P800 ink switch problem

[Kenneth Sky]

After switching to MK for Epson Legacy Textured, (absolutely beautiful paper) I switched back to PK to work with Epson Legacy Baryta and got horrible results. The problem was that all the PK nozzles were blocked. This took four cleaning cycles to correct. I don't know if others have experienced this problem with an otherwise flawless machine.

[rdonson]

In my experience it depends on how long you've used a PK or MK ink before switching.  I don't think I've ever performed more than 2 or 3 cleaning cycles though.  Humidity also seems to play a part. 

[Kenneth Sky]

I used PK just before switching to MK which hadn't been used for 6 months. It was after I switched back to PK within an hour this occurred. The only thing I can think of is that the textured paper was very snug when positioned from the front loader and seemed to touch the heads. Perhaps some superficial substrate clogged the head.

[Clark]

Yes, I have experienced the same problem with an SC P600. I print almost exclusively with PK on semi-gloss type paper, and switching to MK was a costly and time-consuming error.

Seems really like a huge design oversight from my POV, as it must be fairly common for people to use predominantly one type of paper for their work.

[rdonson]

http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-p700-and-p900-announced/

[Kenneth Sky]

So Epson's response to a design flaw is for the consumer to dump a perfectly good printer with a backup supply of expensive ink to buy a newer printer which may have another flaw. That business model may work for professionals but most of us are hobbyists. The P800 is a very good printer for my needs. It looks like I will have to avoid matte papers except when I have a batch to print to mitigate this problem. One thing for sure: I'm not in the market for the P900.

[rdonson]

That’s rather harsh and unwarranted.  Designs and technology constantly move forward. 

Most P800 users really like their printer.  I’m one of them. I’m not a pro printer but I’m not a noob either.  If I had to unclog the MK channel every 6 months I wouldn’t complain.  I haven’t had to do that often though. I rarely go that long before I print with MK. If you have the printer in a dry environment consider a humidifier.

[digitaldog]

I've had zero such issues with my P800, or the P600 before it, or my 3880. So yeah, it's indeed a rather harsh and unwarranted comment. Further I missed where Epson's response to a so called "design flaw" is for the consumer to dump a perfectly good printer. Where did they do so? As a professional, just asking....