enlarger mount

[CMoore]

I am reading a couple of darkroom books, and they both mention mounting the enlarger (Beseler 45) onto a sturdy, wall-mounted base, and then having an adjustable "table" below the enlarger. This gives you the Beseler motorized chassis adjustment, and also the moveable table. I guess the theory is to have the two separate, with the enlarger as low as possible (for more stability) and move the base to aid with the proper size enlargement.
Do any of you guys do that.?
Is that "better" than (just) using the motorized chassis that the 45 sits on, mounted to its base-board below for printing.?
Thank You

 

[Jim Jones]

For stability when using shelves beneath the enlarger, brace the top of the column against the wall. I've used the shelves to provide greater enlargement than the enlarger mounted on a baseboard permitted.

 

[John Koehrer]

Typically to allow for larger print sizes.

 

[MattKing]

Typically to allow for larger print sizes.

And to give way more flexibility with large easels.

 

[CMoore]

How did you guys handle the shelf "adjustment".?
Do you have the shelf/base on a rotary mount, or did you just allow for 4-5-6 "slots" to move the shelf up and down.?
Thank You

 

[Jim Jones]

Slots.

 

[MattKing]

Slots.

In the darkrooms that featured this that I have used, it was slots.

 

[John Koehrer]

Yes, slots, like in heavy duty wall mounted thingys and heavy duty shelf supports. Or DIY shelf supports.

Consider. If you're making LARGE prints you may want/need room to the side of the shelves to adjust off-center stuff.

 

[CMoore]

What keeps the Base/Shelf steady after you adjust it.?
If you need to lower the shelf by one slot, does it just slide out and then into the lower position, or do you guys secure it somehow.?
Thanks

 

[MattKing]

It is fairly thick and heavy. Two pieces of 3/4" plywood sandwiched together, with extra bracing, as an example.
Generally they slide in and out, but it is easy to have "stops" installed.