Experiences re: Calumet Archival Print Washer

Nokton48 · Mar 6, 2019

Calumet Archival Print Washer 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Hi All!

I'm renovating my old darkroom for B&W printing, an ongoing process. I just pulled the trigger on this Calumet Archival 16x20 print washer. It will wash 12 16x20s or 24 8x10s in one go.

I'm in the process of replacing the tubing on mine. I have printed out the original instructions on the internet. Obviously I will need to make a table to support this unit, out of 2x4s or maybe 4x4s.

Anybody here using this print washer? Experiences please

btaylor · Mar 6, 2019

I recently bought a similar archival washer, don't recall the brand. Unlike most darkroom equipment they are very hard to find at a decent price, and if they are not local shipping costs are astronomical. I finally found one locally on craigslist.

Regarding the stand, yea, these things get very very heavy once they are filled and fully loaded. I think I will need to reinforce my sink where the washer sits. It is a great deal more convenient than the methods I have relied on in the past for washing larger fiber prints (multiple trays, kodak siphon, etc etc).

Nokton48 · Mar 6, 2019

Kodak tray siphon is most economical for archival one print 16x20 washing.
Multiple prints? This is why I bite the bullet and get this monster.

eddie · Mar 6, 2019

I have their 20x24 washer, and their 8x10 washer. They are quite good and, used as intended, will do everything you need. The only other washer I've had is the Zone VI 16x20, which I sold when I purchased the 20x24 Calumet. When you build your table, keep in mind that, filled with water, they're extremely heavy.

eddie · Mar 6, 2019

Nokton48 said:
Kodak tray siphon is most economical for archival one print 16x20 washing.
Multiple prints? This is why I bite the bullet and get this monster.

I do my first wash with a tray siphon. The Calumet is used after the first wash and Perma-Wash.

Sirius Glass · Mar 6, 2019

Poor me I only have a 16"x20" washer of similar construction and I love it.

Nokton48 · Mar 6, 2019

You poor thing

Sirius Glass · Mar 6, 2019

Sirius Glass said:
Poor me I only have a 16"x20" washer of similar construction and I love it.

Nokton48 said:
You poor thing

Very sad. I cry all the way to the darkroom

Nokton48 · Mar 7, 2019

Here's what I'm waiting to get

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-4-ID-CLEAR-VINYL-TUBING-HOSE-BY-THE-FOOT-CONDENSATE-DRAINS-BILGE-PUMPS/202595313342?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-ID-x-5-8-OD-x-3-FOOT-CLEAR-PVC-VINYL-FLEX-TUBE-WATER-AIR-HOSE-FOOD-SAFE/292356390381?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Inline-Ball-Valve-Shut-Off-3-8-Barb-Quickly-Stop-Flow-in-Draft-Beer-LEAD-Free/201533821134?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-4-Female-Garden-Hose-x-3-8-Hose-Barb-Swivel-Adapter-Fitting-Lead-Free-Brass/391785486652?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

The hose clamps and 3/8" tubing I bought at the local Lowes

The Instructions!

http://www.rangeoflightphotography.com/Technical Manuals/Calumet Archival Washer.pdf

Rolfe Tessem · Mar 7, 2019

In case it isn't clear, the smaller drain has a clamp to regulate the outflow. You set the incoming water flow to match. The larger drain is for the overflow over the top of the dividers...

Rolfe

jvo · Mar 10, 2019

i have a very similarly designed "gravity works" washer, now oob. went to the local hardware store and replaced the fittings tubing with identical materials - easily available, check it out!

MattKing · Mar 10, 2019

Before you build the stand, decide how high the washer should be for most convenient use, including filling and emptying the water.

mgb74 · Mar 10, 2019

Nokton48 said:
Calumet Archival Print Washer 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Hi All!

I'm renovating my old darkroom for B&W printing, an ongoing process. I just pulled the trigger on this Calumet Archival 16x20 print washer. It will wash 12 16x20s or 24 8x10s in one go.

