Dry Mount Press Questions

Gentlemen, I chickened out on getting the old Seal press to work and have purchased a new one (http://geoknight.com/jp.html). I picked up the JP14 and it works like a dream. A transformer that could handle such wattage for the Seal press cost more than purchasing the JP14 and shipping it over to Sweden. Many thanks for helping me see the light!

I know you have settled this now, but for any one in a similar position in future: a cheap solution for 220V -> 110V conversion is to use one of the industrial transformers used on building sites (at least in the UK - not sure about other european countries or the antipodes etc). For safety, professional power tools are 110V and use a sealed transformer - usually orange - to step the voltage down.

Used ones can be had fairly cheaply in the shops or on auction sites - they are about 55 quid new for a 3kW unit in the UK. You will need a special plug to fit the socket on the transformer housing (readily available). Very robust and safe (overload protected & splash-proof).

Cheers,

Purchased Seal 150

lee said:

It would be my recommendation to use two 4 ply mat boards in the press. My pressed are not the cleanest in the world as they are both pretty old. I use the aforementioned mat boards and sandwich the print for flattening between the boards. I use the same method for dry mounting. I prefer not to use the release paper. I have never used it in 25 years and don't plan on starting at this late date.

lee\c

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Hi,
I just received my Seal 150. In good shape except the pad is dented and pretty old and crispy in places. I like the matboard idea. The pad measures 15 1/2 x 19 x 1". The pads I find online for the 160 are a different size. Is there a material I can use to make my own replacement pad?
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Sherril

With the SEAL press the top part (with the heating element in it ) swings down to the base ( with that felt spacing ) to give the Print, tissue and mounting board sufficient pressure to bond the print with heat and pressure. You may replace the felt but the swing should be re-adjusted to give the correct tension. When I dry-mount with my Seal press I have a large piece of Photo background paper folded in two in which I place my Print. From top to bottom I have :- Background paper, mat board or release tissue, then print, tissue , backing board (all 3 tackked together ) then another backing board then the other piece of that background paper. It is all assembled , put in place in the press , the press closed down for 60 seconds, removed, then the print placed under a large piece of 1/2" glass until it cools, usually this is in time for the next print to be cooled. Using this method the emulsion face of my prints only come in contact with either my release paper or the clean piece of matt board.

Francesco said:

Gentlemen, I chickened out on getting the old Seal press to work and have purchased a new one (http://geoknight.com/jp.html). I picked up the JP14 and it works like a dream. A transformer that could handle such wattage for the Seal press cost more than purchasing the JP14 and shipping it over to Sweden. Many thanks for helping me see the light!

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Francesco,
Are you able to press 11x14 prints in this press with no problems around the edges? I looked on the site you mentioned and it only had a 12 by 14 inch surface.