Hold Flat Easel Or ?

[dancqu]

I've print paper which is not flat and bladed easels which
do not hold flat.

What are my options: single size slip in or frame, sticky-back
or some other type. I don't think I'd care for a vacuum easel.
Many years ago I did use a sticky-back when exposeing
process films. I think that may be the way to go. Are
there any experienced with that? Dan

 

[rbarker]

Try (carefully) reverse curling the paper before you put it in the easel. If your blades are just too loose, you might try adding small magnets to hold them down after you've loaded the paper.

 

[dancqu]

Have you ever heard of a spring bed easel? Years ago I used one
and it was sure and super fast. Sized for 8x10 only it had a
lever in front which, when turned with the left hand,
depressed the bed while the right hand inserted
the paper. No blades, only a frame against
which the bed pressed upward. Dan

 

[rbarker]

Never seen one, but it sounds like a nifty idea.

 

[dancqu]

Never seen one, but it sounds like a nifty idea.

The nearest thing to that spring bed easel of years ago,
that I've seen, are the Saunders single size swing
frame easels. The frame is likely of steel but is
narrow. I may try one of those. Dan

 

[matt miller]

In the past I've used 3M removable adhesive in a spray can. It's the same stuff that comes on sticky notes. You can spray a bit on the easel & the print will stick & will be easily removed. The adhesive can be washed off the easel easily.

 

[JackRosa]

My 20x24 Saunders easel has "deformed" blades and does not hold the paper flat. I use small rare-earth magnets to hold the blades. These are small, yet extremely powerful magnets. This approach works.

Another approach I have used is to place a super-clean, deffect-free glass on top of the paper (and the blades).

Hope this helps.

 

[johnnywalker]

I use small rare-earth magnets to hold the blades. These are small, yet extremely powerful magnets.

Excellent idea Ralph and Jack, thanks.

 

[dancqu]

I've read another post or two praising that 3M sticky stuff.
Another post mentioned a Darkroom Cookbook formula for
homebrew sticky.

I'd think that method would take all the warp out of the
paper and there would be no need for an easel. Some easy
to clean sheet material should do. Dan

 

[matt miller]

When I was enlarging I had a piece of 16ga sheet metal that I used to make borderless 11x14 prints. I sprayed it with the 3m adhesive & it worked great.

 

[BWGirl]

In the past I've used 3M removable adhesive in a spray can. It's the same stuff that comes on sticky notes. You can spray a bit on the easel & the print will stick & will be easily removed. The adhesive can be washed off the easel easily.

You can also buy a double-sided tape that is non-permanent. This is what I use if the paper has a permanent case of the "curlies"!

 

[Thilo Schmid]

I second the recommendation to use a Spray Adhesive. But I would recommend to use a professional one like those used in the graphics industry. They have higher archival standards than hobbyist products.

 

[dancqu]

I second the recommendation to
use a Spray Adhesive. But I would recommend to use a
professional one like those used in the graphics industry.
They have higher archival standards than hobbyist products.

"Archival" We're on the easel with this one. You're
thinking ahead. I did some process work some years
ago. The camera had a "sticky back" for holding
the film. Dan

 

[Thilo Schmid]

"Archival" We're on the easel with this one. You're thinking ahead.

Well, there might be some residues left after processing. If you are keen on archival processing, you should take this into account.

 

[captainwookie]

Just out curiosity, I’ve read about vacuum easels, where the paper is held flat by suction, though I have never seen one. They sound like a nice concept. Anyone have experience with one of these?

 

[Paul Howell]

I use a vacuum easel and like it a lot. Although noisy it does a good job. The only trouble I have is with out of date fiber base paper that I keep referigerated. Even with referigeration the paper curls to the point that I need to use a four bladed easel.

Best
Paul

 

[Claire Senft]

Just a thought

I wonder if you taped or glued a piece of photo paper to your easel if when you inserted the piece that you are printing if it might not hold your paper flat by having raised it.

 

[dancqu]

My second post this thread mentions a spring bed easel.
Very quick and sure it was.
With high quality optics, shooting and enlarging, and a well
aligned enlarger it would do justice. I've heard only good reports
using a sticky easel. A few dollors and some time infested will tell.

I've a Saunders four blade. The paper CURLS up from a slot
in the base and the blades do not hold paper flat. Typical of
any of the four blades on the market. Dan