Making 6x9 glassless negative plates for Durst 609 Enlarger

[fotopom]

Hi all,
Have started blowing some of my medium format negatives beyond 8x10, and found the previously slightly irritating scratches on the glass of my negative carrier are now becoming a major problem. I know it is still possible to buy 6x9 glassless plates off ebay at enormous cost, but cant help but think this is something i should be able to make my self or source locally from a fabricator. Can any one give me some ideas, especially when it comes to successfully cutting a clean 6x9 hole out of steel or aluminium? I am very concerned about negative buckerling and movement under the light, so I think matt board is probably not going to hold the negative securely enough. All thoughts welcome!
Dan

 

[ic-racer]

If you are making big enlargements, I'd stick with the glass. You can get new glass for your existing carrier.

 

[fotopom]

Where is the best place to pickup anti newton glass ... in Australia if possible? Our local place in Perth is quoting me something like $163 AUD
Dan

 

[Bob-D659]

The going price for a Durst AUDA70 piece of regular glass is approx $15 on ebay. There is a company in the USA http://www.fpointinc.com/ who supplies AN glass cut and beveled for way less than that price you were quoted. I made glassless inserts from a piece of sheet aluminum salvaged from some electronic equipment, it was the same thickness as the glass. All you need is a hacksaw, drill, file and patience.

 

[fotopom]

Cool! how did you fair with negative popping on your glassless insert? I'm looking at enlarging 6x9 negs with exposure times of over 1min