Paterson twiddle stick?

[mehguy]

I recently acquired a Paterson system 4 tank at a thrift store for a very good price. Now, it didn't come with the twiddle stick, (or it was hiding somewhere in the store haha) is it absolutely needed for agitating? Or can I just do inversions?

 

[nsurit]

No, not needed for agitation. I'm sure I have one I could send you if you absolutely felt like you have to use one. My stable of Patterson tanks numbers somewhere around 8 and none have ever been used with the twisty dealy. Try it without it first. Bill Barber

 

[mehguy]

No, not needed for agitation. I'm sure I have one I could send you if you absolutely felt like you have to use one. My stable of Patterson tanks numbers somewhere around 8 and none have ever been used with the twisty dealy. Try it without it first. Bill Barber

As long as I can invert, I'm ok. But honestly, I feel like inversions is a much more thorough compared to using a twiddle stick.

 

[MattKing]

The twiddle stick is included because it permits an initial burst of agitation immediately after the addition of chemicals - even before the final lid is on. If you are using processes that involve short development times - like the 3'15" developing time for C41 colour film - there is a good argument for using it.
The instructions do only recommend using it for initial agitation. Inversion agitation is recommended thereafter.

 

[mshchem]

The twiddle stick is included because it permits an initial burst of agitation immediately after the addition of chemicals - even before the final lid is on. If you are using processes that involve short development times - like the 3'15" developing time for C41 colour film - there is a good argument for using it.
The instructions do only recommend using it for initial agitation. Inversion agitation is recommended thereafter.

I used Paterson tanks for 40 years never dawned on me to read instructions , initial agitation . That's a capital idea!
Best Mike

 

[Craig]

Interesting, I have always used the twiddle stick and never inverted. I always seem to get leaky lids, so I don't invert since I'm not found of chemicals running down my arm.

 

[darkroommike]

Interesting, I have always used the twiddle stick and never inverted. I always seem to get leaky lids, so I don't invert since I'm not found of chemicals running down my arm.

If you "burp" the lid (Google: Tupperware Burp) the air pressure inside the tank is lower than outside the tank and the link stays on like a suction cup.

 

[Zach-MLT-MD]

I agitate by inversion for my developing step - both with BW and C41 - i use the stick for stoping/fixing / blix in C41 - so i use both for each roll i develop.

 

[Svenedin]

Paterson sell spares direct including twiddle sticks etc.

 

[Harry Stevens]

I once used a old toothbrush that fitted (brush up) for a twiddle stick. Can be used as a gentle agitation for developers that blow out highlights with two much shakey ,shakey. Also the chemical down your arms does and can happen.I must look up the burp suggestion.

 

[Jeff Bradford]

I bought my Paterson sets second-hand, sans twiddle-stick. I made my own with acrylic rod and a file. I spent a few hours on it and did a really nice job before I found out I didn't need it at all. I could send it to you...

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I recently acquired a Paterson system 4 tank at a thrift store for a very good price. Now, it didn't come with the twiddle stick, (or it was hiding somewhere in the store haha) is it absolutely needed for agitating? Or can I just do inversions?

inversion works well with Patterson tanks.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

I have some of those agitation sticks, but I've never used them. I prefer inversions, less likely to get bromide streaking.

 

[ced]

Make your own from a plastic rod, hollow or solid..
Try adapting with some cutting, glueing a 120 spool.

 

[darkroommike]

I recently acquired a Paterson system 4 tank at a thrift store for a very good price. Now, it didn't come with the twiddle stick, (or it was hiding somewhere in the store haha) is it absolutely needed for agitating? Or can I just do inversions?

The newer Super System 4 tanks invert well, the big plastic seal lid works fine. The older system 4 tanks can leak, the gray gasket around the lid leaks. If your tank has the small gray lid, buy a swizzle stick, else agitate by inversion.