How do I use this 4 blade easel thingy?!

[wilfbiffherb]

I have very kindly been gifted a Dunco 4 blade easel of a whopping 16x20 size. I have used 2 bladers all my darkroom life so am in need of some sage council. Does anyone know how to use this thing? Particularly in siting the paper. There are some grooves in the base of the easel and a few sliding plastic blocks.l but I'm not sure what to do with them. Please help!

 

[Sirius Glass]

Use the slot for the width of the paper you are using.
Blades move more easily if you lift the frame off the base.
Use the set screws to make any needed adjustments of the scale, if there is an offset.
Keep the easel clean.
If the blades do not move freely, they may need a dry lubricant.
Do not force the blades to move.

Please feel free if you have any questions.

 

[ic-racer]

Paper goes in the slot. You can set the sliding plastic blocks to the paper sizes you use. Adjust the blades to cover the edges of the paper to give the size white border you want.

 

[eddie]

ic is correct. If it's a 16x20 easel, the plastic blocks, in the top slot, should be 20 inches apart (so you can load the paper by feel). The next slot is for 11x14 (blocks 14 inches apart), then 8x10 (10 inches apart), then 5x7 (7 inches apart), then 4x5 (5 inches apart).
I've never seen a Dunco, but it looks like a fine easel. You'll figure it out quickly. Enjoy!

 

[MattKing]

For clarity, the paper will end up being centred in the easel, on a side to side basis, and will be close to the centre, on a front to back basis.

 

[waileong]

You have one of the very best Easels ever made. Only Salthill and Beard supposedly better. Enjoy the experience.