14x17 vs. 11x14 easel

[ggriffi]

I want to upgrade from speed easels to a four blade easel and have a question about the 14 x 17 size. I currently print no larger than 11x14 now and don't see that changing for the foreseeable future. So, what are the advantages to having the 14x17 over the standard 11x14?

TIA
g

 

[jovo]

I have both of these. They appear to be identical except the 'larger' one has a retaining metal rectangle that is normally screwed on to the 4 blade mechanism that can be detached to hold down the larger paper. I've never used it and can't imagine I ever will. Don't make size the issue in this case...buy whichever one is less espensive.

OTOH...consider buying instead a 16x20 or 20x24 easel. As four blade easels are waaaaay too expensive anyway, don't find yourself having to buy a larger one than you currently think you'll ever need someday in the future. It will be quite reassuring to know that you can make any size enlargement you may want or choose to without having to make a second purchase.

edit: the above sounds goofily contradictory. What I mean is that, since there isn't any 14x17 paper made that I know of in this country, that size is unnecessary. Since there IS 16x20 and larger paper available, make THOSE sizes the issue.

 

[Jeremy]

Gary,

If you're interested, I now have 2 11x14 4-blade easels and need to get rid of one.

-jd

 

[rbarker]

I have both the 11x14 and 16x20 Saunders easels. I only bring out The Monster when I need it, as it's really too large to do smaller sized prints conveniently with my setup.

 

[ggriffi]

John,

Thanks for the quick reply. Before I posted, I did a search about this and one of the threads had that "buy one size larger" than what you print now statement. I have been trying to justify getting one that size. I just don't know if I want to spend the extra money on one right now, as there a few other items that I want to upgrade as well. Going to 4x5 is killing me!

g

 

[Nick Zentena]

I think the 14x17 is a European size. 35x40? It also lets you do 12x16. Wasn't J&C selling 12x16 paper? Plus you can cut it down from rolls.

I've got a big easel and the thing is way too huge for every day use. It's a two blade and I guess a four blade might be better for smaller prints. Makes me very happy to have a 14x17 for normal use. When I have a need for the big paper I can pull out the monster. But I can't see using it for anything smaller then 16x20.

 

[ggriffi]

Thanks to all. Jeremy Moore has solved my dilema