A choice on light box dimensions...

[GreyWolf]

Well I am slowly progressing along towards becoming an actual "AP" printer. Of course in my usual and fussy way I have decided that I will build a light box before doing my first print rather than use the sun. I tend to enjoy working in a controlled and completely logical method so the variance of sunlight does not suit me well.

I have researched the cost of UV lights and have now a decision to make. Should I go with 30 watt fluorescent BL's that are 36 inches long or perhaps I should choose the other option which is 20 watt fluorescent BL's that are 24 inches long?

With the 36 inch long ones I can use fewer bulbs (vertically aligned) and still build a box that will do a 16x20 print. On the other hand I can use the 24 inch bulbs (horizontally) and of course must purchase 12 bulbs to get the same job done.

So all you masters of the "Alternate Process Society" ... which way should I go and why do you recommend this solution?

As always...thanks for taking the time to guide a new tenderfoot along the trail. :roll:

Kind Regards,

 

[sanking]

I have researched the cost of UV lights and have now a decision to make. Should I go with 30 watt fluorescent BL's that are 36 inches long or perhaps I should choose the other option which is 20 watt fluorescent BL's that are 24 inches long?

I recommend making the largest UV bank that will fit comfortably into your working space. Here in the states the 48" tubes and components are often cheapter than 24" and 36" tubes so when I compared costs it was actually less expensive for me to build a 48" unit than a 24" one. This may or may not be true in other locations.

Even if you never plan to make really big prints having the extra space will allow you to make several exposures at a time if you desire. With my large unit, for example, I can expose a two or three 12X20 negatives at a time. This can be quite an advantage with alternative processes because of the long exposure times involved.

 

[cjarvis]

I built a box around a dozen 24" tubes using the specs in the Sullivan and Weese book. It easily accomodates my 16x20 frame and is (relatively) portable. (I keep it in a closet, away from the curious hands of my three year old.)

I would agree with Sandy that building a printer around 48" tubes is probably at least as cost effective as the aformentioned 24" version, but space is going to be the determining factor.

 

[Jan Pietrzak]

GreyWolf

Space is the first thing to think about. The 2, 4ft boxes I use have 8 tubes. Just fine for all the work I do. I also have a 2ft box that I use for demos, also with 8 tubes. It's a matter of space. The 2ft box costs as much to build as the 4ft box. Price on the tubes was the same, balast about the same also.

Hope this helps
Jan

ps. Oh Sandy, the AP trophy is in Los Angeles