Dry Mount Presses - Bogen vs Seal

Rafal Lukawiecki · Jan 8, 2008

Hi,

I am planning to buy a dry mounting press at last. I wonder if there is much of a difference between a Bogen 560 and a Seal 210M, other than a couple of inches in size of the platens. I realise the Bogen is no longer manufactured, but 2nd hand ones appear often enough, especially in Europe, while the Seal tends to be more of a US item.

Given choice of those two - any strong preferences?

Thanks!
Rafal

jovo · Jan 8, 2008

Your question is hard to answer comparatively since few people have both presses, but the Bogen press I have is excellent. It will accommodate up to 20x24 work. The thermostat has been consistent and reliable, and the photographs I've mounted are well bonded as a consequence.

I bought mine on ebay and had it shipped cross-country in the belly of a bus. It was encased in foam, and was about the best packing the seller could have reasonably done, but it's a bit damaged nonetheless in that it's become misaligned and needs help opening all the way which I accomplish with a tool. Still, I am quite happy with it.

Konical · Jan 8, 2008

Good Evening Rafal,

John's response at least hints at an important factor. Dry mount presses are inherently rather simple devices, but they are relatively heavy. The one which is close by (and in good condition) and can be picked up in person may be the best choice--regardless of the particular brand.

Konical

John Kasaian · Jan 8, 2008

Rafal,
Go with what you can get locally. Both are simple machines but they are heavy! They practically give Seals away on Craig's List in the US but shipping them across country is costly---I'd hate to think of what it would cost to send one to Ireland!

The last press I bought---a Seal 150 cost maybe $20 bucks but the shipping from a high school photo lab in North Dakota to California added another $30-40. It is a fine press, but my old press---a monster Seal 200 off ebay that came from the Georgia State Dept. of Human Resources (I'm still in denial over the frieght charges) came with a very badly pitted platen, so if you can inspect the thing before you buy it you might avoid the same grief.

Good luck!

Rafal Lukawiecki · Jan 9, 2008

Thank you for your kind advice. I was under the impression (likely wrong) that the Seal presses had two metal platens, one on the top and another one on the bottom. The Bogen has only one, on the top, while the bottom is a black hard foam bed of sorts. I am curious if this could greatly impact their suitability for straightening FB prints and dry mounting. I guess that if I use two quality boards to sandwich the print it should not make much of a difference, but I would appreciate any opinions.

I'm aware of the shipping issue. I have been quoted anything like $350 just for shipping of a unit from US! Ireland, on the other hand, is so small that just finding a press here is proving impossible. I am likely to find one in UK or on the contintent more easily - Bogen sooner.

My very sincere thank yous.
Rafal

jgjbowen · Jan 9, 2008

I purchased my Seal 210M press new 20+ years ago. It's worked like a tank and I have no regrets about purchasing it. Highly recommended.

Changeling1 · Jan 9, 2008

jgjbowen said:
I purchased my Seal 210M press new 20+ years ago. It's worked like a tank and I have no regrets about purchasing it. Highly recommended.

Ditto with my Bogen Technal 550 that I purchased new in 1987! I was looking at the Seal and some other mount-presses at the time and I can't remember why I ended up buying the B T 550. :confused:

Konical · Jan 9, 2008

"I was under the impression (likely wrong) that the Seal presses had two metal platens, one on the top and another one on the bottom. The Bogen has only one, on the top, while the bottom is a black hard foam bed of sorts."

Good Morning Rafal,

Every Seal press I've ever seen has a thick foam pad on the bottom and the heavy metal platen on top.

Konical

Scott Peters · Jan 9, 2008

Best way to do it inexpensively is find one with a somewhat 'dirty' metal platter, which either can be cleaned or just put matt board over your print to protect from dirty platten. I found that the bid prices on eBay were a LOT less when the platten was dirty looking. I bought one for $75 including shipping...it looks like crap (dusty, oily) but works like a charm (seal press btw). The advice on local or close by is good as shipping can be expensive...

Mike Wilde · Jan 9, 2008

old seals never die

Mine is a COMpress 101, made by Seal. I guess that they weren't into putting there name on it in big letter when it was made, which, judging by the asbestos based power cord insulation and grey metal paint style puts it back in the early to mid 50's. The lower rubber pad has seen better days, but I have not the inclination to drop more than five times what I paid for the thing on a new pad. Mine came across Canada on the bus, and the shipping was about $60.

Dry Mount Presses - Bogen vs Seal

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