Replacement Chassis for Saunders 4550xlg

[theguy]

Hello everyone. Any recommendations on where to buy a replacement chassis for a Saunders 4550xlg? I've looked just about everywhere on the web, but have only seen chassis for sale from other manufacturers, not Saunders...

Thanks in advance!

TG

 

[ann]

try http://www.omegasatter.com:80/

 

[jp80874]

Hello everyone. Any recommendations on where to buy a replacement chassis for a Saunders 4550xlg? I've looked just about everywhere on the web, but have only seen chassis for sale from other manufacturers, not Saunders...

Thanks in advance!

TG

Welcome to APUG. What an interesting question. If you don't mind answering, why would you need a new chassis? Mine is SOLID like boulder. The only thing more solid is my Durst 138S, solid like cliff the boulder came from.

It might be cheaper to buy a complete used enlarger on eBay or Craig’s List at 30-40% of retail rather than a new chassis at retail. That is how I bought mine.

John Powers

 

[Jon Shiu]

Hi, what part is the chassis? ie column and baseboard?

Jon

 

[bdial]

KHB Photografix; http://www.khbphotografix.com/ would be another possibility, assuming you're in North America.
But the cost would probably be pretty close to what they charge for a new enlarger.
As John says, a complete used unit, would likely be cheaper.

 

[theguy]

The column and baseboard both worked great until I took a break from my cameras and the two items were discarded from storage at my mother's house. Oh well. I guess I knew it didn't really make sense to buy a new chassis. It's just tough to let go of such a nice piece of equipment...

Thanks for the link and the recommendations about used equipment.

 

[bdial]

Yes, I'd certainly hate letting go of mine.
It's worth contacting KHB or Omega-Satter and asking the question, you might get a pleasant surprise, though it's not especially likely. Especially KHB might have a good column from an otherwise marginal unit, as they deal with used and new equipment.

What might be more practical would be to sell the head, carriers and filter rig, and use the proceeds for a replacement enlarger.

 

[theguy]

So, I contacted KHB and they were very helpful. Looks like I can buy a replacement column and baseboard for the 4550xlg, and have them align all three units. Granted the expense (~1200 USD) will likely be greater than that for a decent used 4x5 setup, but when did escalation of commitment ever make logical sense. Ha.

 

[bdial]

If you have the luxury of time, you can probably get a used LPL for less than half that, possibly much less, depending on the source. Second hand Beselers and Omegas are generally available for 100 and up.

 

[DAP]

If I were you, before I spent $1200 I would place some "WTB" adds on some online forums (this one, photo.net, etc.). I have had decent luck sourcing parts for reasonable prices that way.

Good Luck

 

[theguy]

(1) After sleeping on it, and
(2) given what bdial said about the luxury of time and DAP said about WTB ads, and
(3) having attained half decent results yesterday using a local open darkroom setup (old beseler condenser) - which probably shows that my enlarger demands are lower than they once were -

I think I will heed the APUG advice and buy a complete used setup or source parts from other members. I certainly can think of better ways to spend the difference.

All - thanks again for the advice.

 

[Jon Shiu]

Hi, I am considering selling my LPL 4550XLG VCCE soon, due to lack of a darkroom presently. If it doesn't sell I would consider breaking up to sell the parts.

Jon