Eco-Wash by Orienta/Cachet l 16X20 print washer, low(notched) dividers

[jeddy-3]

Hello everyone, I recently acquired a used print washer made by Oriental, named "Eco-Wash". I believe this is similar to the units sold by Cachet. The washer is missing the low/notched dividers.
I'm assuming that I can get some plexiglass cut to fit the washer, and am hoping someone here can write with the proper dimensions for the low dividers, as well as the length and thickness of the notches.

My washer is 16X20 but even someone with a different size washer can help. I'm pretty sure that If I know the dimensions of both the high and low dividers I can use the information to determine the size that my low dividers should be.

Hopefully someone here can help...I know someone on APUG has the same washer, it's just a matter of how often they visit. In the meantime, I'll try and contact the maker of the washer, but it's been somewhat difficult to determine. Perhaps I'll write to Freestyle also.

Thanks for looking, and thanks a lot if you can help with this.

 

[ROL]

Low: 16 1/2" x 22 3/4", 1/4" notches.
High: 17" x 22 3/4".

The plexi will likely be expensive to cut all those dividers. You might enquire about the missing lows from your source.

Remember to remove the dividers when filling the unit.

Technical Manuals –> Cachet Eco Wash


I have the 16x20 Cachet Eco Wash:

 

[jeddy-3]

Wow, Thanks so much. I had no idea that someone would reply right away with the same size washer. I really appreciate you measuring the dividers for me. Yes, I will first ask the somewhat shady eBay seller about the dividers, perhaps ask for a partial refund. My poor girlfriend bought this for me as a Christmas present and the guy was an ass with the whole process because she paid less than what he expected ($250, including shipping...in brand new condition - low dividers).

Once again, thanks for the fast reply. I am curious what expensive means. I'll call some glass shops tomorrow and see.
Paul

 

[jeddy-3]

ROL, now that I look again at the post, you've got some nice looking prints going on there! Also, that's a magnificent sink....I really dig your setup. This is all coming from someone who has to haul water back and forth across his apartment bedroom to get to the ex-closet darkroom.

One last thing, how many notches are in each of the low dividers? I want to get this as right as I can if I need to have the dividers made. I really appreciate your help on this, what a relief to get to talk to someone with almost the same washer...so far nothing back from Freestyle, but I most likely wrote to them too late in the day.

 

[ROL]

11 notches, 2" apart, on center. As near as I can figure, (i.e., a rational explanation) the notches assist in breaking up surface tension and head pressure from water traversing the tops of the low dividers, preventing them from bowing (much) in the direction of water flow. They may not be entirely necessary, given a low pressure inflow, but you could test this for yourself. I would be interested in hearing about the experience of cutting plexi properly yourself, or their additional manufactured cost. The gravity fed Eco-Wash is a first rate washer, employing an automated, vertically oriented, and proven "fill-and-dump" method. You can calculate proper flow rates in the washer by dividing the entire volume of the washer by the number of functioning slots, then adjusting the inflow and out flow, to calculate the appropriate water exchange rate (how long each print is allowed to diffuse hypo) in each compartment for adequate cleaning, and then go to lunch.

The washer in back of the Cachet in the posted pic is a Calumet 20x24 cross-jet (the flat style side washer is a 16x20 holding/pre-wash). It is somewhat wasteful of water, isn't proven to clean prints any better that fill and dump designs and needs a constant flow water to operate as intended (i.e., Nobody flush a toilet while I'm washing large prints!). I only use it for 20x24 and large format sheet film. Because of its proven method and simplicity of use, the Eco-Wash is my archival washer of choice for everything 16x20 or smaller.

BTW, it was fortunate I logged in and saw your post in the recents list, otherwise I would not likely have seen it. I only participate where I can make specific contributions (as opposed to unsubstantiated opinion).

Making nice looking prints is kinda my thang.

 

[david schaller]

You wouldn't also have a link to the Calumet washer instructions, would you? I have one that I've never hooked up, as I have been printing smaller than 16x20. Thanks for anything you can point me towards.
Dave

 

[ROL]

Geez, I already posted it in my first response: Technical Manuals (first hyperlink). Go to that page – and guess what?

 

[jeddy-3]

Well, thanks for the manual and for the dimensions. The seller was contacted yesterday and I offered to either receive a partial refund for the cost of getting dividers made (approx 20 bucks each) or that he provide a full refund and also pay for return shipping. He replied stating that he'll get someone to make the dividers himself and ship them to me, so it's good to have the info you provided. I'll measure my dividers first for an accurate measurement and just have him make the low dividers the same width as mine but 1/2" shorter. One long side should receive a 1/4" notch every 2 inches. I'll remember to measure the width of the plexiglass as well.

I'm glad to hear that the washer works so well. It will be great to get it working properly. Thanks again.

 

[david schaller]

Geez, I already posted it in my first response: Technical Manuals (first hyperlink). Go to that page – and guess what?

Sorry, I didn't see it the first time. Thanks for calling it to my attention. Much appreciated.
Dave