UV Exposure unit question

[BGudas]

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

 

[Jim Noel]

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.

 

[BGudas]

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

 

[Jim Noel]

It sounds like you built a very good unit.
Jim