David Nusbaum wrote:
I have been looking a monocrhome in sets and was wondering if any photographers here on MM has experience in this area?

One thing I haven't figured out is the workflow. Can I fully proof the B&W image in photoshop and then output to the printer?

Are any of these systems better or more practical than the others?

I have printed quad tone prints using carbon pigment inks from www.inksupply.com, for about two years.( Epson 980)

No major problems if I do a head cleaning each print day.   

Proofing was easy, but final prints require a little tweaking, but not much.  You do need to print in RGB, not grey scale.

I am getting ready to set up my old Epson 1200 to print carbon pigment.