The Volt still looks a little high-dollar to me for what it is... Though definitely cheaper than what you were using. You can find comparable KR808 kits (2 batts and charger) for as little as $30, and you can buy all the accessories individually and come out way cheaper than the Volt. BUT, if you know you're on board, you may consider spending a little more and getting a nice variable voltage mod. The ProVari and the Darwin are currently kind of the Cadillac models, and you can get moving for around $200 on either one...
Definitely can clean the cartos you have... Lots of videos and such available here, just run a search. I boil, dump, boil again until the water runs clean and the boiling bubbles don't hold (which is a sign of residue in the water). Usually takes about three boils per batch. Then I shake as much water out as I can (I put a carto condom on half way, and shake them like I'm shaking down an analog thermometer, but a taryn spin works well too, also search for taryn spin). Then I bake them on the lowest setting in my toaster oven, about 150 F, for about an hour and a half. They come out like new.
Again, lots of info here, but that's what works for me...
So, welcome to ECF, and do your homework before you buy anything!
W