Beseler universal 14 easel

[Toni H.]

Hello

Does someone have experience about working with a Beseler universal 14 easel. Are these beseler's any good or should I go with some saunders. I'm looking for a used four blade easel.

 

[panchromatic]

Hello

Does someone have experience about working with a Beseler universal 14 easel. Are these beseler's any good or should I go with some saunders. I'm looking for a used four blade easel.

I got one used off ebay for about $60 bucks... of course this replaced, well lets just say a very poor easel. Before this I never used a 4 bladed easel (only two) and I do like the easel. My main complaints are that the blades aren't always exactly at a 90degree angle, so when adjusting to different print sizes i've used a piece of cardboard or paper cut to make sure i'm at a perfect angle (sometimes i use masking tape to hold the blades) Now since mine was used i dont' know how it is brand new, but as far as sused i feel i got a good deal, and will be happy with it until i eventually pick something new up.

 

[mjs]

My Beseler 11x14 has always had the same problem with blade alignment; I bought it new (maybe?) 10-ish years ago. There doesn't seem to be any way of adjusting the blades' alignment permanently, as far as I know. On the other hand, the mis-alignment is consistant and I just give the blade a gentle nudge after placing the paper in it and I'm fine.

mjs

 

[bdial]

*bump*
I just bought one of these. If anyone has a manual, does it include a procedure for squaring it? I've found that the blades are adjustable if you loosen the two screws that hold them, but the procedure for getting the frame square to the base, and then the blades square to each other and the frame is elusive.
I admit, it's a fairly minor problem, and overall I like the easel, and it was a lot cheaper than the Saunder's go for.
Opinions, ideas?

Thanks
Barry

 

[fschifano]

I have a 4 bladed Saunders easel and occasionally the blades do go out of alignment. I can't comment about the Beseler unit, but I can say that the Saunders unit is truly first rate. Do not hesitate to pick one up if the need and opportunity arise. It is heavy, the blades rarely go out of alignment, and it holds even the most curly paper flat. If the blades do go out of alignment, they are easy to adjust. Simply loosen the two set screws holding each blade in place and gently nudge the blades into position. Check by measuring the diagonal from top left to bottom right and vice versa. When the dimensions match exactly, the blades are square. Simple geometry.

 

[bdial]

Squaring the blades to each other isn't so difficult, the Beseler also has a pair of screws that allow that adjustment. But that doesn't get them square to the paper slot, and if the frame is off then the blades will only be correct in one position. Actually, I think I've discovered all the places where adjustments can happen, I'm just curious if Beseler documents a recommended procedure. I'll be calling them, but I was curious if anyone here knows the procedure.
Maybe I'm just worrying too much.
Checking by measuring the diagonal is a good idea though, thanks for that, I've been relying on my woodworking square, which is accurate, but awkward to use on the easel.