Refilling a laser toner cartridge??

kit2007

18 years ago

Has anyone had experience with refilling a laser toner cartridge? My old Konica Minolta 2300 DL has finally run out of black toner. I have about 40% left of each of the colors so it is probably worthwhile to purchase a new black toner cartridge ($82.00) but refilling would cost less. I've seen both pros and cons about this in the past, but haven't actually heard any first-person experiences. If I had to replace all four cartridges, it would be more advantageous to just get a new printer. But I love this printer and can probably get a couple of more years out of the color cartridges. Any advice?

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Comments (6)

Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana
18 years ago
kit,

I don't know if laser toner cartridges are similar to 'ink' cartridges.

I don't have that particular printer, but here is my experience with filling an 'ink' cartridge.

After a lot of work, and prying, I finally got my cartridge apart (the top off), and got it refilled. When I put the cartridge back together and in the printer, it gave me an error message...out of alignment or something. I think I damaged the cartridge somewhat when I pried the top off. It 'was' a real chore. After several attempts, I got the message to go away and the printer working.
I think what I will do in the future, is drill a small hole in the top of cartridge, fill with ink via the needle, and then either put a piece of tape on the hole or a small dot of glue.

I'm with you...cheaper to get a new printer, than buy cartridges...what a shame.

Sue
kit2007
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks so much for your reply. I ran over to Sam's to see what they had (no cartridges) and checked a few places and comments on line. Negative comments about refills outweighed the positive so I decided to bite the bullet and buy a new cartridge. Amazon had the lowest price ($82.00) but indicated they would take a few days to ship. My husband works a few minutes away from CDW and they had them in stock....about $9 more, but I can have it tonight. So that is what I'm going to do. But, when the color toners go, I'm just going to buy a new printer. I agree with you....it is a shame. Thanks again.
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PKponder TX Z7B
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This is not exactly on topic, but I based the printer model that I recently purchased on the price of refills. I had a Lexmark that was relatively inexpensive, but the ink jet cartridges were $40! I just had a hard time rationalizing that the cartridges cost almost as much as the printer did originally. When it died, I got an HP 1320, inexpensive and the refills are $14.

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iowagirl2006
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I thought I was getting a great deal, until I figured out I was going through 3 times as many tanks!
kit2007
Original Author
18 years ago
Up and running again. So glad we just went and bought the new cartridge. Popped it in and was running immediately. I bought the printer in January, 2004 and I use it many times a day. So I think replacing the black cartridge once in 3-1/2 years isn't too bad.
mikie_gw
18 years ago
I just bought a B/W lazer thing. Not only is it an inexpensive nice simple copy machine, it prints and scans too. 3000 page life for a toner/drum cartridge $76. Which will should last me a very very long time. Don't have to worry about lack of use drying up one or more $45 hp ink cartridges or printing out everything in HP purple tone.

I figure I'll try the refill route when the toner does finally go bad from age - if some lightning doesnt cook the power brick first.

Refilling a laser toner cartridge??

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Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana

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Refilling a laser toner cartridge??

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Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana

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