Joakim Målare
Established
Hey there,
So, some year ago, when I started printing at home, I didn't have a dryer. Didn't have a solution for print flatness either, so I started looking around for a cheap paper dryer. I had my eyes open for an enlarger too, and eventually got both for a very good price.
The dryer was the automatic drum type, that you feed on a rolling canvas. It should allow for 40x50 cm prints. I have used it a few times, but it takes quite some time to heat up and when you're finished it takes forever to cool down. It doesn't stop rolling until it's somewhat cool.
I've heard good things about the Seal presses. So I hunted down one of those Commercial 210M models. It took me a while to close the deal, but now I have one and have refurbished it inside out, new switch, lamps and wires. Even painted it matte black
It works wonders. Very happy for it.
During this winter I even stumbled upon a LARGE Seal press, it cost me next to nothing. I believe you can dry mount / press material up to 100 x 150 cm, maybe more. Not sure what I'm gonna do with it, yet. Guess I'm gonna have to start printing bigger
Anyways... After getting the smaller Seal press and having solved the problem, I don't really see a use for the automatic drum dryer. But would it be unwise to get rid of it? I mean, passing it on to someone else. I don't throw away perfectly good equipment. But perhaps someone could enlighten me on alternative uses for it? Something I haven't thought about?
Here's a pic of the two I have up in the apartment now. It takes up a lot of space, that left one.
So, some year ago, when I started printing at home, I didn't have a dryer. Didn't have a solution for print flatness either, so I started looking around for a cheap paper dryer. I had my eyes open for an enlarger too, and eventually got both for a very good price.
The dryer was the automatic drum type, that you feed on a rolling canvas. It should allow for 40x50 cm prints. I have used it a few times, but it takes quite some time to heat up and when you're finished it takes forever to cool down. It doesn't stop rolling until it's somewhat cool.
I've heard good things about the Seal presses. So I hunted down one of those Commercial 210M models. It took me a while to close the deal, but now I have one and have refurbished it inside out, new switch, lamps and wires. Even painted it matte black
It works wonders. Very happy for it.During this winter I even stumbled upon a LARGE Seal press, it cost me next to nothing. I believe you can dry mount / press material up to 100 x 150 cm, maybe more. Not sure what I'm gonna do with it, yet. Guess I'm gonna have to start printing bigger
Anyways... After getting the smaller Seal press and having solved the problem, I don't really see a use for the automatic drum dryer. But would it be unwise to get rid of it? I mean, passing it on to someone else. I don't throw away perfectly good equipment. But perhaps someone could enlighten me on alternative uses for it? Something I haven't thought about?
Here's a pic of the two I have up in the apartment now. It takes up a lot of space, that left one.
Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
Seal presses are not print dryers! They're irons for dry mounting prints to mat board.
Joakim Målare
Established
Right. Sorry about that. I don't actually dry prints in it. I guess it's a language thing - I don't know the proper word for the device.
It works great to make already dry prints flat, that much I know!
It works great to make already dry prints flat, that much I know!