Building a Slot Processor, possible? Tips?

[Phillip P. Dimor]

For years I've used the trays. Not having a permanent darkroom, a slot processor makes much more sense. Well, except for the price.

Has anyone built their own? Or does anyone know of a good site with DIY plans? I'm sure I could find some suitable plastic through McMaster Carr..

 

[L Gebhardt]

I built one, actually had it built, out of 1/4" acrylic. It is 6 individual tanks that I strap together to make one unit. I added a drain valve to each tank. The slots are about 1" x 16" x 12". I use Jobo clips from their slot processor to hold the paper (2 for FB).

It works well. I would change the following: make the sides out of thicker acrylic; possibly use a textured material on the sides to prevent the paper from sticking as it is lowered in.

 

[L Gebhardt]

Also, I clean the unit with a Jobo Expert Drum cleaning sponge.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I built one once out of Lucite that I got from the local plastics store (Read Plastics outside of Washington DC). About the only major changes I would make would be to use textured plastic for the interior walls, like Larry said, and I did put in drain holes. The base was about 1/2", and the sides were 12"x16"x1/4", all put together in a single box to make it easy for transport. I had no problems with the 1/4" lucite for the sides. For a three slot processor, the base should be 1/2"x 12 1/2"x4". Two side walls should be 4"x16"x1/4". The rest is just measure and glue. Make sure when you are at the plastics place (or ordering off the website) that you get an epoxy glue that will yield watertight joints. I found it easiest to make butt-joints for all the seams of the tank.