? About tray ladders

[ann]

For years we have been using these in our gang darkroom and I would like to replace what we have

At one time I purchased from calumet but they aren't in business anymore

I don't remember the manufactures name which doesn't help but. Does anyone out there have an idea of where they can be purchased

 

[Rick A]

Possibly Leedal?
http://www.leedal.com/

 

[Ronald Moravec]

Mine is made from plywood like a step stool with 6"
steps.

 

[ann]

Thanks I checked that site but that stuff is too big. These racks hold 11x14 trays. 3 in a vertical direction

 

[Rick A]

Try contacting B&H about one, I found this on their site, but cannot find it listed.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/Product_Resources/darkroom/sinks.jsp

 

[ann]

Thanks. I checked their website but it was listed. I may try to give them a call to see what happens

 

[AgX]

Mine is made from plywood like a step stool with 6"
steps.

Yes, DIY.
Maybe a metal skeleton construction riveted together, with U-type horizontal profiles to take the rims of the trays.

 

[Jim Jones]

I've used a plastic covered metal Tray-Rak frame that holds three 11x14 or 16x20 trays that have turned-down lips like Cesco and some other trays. It was made by the Richard Mfg. Co. in Fernandina Beach, FL.

 

[BobMarvin11225]

I bought a Leedal 16 X 20 tray ladder from Calumet shortly before they went out of business. It's a beautiful piece od equipment, MUCH sturdier than their 11 X 14 model, which I bought years before from the late , lamented Porters, It was back-ordered, but but one else had it listed. I suspect that Leedal makes them to order. Maybe if you contact them directly.

 

[Fujicaman1957]

Take your tray racks to a machine shop and ask them if they can make something like it in stainless steel.

 

[ann]

We have three sets but I am getting tired of the need to sand them and repaint every few years

Never understood how a product that was to be used in wet darkroom rusted easily and so quickly.

Always got them from calumet out of Chicago before they "tanked"

Thanks to all for the tips

 

[AgX]

As said one could make a holder oneself from aluminium profiles. Best would be a good metal workshop welding such from stainless steel, even in "medical-cabinet" quality.

 

[Neal]

Dear ann,

Consider having them powder coated. The process should make them rust free for many years.

Good luck,

Neal Wydra

 

[Fujicaman1957]

Ann, try this....sand em' down and spray them with Rustolum truck bed liner spray paint. Walmart has it in automotive. I built a darkroom sink with the stuff from the gallon size brush on can-no leaks!

I also have a copy of a page from a 1975 Modern Photo that has a small picture of a Richard tray rack. If you want it to show to a machine shop, PM me with a mailing address and I'll sent it to you.

 

[Fujicaman1957]

Ann...print this out if you decide to go the machine shop route

 

[darkroommike]

Ann...print this out if you decide to go the machine shop route View attachment 183777 View attachment 183777

That one is a Richards, vinyl coated steel rods. I think Richards (USA) is gone. There is another Richards in the UK not affiliated, as far as I know.

I have one I used when I had a much smaller setup and darkroom.

 

[Fujicaman1957]

Mike, I found a listing that matches up with the last info Pop Photo had.

Richard Manufacturing
3070 South 8th St.
Fernandia Beach FL 32034

904-261-4075