Saunders/LPL 4550 XLG Column/ Baseboard sourcing

byzntn · Mar 7, 2022

Hey all. First post on this forum. Getting back into an analog workflow and am diving in headfirst with a new darkroom. Going to have lots of questions in the coming months!

I recently got a great lot of darkroom equipment from an estate auction, and included with it is the venerable Saunders/LPL 4550XLG in the box. It works great and am very excited to use it... however not included is the column and baseboard. Probably a long shot, as they don't seem to pop up on the internet very often, but does someone have a spare kicking around? I supposed the 4500II (slightly shorter) would work too. The baseboard would be awesome as well but I imagine that would be easier to DIY. Or I could just buy the readily available wall mount kit.

In the event that I can't track one down, I'm looking at DIY options. I figure a linear rail solution from somewhere like https://www.pbclinear.com/ would work, then I could just wall mount the rails and bolt it to the sled on the rails. Or maybe just mount the head fixed and use a drop table? A standing desk might work for this?

Would love to hear your thoughts on this. And of course would be thrilled if someone had an extra column/baseboard to sell me.

Ian

MattKing · Mar 7, 2022

In case you aren't already aware of KHB in Ontario ...
http://www.khbphotografix.com/LPL/LPL4x5.htm
That continues to be in the current LPL line (although badged for the US market), although there is some discussion about whether there is current production.

byzntn · Mar 7, 2022

Aha! I wasn't aware of the LPL-7452L model name for my enlarger, that will help in the search, thanks. When I was on KHB I think I was just looking through 4500II parts lists and it didn't seem to have any columns left for that size. Good to know I have an option at last resort, but at 60x the price I paid for the unit, that's quite the sticker shock!

byzntn · Mar 7, 2022

Should probably also mention, that the box did include the counterweight spring, and what I believe to be the mounting bracket for the spring assembly.

Worth also mentioning too, that it came with 2 extra Saunders power supplies for the unit, all working. so if someone would be interested in a trade (plus cash, if need be) I would be interested in that.

MattKing · Mar 7, 2022

Reach out to Kevin Brown at KHB - he is quite helpful.

ic-racer · Mar 7, 2022

Maybe like a large format shutter, it can be more economical to buy the whole lens and shutter together. You might need to get an entire enlarger, then you can have two heads.

Freediver · Mar 7, 2022

Had a similar experience found my LPL on marketplace for a steal but they had discarded the baseboard. Hesitant to spend current retail for a base as it’s more than I spend on half a darkroom worth of gear.

byzntn · Mar 7, 2022

A baseboard shouldn't be too hard to fashion together! From my research online the column appears to just be bolted straight through the board with some metal plates for added stability. Some old countertop, or maybe just an unused baseboard from another enlarger, and some home depot odds and ends would probably get you something satisfactory. .1mm shim washers between the column and the baseboard would probably be required to true it up.

Freediver · Mar 7, 2022

Agreed it shouldn’t be difficult but my first preference was finding the “correct” piece. I’m sure as long as it has solid mass to counter the column and surface is treated or coated anything would be acceptable

byzntn · Mar 7, 2022

True. A solid piece of mdf/plywood with a smooth laminate face should work just fine. That's how most baseboards are constructed anyways.

You could also buy the comparatively affordable wall mount adapters which connect to the column, then just use any old flat surface you have lying around. Would pass as being more "correct" and you wouldn't have to worry about mounting it to a baseboard. You would have to ensure the table is level (and your wall as well).

Freediver · Mar 7, 2022

Unfortunately anything I set up must be able to be taken down… ahhh the joys of renting

byzntn · Mar 23, 2022

Just thought I would update. After volunteering to help the seller clean out his entire house and garage before he listed it for sale (hence why I got everything so cheap, needed it all gone), on day 3, the column appeared buried in dust and cobwebs in the garage! Very pleased. Now to make a baseboard. I have a large 24x30" baseboard I can borrow from an omega B66-XL. Got some steel plate to interface between the column and the baseboard so the weight doesn't depress the wood over time. Also got some rubber feet to disperse around the underside. I anticipate shims or shim washers would be required. Any advice/input?

MattKing · Mar 23, 2022

Well done.
If a 4550 column was hidden under stuff in the garage, there must have been a lot of stuff!
If you have the chance to brace the top of the column against a wall, it can simplify how you might mount the column to the baseboard.

albada · Mar 23, 2022

The Beseler 45M family has two struts attaching the top of the frame to the rear corners of the baseboard. And the baseboard extends about 8 inches behind the mount. If you don't mind having an extra 8 inches back there, you might consider attaching two steel cables to the top of the column, going to the rear corners of the baseboard. That would make the column steadier, and eliminate torsion-stress on the baseboard. Turnbuckles on the cables would give you the ability to align accurately.

Mark Overton

Arthurwg · Mar 23, 2022

The Saunders is a great enlarger. The XLG is the one I use, with Nikon lenses. Have fun.

Saunders/LPL 4550 XLG Column/ Baseboard sourcing

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Saunders/LPL 4550 XLG Column/ Baseboard sourcing

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