Versalab - An overpriced, overated, disappointment
I bought a Versalab 16x20 washer a few years back. I remember when I received it, I opened the box to find a huge white 'tub', and a buch of panels, screws, tubes, and vinyl tubing. A simple 1-page instruction sheet was included. At the peril of sounding "spoiled", I expected a bit more in terms of quality & user friendlyness for my (almost) $400.00 (shipping included).
However, my judgement of Versalab products wasn't rendered just yet. I proceeded to follow the somewhat confusing 'instruction' sheet and managed to get the basket together. Then attached the hoses, fittings and gromets, and finaly, gave it a test run. Wouldn't you know it? The thing leaked! I called Versalab and complained about the situation. The lady I spoke with was certainly very nice and offered to send me somekind of "expesive" silicone to spread around the leaky gromet. The thought was really sweet, but I didn't send you $400 bucks that you had to scotch tape together now did I?
The design of this washer is so poor/cheap its amazing their still selling them! For those of you who might be considering a Versalab print washer I would advise you to keep you hopes/expectations to a minimum. This is basically a big plastic tub with plastic panels held together on super-long 'screws' and kept apart using plastic bead-like spacers. You have to use tiny nuts on either end of these long screws to keep the panels from falling off.
As long as we're on the subject, I might as well mention that prints will stick to the sides of the panels LIKE CRAZY! You have to keep playing with them (elbow-high in water if you've got the big sucker) if you hope to get anykind of a wash at all! Also, I'd advise you to keep a socket wrench handy, you'll need it to periodically re-tighten those nuts or your basket may come apart mid-wash.
I've since switched to the Calumet Deluxe 11x14 Print Washer - What a breath of fresh air! Granted, it cost an arm & a leg. But hey!? I guess you really do get what you pay for! The Calumet washer is (imho) incomparable to the Versalab model. For starters, the compartments are truly independent unlike Versalab's divider "basket". So.. reduced cross-contamination, and no need to time your first-one-out-to-last-one-in.
I don't mean to shamble Versalab, but in my experience, I'd say your money's probably better off put towards a used professional model on ebay or something.
Hey!? Anyone want to buy a barely-used 16x20 Versalab washer? Give me HALF of what I paid for it & its yours!
Cheers