Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
Hi, I'm new around here and I've been reading everything possible for the last 2 weeks on this site regarding heat presses, heat transfer paper, and pigment ink printers. My desire is to print my own images on heat transfer paper and press it on recycled cotton totes. I thought I had finally decided on purchasing an Epson C120 as this is what many people seem to have and is what Babalou said he'll probably purchase when his C88 dies. It also is an Energy Star printer which I really like. But when I did a review check on some other sites (Amazon, Yahoo, CR) for the C120 almost every review I read says it's an ink guzzler and not to purchase it. Will the printer use less ink when using with heat transfer paper than with regular or photo paper as most people writing the reviews use? Or do all of the pigment printers use a lot of ink and this is just something that we have to accept in this industry? I also was thinking that I could bypass the issue of the C120 using a lot of ink by purchasing a CIS for it, but then I've read a lot recently on here where people are having issues with color correctness of CIS's and the C120. Help! I think I've read too much and now feel like I haven't made any progress in regards to a printer. I'm open to purchasing a more high-end model, I just don't need an all-in-one because of an HP that I already own. I'd really appreciate any help you can provide me!
Hi again, I posted this plea for help pretty late last night. So I thought I'd ask again. Really, ANY advice on the subject would be appreciated! Thanks so much!
I have not heard the the C120 is an 'ink guzzler' but I don't use mine a lot. It should not make any difference if you are printing on transfer paper or regular paper. I am not a great fan of this printer...even though I own one simply because it uses 2 black carts..for a total of 5 carts...I think buying a 1400 which only has one more cart (total of 6) and will print 13 x 19 paper. While it does come with claria ink (some forum members say they have good luck with the OEM ink and using JPSS paper) you can get a bulk system and over time the cost of the printer over the C120 will equal out. Right now Epson is selling the 1400 for 299.99 with free shipping.
Thanks so much for the information! That's exactly what I was looking for.
Glad you found what you were looking for I was only going to add, that I have never known the 120 to "guzzle ink" either. i have both a c88 and a 120. although i do use the c88 more.
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Thanks for the additional feedback. I also heard back from Babalou and he stated that some of the people who reviewed the printer could also be using the wrong settings. I didn't realize that when printing transfers I wouldn't need to use the highest quality photo setting. This will help reduce the amount of ink used as well. Thanks again for the support! I love this forum and am so glad to find a supportive and intelligent group of people to chat with!
Does Epson C120 guzzle ink? 
I was only going to add, that I have never known the 120 to "guzzle ink" either. i have both a c88 and a 120. although i do use the c88 more. 
