transfer inks. I am trashing the bulk systems due to clogging and other problems. I want to start with straight cartridges for now to make sure it is something I want to pursue.
1. What are the steps for purging the system? I do have the cleaning cartridges.
2. What ink and transfer paper is the best. I have played with a few using regular epson ink and magic touch and the results were not very good.
I was also thinking of changing one of my 1280s over to cartidges so that it would be portable for fairs. I know cost wise it is not the way to go but it is a great way to promote my company plus you can charge more. I want to do a booth where kids draw their own pictures and then I scan, sublimate onto a shirt or mug of of a laptop. I just need something smaller than my 4880 and my 16X20 press.
Lastly I still have all my 250ml bottles almost full from my bulk system. Can I get refillable carts for my 1280 machines. Heck I would even buy a smaller epson if I could do that because I am basically sitting on about $1,000.00 in Artanium ink.
Actually, I the OEM ink for the 1280 is dye-based. Try Refillable inkjet cartridge, refillable ink cartridges, ultrachrome printer inks for refillable carts. I haven't tried this particular cartridge but I think others have with success. They offer carts for several other models, so you could get a smaller c88+ or the newer c120. Just depends on whether you want the ability to use the 13" width of the 1280 or the 8.5" of the other printers.
This will probably work for transfer inks as well. If the sub inks work I am going to buy another set of carts for transfer inks. This is good news since I didn't know what I was going to do with these 1280 machines now that I have the 4880.
Does anyone how clogging issues compare with the Sub ink compared to transfer inks? I heard the transfer inks work a lot better because they are not as thick.
Turn 1280 dye sub into heat transfer machine 
