Large format size deep tanks - making them

Curt · Aug 30, 2010

I need to have some deep tanks for developing film, 11X14, so I ask, has anyone made large tanks for use with hangers in 11X14 and larger size?

I would like to make them a few inches across in the narrow dimension to accommodate maybe four sheets and yet not have gallons of chemicals. Any thoughts or experiences?

Curt

Ian Grant · Aug 30, 2010

Curt, I used to make tanks etc for precious metal refining, we used Polypropylene for most, bur uPVC for less hazardous chemistry. I subcontracted some of the work out and the company I used made film processing units.

They made their tanks from Polypropylene, maybe 4" wide and somewhere around the size you're looking at. It's quite easy to work with but the heat welding guns are expensive. UPVC is easier as you can solvent weld which is easier to get a good seal with, but not as strong although you can heat weld it as well on the outside.

Another option is make a mould, then use it to make fibre glass tanks, it's much easier than it sounds. It's how darkroom sinks etc are made commercially.

Ian

fotch · Aug 30, 2010

You could make them out of thin plywood and the use epoxy paint. Or, use Plexiglas and the appropriate glue, however, you don't really need to see through it, after all, rubber or stainless steel tanks are solid. Wood is easy to work with and inexpensive.

M.A.Longmore · Aug 30, 2010

.
Details of an 8X10 tank that a member fabricated from PVC.
Seems like a good starting point to create a larger version.

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

Ron
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BetterSense · Aug 30, 2010

I made a 4x5 tank out of basswood and sprayed it with spray-on truck bedliner. It works well.

removed account4 · Aug 30, 2010

i think the tanks will be the easy part ...
plywood and fiberglass resin .. ( just like a sink )
but the hangers ...not sure how you would pull that one off ..

Mike Wilde · Aug 30, 2010

For the hangers - get inspired by the Nova clips.

I take wooden clothes pegs and 'reverse the spring'. and cut the usual clothes clamp part off to give better clamp for hanging film to dry.

I see why there would be no reason if mounted on a bar, that the same approach could not be taken to make a 2- clips on a hanger film support.

Use plastic analogs to wooden spring clothespins to combat film solution carry over.

If grip is a problem, put a small pin though one side of the clothes peg clamp part , and you will be very close to a Nova clamp.

jeffreyg · Aug 30, 2010

Find a dentist who has gone to digital x-rays and has a darkroom tank he no longer uses for dip and dunk. They are either stainless steel or polypropylene inserts usually 13 x 17 in.

Guillaume Zuili · Aug 31, 2010

jeffreyg said:
Find a dentist who has gone to digital x-rays and has a darkroom tank he no longer uses for dip and dunk. They are either stainless steel or polypropylene inserts usually 13 x 17 in.

That dentist processed big mouth guys

From a radiologist sounds better...
G.

Large format size deep tanks - making them

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