UV Exposure unit question

Hi,
Really interested in Alt Process but living in Michigan the sun is not the most consistent exposure source. Considering making or buying an exposure unit. Question is why couldn't I use a tanning unit? I realize it would take the right unit with the bulbs grouped pretty tightly but isnt it really about the same in terms of intensity? I could certainly build one but there are a ton of used tanning units out there that seem like they might do the job... is this a reasonable source?

Thanks for the time, regards
Brian

YOu can use a tanning unit, but they are very slow. Building one is now much simplified with the availability of CFL's producing UV. If you don't have a local source Google the bulb man. The last time I looked he had them.

Jim, I built one... was super easy and bulbman came thru. Built a unit big enough to handle a 16x20 frame with 8 BLB tubes. Hook up to an old gralab timer and it is a very effective solution. Thanks for your help. regards

It sounds like you built a very good unit.
Jim