Making a base for Beseler 45mx?

1kgcoffee · Aug 4, 2017

What is the best way to mount an enlarger to a base board? My particular enlarger is a beseler 45mx. I was thinking 2x4 right down the middle with three well sealed sandbags as weights. Then it is still portable. I am worried about alignment however.

What do you folks suggest?

Thanks in advance,
Aaron

mgb74 · Aug 5, 2017

I take it that you don't have the original metal and wood (or MDF) baseboard for your Bes 45mx.

Your Beseler 45mx will have struts in the back which not only provide support but also aid in alignment. As it comes from the factory, there is a metal plate (more of a box really) to which the struts and columns attach. That metal plate has angled bases for the struts. All in all, it's very easy to mount the enlarger if you have that base and fairly difficult if you don't.

john_s · Aug 5, 2017

Is it worth considering wall mounting to enhance stability?

1kgcoffee · Aug 5, 2017

For me personally I'd rather keep it mobile. It did not come with any MDF base unfortunately. Here is the current base of the enlarger. Right now it's upside down and balanced. When you angle the head down, all the weights on the front and it will tip over without support.

There are two screws on either side of the base

mgb74 · Aug 5, 2017

As new, it would have come with an angle iron frame with a wood insert. The base you have would fit inside that frame. This photo will give you an idea of how it's set up.

I'm sure there are worse enlargers to make "mobile", though what they might be escape me at the moment.

That said, you could mount it to a very sturdy homemade cart, using (IMO) 6 bolts through that bottom plate into the top of your cart. I'd use 3 bolts with washers across the back (where the struts are), 2 in front, and 1 square in the middle. You could, of course, use off-the-shelf angle iron to reproduce the base as well.

Doremus Scudder · Aug 7, 2017

mgb74 said:
As new, it would have come with an angle iron frame with a wood insert. ... You could, of course, use off-the-shelf angle iron to reproduce the base as well.

This would be my recommendation. The original configuration is very stable, allows the baseboard to be removed for making prints on a lower shelf, etc.

best,

Doremus

paul ron · Aug 7, 2017

3\4" mdo is the best choice for a wood laminate base. you can formica it as well.

otherwise melamine but the particle board its made of isn't as dense n doesn't hold screws well.

1kgcoffee · Aug 28, 2017

Thanks kindly for all the responses... The angle steel worked like a charm. Still debating on whether or not to make a more elaborate base but it was good enough to make my first prints with an easel on the ground..

Kilgallb · Aug 29, 2017

1kgcoffee

I made a base by glueing and screwing two sheets of 3/4" MDF together. It is heavy and there is no possibility of it tipping. I made mine the same width as the base as shown in your photo and I think about 36" long. I used wood screws to secure it.

Go to RONA and they will cut the MDF for you for no charge.

I place the base on an old wooden box to raise it to working height. I bought an IKEA bed side table which I place on the baseboard when I use the enlarger for 35mm.

Fujicaman1957 · Aug 29, 2017

The odd thought that just crossed my mind is a piece of granite from a shop that makes kitchen counters...that enlarger would stay wherever you put it !

Kilgallb · Aug 29, 2017

Fujicaman1957 said:
The odd thought that just crossed my mind is a piece of granite from a shop that makes kitchen counters...that enlarger would stay wherever you put it !

And easy to clean.

Making a base for Beseler 45mx?

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