I own and have used a Versalab 16x20 for many years. Here's a few observations:
On the Good Side,
* Effective. Does the job well.
* Inexpensive, relatively speaking.
* Virtually indestructable.
* Easy to clean.
* Can be used with very low flow rates. (1)
* The 16x20 has a dedicated insert available to wash 20x24 paper.
* Easily DIY-convertable to also wash negatives up to 16x20 in stainless hangers. (2)
* Comes with three heavy plastic paper hold-down bars.
* Empties from the bottom through a clamped hose fitting. (3)
* Still in production, so support is available.
* The folks at Versalab are incredibly helpful, pleasant and easy to work with.
On the Bad Side,
* A full Versalab of any size is HEAVY. Plan accordingly. (4)
* Print slots are not isolated. Must wash in batches.
* Even moderate water pressure can cause overflow. (5)
* Print racks must be assembled by user after delivery.
* It's not easily portable. Big with lots of hoses. (6)
* Made using opaque plastic, if that matters. It doesn't to me.
(1) Mine is hooked up to a Hass Intellifaucet K250 that can run at flow rates as low as 0.25 GPM, which matches Versalab's rating for these washers. I also have an inline flowmeter plumbed, so I know the claimed flow rate works correctly.
(2) I purchased two lengths of brass rod and bent them to suspend underwater and across the unit from side-to-side. I threaded eleven white nylon spacers onto each rod before bending them. This provides automatic spacing between up to ten hangers, which can then be suspended fully-submerged. I currently wash 4x5, 5x7 and 8x10 negatives in my 16x20 unit. Total DIY cost was under $10.00. Total DIY time was under 30 minutes.
(3) I replaced my hose and pinch clamp with a small valve, but it wasn't absolutely necessary. The original equipment hose and clamp worked just fine.
(4) I seem to remember one of the Versalab folks telling me that the 16x20 weighed in the neighborhood of 220 pounds fully loaded. Mine is therefore supported by a custom-built stand made using 2x4 and 4x4 lumber.
(5) There was originally a single overflow hole and drain hose in one corner of the unit. I chose to drill and equip three more in each of the other corners. This also added three more hoses, but absolutely prevents overtopping even at my maximum water flow rate.
(6) My intention was always to make my unit a pemanent installation. To that end I constructed a purpose-built, epoxy-coated wooden overflow sink for my unit. Dimensions were slightly wider than any potential overflowing and falling water. This allowed the washer to live outside of my limited six-foot long sink, and still be drained in-place. It also guaranteed a last line of defense against flooding so I could allow overnight print washing/soaking with full peace of mind.
Hope this helps.
Ken
