Premier print dryer-want to try it out

[SteveinAlaska]

The dryer is a model 110, given to me by a friend. I am wanting to experiment with it having now set my darkroom up. Also I have completed the basic photo class at the University and am spending the summer in the Advanced class for the next 12 weeks. So,I will be working with both RC and fiber paper in 8x10 and 11x14, B&W film in both 35mm and 120 format. We are up to almost 20 hours of daylight here in Fairbanks,Alaska. And to complete the picture, this 59 yr old babyboomer has a bunch of 20 yr old classmates to hang with!
I did a internet search and really didn't turn much info. What I did find on a couple of sites was some older threads where people were split about 50/50 on their opinion and experience. They either liked the dryer or didn't,
Could someone here direct to a site were instructions are available or could you give me some simple 1-2-3 steps on using it. The dryer does operate when plugged in and turned on and I can feel the temperature vary with the control on the side. A Thank You to anyone who could help.

 

[haris]

When I make RC prints, i just hang them overnight. If make FB prints I put 2 prints back to bach, put few pegs across edges and hang overnight. Tension of prints to curl to oposite sides actually prevent FB prints to curl. If needed I put prints under something heavy, when dry, for few hours (one more night).

I do have FB print dryer, but with this method I get not curled prints, and save energy (smaller electricall bill)

 

[Neal]

Dear SteveinAlaska,

- Clean the surface with a clean lint free cloth.
- Start at a low temperature setting and increase as your testing tells you.
- For glossy prints, roll the wet print firmly onto the dryer with the emulsion towards the ferrotyping plate. Make sure that the entire print is in contact.
-Pull the canvas tight and wait.
- Do not attempt to remove the print by force, it will pop off the dryer when finished.
- It has been reported that a final rinse in photo-flo is useful, but I have not verified this.
- I have found that matte surface paper should be air dried a bit before drying if you put the emulsion surface towards the ferrotyping plate or you will get glossy areas. Some like to dry matte papers with the emulsion away from the plate.
- I don't advise trying to dry RC paper this way as the resin coating used in some papers seems to melt (or at least separate from the paper base) at a lower temperature than others.

Good luck,

Neal Wydra