I'm in the process of replacing the tubing on mine. I have printed out the original instructions on the internet. Obviously I will need to make a table to support this unit, out of 2x4s or maybe 4x4s.

Anybody here using this print washer? Experiences please

The compressive strength of 2x4 legs should be more than enough for this washer when filled (it should weigh about 300-350 lbs). What you have to watch for is rigidity and stability. So pay attention to cross-bracing and build the stand so it's close to square. If you're using screws, use structural screws.

jvo · Mar 10, 2019

one gallon of water weighs 8 lbs, plus the weight of the unit itself... i can't imagine you would need more than 2x4's to build a suitable stand... good luck!

nsurit · Mar 10, 2019

I have three of these (11X14, 16X20 and 20X24) and you will enjoy using it. The two smaller ones reside in a California Stainless sink and the larger, when used fits in the same sink. The various fittings and clamps I got from (www.usplastic.com). The hoses from the local Lowes/home depot.

Sirius Glass · Mar 10, 2019

I keep and use mine in the bathtub.

Nokton48 · Mar 11, 2019

mustee washing machine part by Nokton48, on Flickr

Ok my plan is to make a custom work table for this, out of 2x4's. I'll use metal corner braces too. To avoid a potential flood, I'll order this washing machine floor pan $78 from Hope Depot. I'll run a drain in the pan with PVC to the large drains right next to the washer.

mgb74 · Mar 11, 2019

Nokton48 said:
mustee washing machine part by Nokton48, on Flickr

Ok my plan is to make a custom work table for this, out of 2x4's. I'll use metal corner braces too. To avoid a potential flood, I'll order this washing machine floor pan $78 from Hope Depot. I'll run a drain in the pan with PVC to the large drains right next to the washer.

If you have a catastrophic failure (i.e. the print washer falls apart) this won't help you much. Most of the water will splash out. If you're worried about leaks, then I'd consider building a lip around the top of your stand, paint the inside with enamel (or, better, a waterproof paint), and add your pvc drain. That way you won't trip over the floor pan and knock over the print washer.

Pieter12 · Mar 11, 2019

I have a similar size and most probably same weight Zone VI washer. I keep it on a Luxor utility cart that will hold 400 lbs.

Nokton48 · Mar 11, 2019

Um

The plan is to put the washing machine pan on top of the custom bench, and put the washer in the center of the pan. How am I going to trip over that?

The other option is to make a waterproof box which will contain seventeen gallons of water, and put the washer in that This is also a real possibility..........

Pieter12 · Mar 11, 2019

mgb74 said:
If you have a catastrophic failure (i.e. the print washer falls apart) this won't help you much. Most of the water will splash out. If you're worried about leaks, then I'd consider building a lip around the top of your stand, paint the inside with enamel (or, better, a waterproof paint), and add your pvc drain. That way you won't trip over the floor pan and knock over the print washer.

Don't forget about meteor strikes.

Nokton48 · Mar 12, 2019

Luxor Heavy Duty Rolling Cart by Nokton48, on Flickr

For my needs I ended up buying -this-. A Luxor Heavy Duty rolling cart from B&H. 17.5 gallons H20 plus maybe 50 lbs for washer, equals about 198.75 lbs fully loaded and weight distributed. Rated for 500 lbs so should be ok..........
When I'm done with it each time I will drain it completely. 24.5"x37"

It's got about 2 1/4" of lip which would catch slow leaks, I can drill a hole and install a 3/8" drain hose just in case?

New plumbing is complete so the next step is to fill it up 30 day store warranty if it leaks..........

Nokton48 · Mar 22, 2019

The Luxor Utility Cart from B&H has arrived, been put together, and it's great. I have fired up the Calumet Washer a couple of times, and no leaks!

So, I am keeping it!

Pieter12 · Mar 22, 2019

I use a Luxor part for my washer, too. I find that by assembling the cart without the middle shelf, it seems stronger and the height of the washer is more convenient.

seyerm · Nov 5, 2020

Hey guys, can someone please tell me the size of the 16 x 20 version of the calumet print washer?

Experiences re: Calumet Archival Print Washer

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