[Leaplist] Printer Toner

[fmeco]

patrick wrote:
> I have two laser printers, that work well and are nice to use with my
> Linux, BSD, Apple/Macs.
>
> The Apple LazerSelect 360 was free, but, the original toner cartridge
> dated 1993 finally emptied after printout #5377, and a replacement brand
> new one on ebay was $17 delivered.
>
> I picked up a Brother 5 in 1 Fax, copier, scanner, printer, pc fax
> MFC-8500 for $25 at Thriftko.  It worked, but, it is now at the end of
> it's original 2004 TN-460 cartridge.
>
> Refilling is a viable option for me, though I see some refurb cartridges
> for $19 and up, and factory new ones for about $29 and up.
>
> Refill quantities of Toner are as pricey as the new cartridge.
>
> But, there are cartridges for HP Laserjet II/IIP/III for $4.95 each on
> close-out, as that model is a bit dated to most vendors.
>
> I figure I could buy a couple of those, and refill my empty cartridges,
>  the replaced Apple unit and this Brother TN-460.
>
> Anyone want to advise me of their experiences or opinions?
>
> Anyone have some bulk toner, or know where it is sold at a reasonable
> price?
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>   
All is not well in toner land and never has been.  Toner is simply a 
ground up thermal plastic with lamp black in it.  The quality of the 
toner, blackness which controls how black the print is on the paper, 
melting point are relatively standard between different suppliers.  The 
impurities in the toner is not standard.   Impure (cheep) toner will 
scum up the drum very quickly.  You can see the contamination on the 
drum by printing a total black page (assuming you have enough toner left 
to do that.  Take the cart out and shake it up, this will usually give 
you about another 50-100 prints. 

To fill or not to fill:   When you run a totally black page if you see 
bands of streaks the drum is scummed.  This is not fixable without 
replacing the drum so don't bother refilling.  In the old days when the 
drums were selinum based you could brasso the drum, as they were very 
hard.  The new ones (20 years) are based on a very soft material and 
can't be polished.

Buy refurbished or not.  The most expensive part of the whole cartrage 
is the drum.  Most commercial re-fillers never replace the drum, they 
just refill.. I have purchased many refilled carts and about 70% are 
unusable by my standards.. I always buy new when the drum is streaked.  
And then refill myself, refilling is a simple process..

Another caution.  The heat roller heats the toner and fuses the plastic 
to the paper.  Guess what Florida heat does to toner if its kept in a 
truck or car for some time in the summertime.   Just another caution.

What is the number of your cartridges.. I have a couple laying 
around..   Fred