building darkroom sink - need advice on materials

[dickgent]

PVC is the way to go.

I jus built my custom Darkroom sink. 24" X 72" with a 1-1/2" drain. Like you, Stainless was impractical to work (tig welding). I came across i/8" PVC sheet 48"X96" $56 at a sign shop. Plywood 1/2"X48"X96" and 2x4" legs an sides. A heat gun forms the PVC in the corners and nothing is easier to seal than PVC with cement and latex caulking. This such an easy sink to build if you can wrap a present you can make this sink. Best of it is a snap to repair with left over PVC and PVC cement. Post if you would like to see pictures of its construction. Good Luck!!

 

[ROGERC]

Before building a sink, I would check around at places which may still have a darkroom installed but unused. It is likely you can pick up a VERY NICE Kreonite or Arkay sink for the cost of hauling it away, and maybe a full darkroom setup to go with it.

If it is necessary to build one, plywood substructure (you can make to size), with fiberglassing is a great way to to.

Look at some darkroom sink pictures in the net for ideas to adapt to your specific situation.

 

[dancqu]

If it is necessary to build one, ...

I've spent years working in a number of darkrooms
which had no more than wash up sinks. Apparently
BIG sinks were not considered desirable. For myself
counter space and it's versatility counts more. Dan

 

[CBG]

Big sinks vs big countertops

I've spent years working in a number of darkrooms
which had no more than wash up sinks. Apparently
BIG sinks were not considered desirable. For myself
counter space and it's versatility counts more. Dan

Interesting. Could you offer any detail on how you dealt with trays, spills and wetness in general, an overview of the workflow.

I'm not picturing your setup or process clearly, and think it a very intriguing concept since it runs at odds with my preconceptions.

I have always thought of the general purpose darkroom sink as a counter top or workspace with an edge to contain liquids. Basically a wet table. I haven't ever used a really deep edge. I have always tried to get as much horizontal sinkspace area as possible. But your commentary makes it sound like there may be a very different approach and I'm interested.

Thanks,

C

 

[DannL]

I think if I were to approach a homemade work sink project I would try something similar to one of these . . .

http://www.stacksandstacks.com/html/44079_sterilite-underbed-storage-box-32-quart-17568012.htm

Heck, it's already a sink minus a drain system. A little PVC tubing and RTV will fix that. Similar tubs can be purchased for much less elsewhere, surely. I'd probably line up three in a row on a plastic folding table. I've used these types of tubs for long term storage of liquid in an outside environment, without trouble (years, winter and summer). Just thinking out loud.

 

[dancqu]

[QUOTES=CBG;594409]
"Interesting. Could you offer any detail on how
you dealt with trays, spills and wetness in general,
an overview of the workflow."

In times past I used the usual three tray procedure.
Spills and wetness? I don't recall those as being issues.
Perhaps less solution volumes were more the practice.
Undoubtedly some little clean up was involved. Today
I process on a counter and have only a few drops
here and there to wipe up.

"I'm not picturing your setup or process clearly,
and think it a very intriguing concept since it runs
at odds with my preconceptions."

"I have always thought of the general purpose
darkroom sink as a counter top or workspace with
an edge to contain liquids. Basically a wet table."

"...a counter...with an edge..." I'll allow for that but
not the "table". A table I think of as being a free
standing support.

So where to draw the line twixt counter and sink?
Characteristic of sinks are: 1 - a drain, 2 - a bottom
which slopes toward the drain, 3 - an inclosed recessed
space, 4 - and equipped with running water.

A counter has none of the above but is level and may
have a forward very low edge.

"I haven't ever used a really deep edge. I have always
tried to get as much horizontal sink space area as possible.
But your commentary makes it sound like there may be a
very different approach and I'm interested."

Nothing revolutionary. At least in years gone by sinks
were integrated with the counter. The sink was used
for preparing chemistry, washing up, and may have
held any washing apparatus. Dan