I'm re-reading the mysteries of the vortex articles. About every 3 paragraphs he's mentioning, to judge the process test with HT-2. This is the key, IMHO, until you establish a reliable, repeatable process, check and double check.
My final wash is a exercise in OCD. I have a mag drive pump hooked up to a archival washer, once through, toning, hypo clearing agent, 10 -20 minute pre wash. Finally I start with my archival washer full of 68°F water, put the prints in the slots and turn on my pump, let if run for 15-20 minutes, then open the drain and I add a syphon so I can empty the washer in about a minute. Then, very gently I take a 5 gallon bucket of water, that I have previously filled, fill the washer back up in 20-30 seconds and repeat. Two of these cycles is adequate but I usually run 3 cycles. The pump gives much better flow than running with any reasonable tap water flow rate and THERE'S NO DAMN AIR BELLS on the surface of the paper.
I violate one cardinal rule, I use the film strength Kodak Rapid Fixer for 1 minute, but I use the hardener. I do this because I still use a Pako Drum dryer, I bought 3 brand new fabric belts for it from Pakor last year. Without hardener the prints stick to the belt. I have been using these dryers for 30 years never had a problem. But you have to make sure everything is clean going in and maintain the machines. If you do no trouble.
