What to use for enlarger work table...

[removed account4]

hi there

i built a table a few years ago ... it had to be kind of solid ( i have 2 big enlargers and a little one ) ... i used 4x4s for legs - doubled them up. used 2x4s ( 2 ) as "strapping/skirting" to go between the legs and keep them spaced apart right, then i put plywood sheets on top of that ( 1/2" i think ) on the plywood sheets and to dress-it up and make it non-dusty i used countertop. the table is about 3'+/- (like a kitchen table ) with room under it for those plastic drawers that stack-up.

 

[Nick Zentena]

You doubled up 4x4s?? Yikes I thought I over built-) Mine with 4x4s for legs holds a very heavy 4x5 enlarger and at the same time I've stood on it. I bet with doubled up 4x4s you could park a car -))

 

[esanford]

Everybody is giving great ideas. I'll just make a small suggestion. I just built a home and I was fortunate enough to have a counter top installed in my darkroom for the workspace. If I had it to do over again, I would have made it lower. For me a standard kitchen counter is too high. Since you are in the planning stages, I would consider going no more then slightly above waist high. That way, you can look down on the image and get a great view. Plus, you can reach up easier to raise and lower your enlarger. In fact, I would do some measurements using your own body and make sure it is custom made for you. I have a stool in my darkroom. However, I don't use it and I am going to take it out to reduce the clutter. Standing at a properly built table to me is better then sitting.

 

[removed account4]

You doubled up 4x4s?? Yikes I thought I over built-) Mine with 4x4s for legs holds a very heavy 4x5 enlarger and at the same time I've stood on it. I bet with doubled up 4x4s you could park a car -))

yeah, i kind of over did it i think ... but it ain't goin' nowhere!

 

[Adrian Twiss]

I have sort of skimmed over this post so if I am repeating advice my apologies. Have you considered two drawer filing cabinets with a large piece of marine ply on top?

I have restricted head room in my darkroom (7ft from floor to ceiling) and had to put my Durst L1200 on an 18 inch high coffee table (solid mahogany, weighs a ton). I use it with a Japanese kneeling stool which is surprisingly comfortable.

 

[Phillip P. Dimor]

I purchased a '12 drawer rolling cart' for $30 shipped on ebay. I see these things going for about $30 to $50 (that's including postage).. I wouldn't spend more than $30 on it but I now use one as an enlarger work table.



I can roll it into the bathroom and print, it's great. It has 12 drawers, each drawer is like 9x11x2.5" so it holds little things like filters and pens and whatnot. Mine is stuffed with just about everything I can fit in it.

My enlarger barely fits on the top of it but I like this set up, it's clean and efficient.
I'll post a picture (no digital camera at the moment) on monday if anyone is interested.
It would work well for a larger bathroom setup.

Dead Link Removed

 

[Poptart]

I'll bet a tool cart would work well too.

 

[pandino]

I use an old Steelcase Dot matrix printer stand I got at an office furniture surplus/recycling center. It is as solid as a rock, has adjustable height and leveling and was only $15.

The top is nearly 2" thick and has about 8" of height adjustment. The stand also has a shelf that was made to hold perforated paper that feeds up through a slot in the center of the table. My Beseler 45MXC fits perfectly.

On a concrete floor, the only vibration comes from the enlarger itself.