Your thoughts, please.

[Robert Brummitt]

I've had it with my darkroom sink. I fix here and a new leak developes there. I feel like the little Dutch Boy. Anyway, I need your thoughts. Should I scrape and rebuild a new sink. My current is 8 feet and 24 inches and wood.(Leaky Wood). I have someone with a SS sink going for $75. It's size is 6 feet and 20 inches.
I figure it would be $100 for a wood 8 footer rebuild.

 

[Donald Miller]

Depends on what size prints you want to do. If you want to do 8X10 contacts in 11X14 trays then the 6 foot sink would probably work. If you want to do 16X20 prints in 20X24 trays then it probably won't work. The price for a stainless sink is very good.

 

[SuzanneR]

I don't print larger than 11x14, although, I haven't ruled out trying 16x20 one day, but that said, if I could to do it again, I'd opt for an 8 foot sink over the six foot sink that I have. Just gives you more flexibilty if you have the space.

 

[MCollins]

Robert,

Why not fiberglass your existing sink? I built a plywood sink that is 8'x20".
I make 8x10 contact prints. The width of the trays I use to hold the 11x14
trays for temp control are 19 1/2 inches wide and I have to shoe-horn them into place.
If I was to do it again I would build a wider sink. But I glassed it and
it does not leak.

Mike

 

[resummerfield]

Hi Robert:

Stainless steel is nice, but the 8' length would be more important to me. Look at the "Darkroom Portraits" thread for some great ideas for constructing your own sink.

I presently have a stainless sink, but if I were to do it again, I'd make my own based on some designs I've seen on the thread. Good luck!

 

[dancqu]

I've had it with my darkroom sink.

I've no 'proper' sink as of now. Reluctantly I've given up any
thoughts of doing entirely without a sink. I process single tray
with one-shot chemistry. I would need a second as a holding
tray were I to batch process. Also I use two trays when
washing fiber base papers. Likely 11 x 14 and up size
prints will be done single tray. Dan

 

[photobackpacker]

Murphy's law, addendum 23 pertaining to tackle boxes and dark room sinks:

The perfect size is one just a bit larger than the one you currently have!

 

[John Cook]

Robert, I have made several fiberglass-covered wood sinks for various studios over the years. Some better than others.

I have a written description of what worked for me (and what didn't) which I'll be happy to send you as a reply to an e-mail from you.

Or anyone else who is interested...