Homemade print washer

CCOS · Aug 8, 2008

Lookin into FB paper I beeing looking at print washers... but expensive so thinking of makeing one my self.
Any of you out there done that? any blueprints for one? or good advice?
Max size of paper would be 30x40 cm and thinking to use plexiglass 3mm thick to build it from.

Jesper

Ian Grant · Aug 8, 2008

I made one about 20 years ago, but actually prefer washing with a cascade system, 3 dishes or for larger prints in the bath.

Ian

CCOS · Aug 8, 2008

The system I've beeing looking at is a cascade system where I force the water runing from top to bottom to top to--- an so on.

Jesper

pesphoto · Aug 8, 2008

I made one several years ago. Here's a pic of it in my old darkroom.

Barry S · Aug 8, 2008

If you look at the Versalab web site, they have instructions and drawings for the washers they sell that includes a materials list. I'm sure they're not too worried because their prices are reasonable, but you could use the information to build something similar.

http://www.versalab.com/server/photo/products/washer1.htm

I'm pretty sure they use Tamco polyethylene tanks as the washer housings.

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/pr...=USPlastic&category_name=19372&product_id=424

fschifano · Aug 8, 2008

I use a Kodak Tray Siphon in an extra large tray for all my print washing. So far, and I've been using it for many, many years, I have no complaints with it. The only thing that can go wrong with it is the hose connecting it to the tap, and that's easily replaced. There is one on Ebay now, item # 360077057797.

removed account4 · Aug 8, 2008

you just need a fish tank, 2 plastic pipes with slots cut into them
( they go on the bottom of the tank )
take plexi sheets that slide into the pipes as dividers
fill up the tank with water and soak your prints
empty the water and fill again ( repeat as needed )
do a test to see if your fix was removed ...

Neal · Aug 11, 2008

Dear Jesper,

I was able to make my own washer but I was lucky enough to have someone offer me a large amount of partial Lexan sheets for free. If you're handy, you should have no trouble making one, but before my lucky break I always found that the material cost was high enough that it would only be about $100 more to purchase one. Even with the free Lexan I'm sure I spent at least $60 in silicone and pipe fittings.

Neal Wydra

CCOS · Aug 11, 2008

Neal as fo now the cost for homemade is apx $200 buying one is apx $500 so even for $100 I'll make one my self that even fit my needs . ( and to have the fun makeing it)

Jesper

Gary Holliday · Aug 11, 2008

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

It doesn't need to be anything complicated, a storage tub, a Paterson drying rack and a Paterson hose. Very cheap.

Neal · Aug 12, 2008

Hi Jesper,

For that sort of savings I would build one too. On the odd chance that it will help, I've included two photos. I apologize, but I didn't make any drawings, I just made it as I went one day. The corners are all held together with RTV Silicone and the separators just sit in grooves so they can be removed for easy cleaning. It was made using a table saw and a drill press and it is large enough for 11"x14" prints.

Good luck,

Neal Wydra

Homemade print washer

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