What's a good dry mount press?

brian steinberger · Feb 21, 2011

I think I'm ready to purchase a used dry mount press. Problem is, I don't know anything about them. What's a good brand? Model? I'm looking for a press that will do up to 16x20.

Thanks so much.

Jon Shiu · Feb 21, 2011

Seal 210M is the standard.

Jon

brian steinberger · Feb 21, 2011

Thanks Jon

Paul Goutiere · Feb 21, 2011

Drytac 2525. Not standard but far better in my opinion.

ghostcount · Feb 21, 2011

Paul Goutiere said:
Drytac 2525. Not standard but far better in my opinion.

Anything that requires a threaded wheel that size is definitely better. Curled prints looking at it will flatten in fear! :w00t:

http://www.accentart.ca/drytac_2525.html

RalphLambrecht · Feb 22, 2011

Brian

I also use a Seal 210M but have no experience with other presses other than lower-cost press, Calumet sold for a while. I like the Seal but don't like how the nuts, holding the linkage arms together, come lose all the time.

Marco B · Feb 22, 2011

ghostcount said:
Anything that requires a threaded wheel that size is definitely better. Curled prints looking at it will flatten in fear! :w00t:

http://www.accentart.ca/drytac_2525.html

And if they don't, you just drive over them using your pick-up truck, after all, you are already holding the steering wheel!

Marco B · Feb 22, 2011

RalphLambrecht said:
I like the Seal but don't like how the nuts, holding the linkage arms together, come lose all the time.

Can't you replace them with locknuts?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locknut

Nicholas Lindan · Feb 22, 2011

RalphLambrecht said:
I like the Seal but don't like how the nuts, holding the linkage arms together, come lose all the time.

Sounds like either the wrong sort of nuts got on the press or the nylon locking insert has been worn from much assembly/disassembly.

Stop nuts are available at most hardware and auto-parts stores. The ones on my press resemble:
http://www.imperialinc.com/items.asp?item=0421080

epatsellis · Feb 22, 2011

The best dry mount press is the one somebody gives you. Barring that I'd go with a Seal 210M or a 500, if you can find one used.

brian steinberger · Feb 22, 2011

Thanks guys. I'm keeping an eye out for a used Seal 210 M.

RalphLambrecht · Feb 22, 2011

Marco and Nicholas

You guys must have a different press design from mine. First, the nuts on my press are very thin (1/8") to clear the press when opening or closing the press. They look like specialty nuts. The nuts you guys posted would not fit this press. Second, they are definitely not locking nuts. I've never seen locking nuts this thin. If you like, I can post a picture.

I considered using lock-tight, but I am afraid to ruin the threads or the nuts.

Shawn Dougherty · Feb 22, 2011

I have a 210M and used another at my last job, great machines. Be patient and you'll find one cheap.

Jon Shiu said:
Seal 210M is the standard.

Jon

brian steinberger · Feb 22, 2011

You guys have any idea what a good price to pay for a used 210M in good shape?

Jon Shiu · Feb 22, 2011

brian steinberger said:
You guys have any idea what a good price to pay for a used 210M in good shape?

Should be possible at $350-400 or less, if patient.

Jon

brian steinberger · Feb 22, 2011

Thanks guys, I'm officially on the lookout.

archer · Feb 23, 2011

Dear Ralph;
use a drop of 5min epoxy. It comes in two tiny tubes and costs about $5. To remove, just heat with a match till the cured epoxy is soft, about ten seconds, then unscrew and you can remove any residue with a pin.
Denise Libby

epatsellis · Feb 23, 2011

there are thin profile self-locking nuts, you can find them from any aircraft hardware supplier. Try Wicks or Aircraft Spruce.

RalphLambrecht · Feb 23, 2011

Thanks for the tips.

I wondered if it would it work to carefully hit the nut with a hammer, making it slightly oval? That should provide self-locking characteristics.

Klainmeister · Feb 23, 2011

Search the goodwill auction website. There's one in Eugene ending in three days.

RalphLambrecht · Feb 23, 2011

Klainmeister said:
Search the goodwill auction website. There's one in Eugene ending in three days.

Unfortunately, only junk on eBay.

Klainmeister · Feb 23, 2011

Well, it's not on ebay. It's on the Goodwill auction.

RalphLambrecht · Feb 23, 2011

Was understood, just saying 'go for it' because there is nothing worthwhile on eBay.

Klainmeister · Feb 23, 2011

Ah, I see. Alles klar

Paul Goutiere · Feb 23, 2011

Marco B said:
And if they don't, you just drive over them using your pick-up truck, after all, you are already holding the steering wheel!

Our Drytac 2525 has lasted over 19 years, is used 6 days a week and we have absolutely had no trouble with it. The heat is more even, the pressure adjustable for delicate work, the heat is more accurate.

A Seal 210 will not stand up in professional circumstances the same way this thing will. The Seal is great if you like trying to find parts and repairs. How do I know this?

What's a good dry mount press?

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