Experiences with Calumet Archival Print Washer

Nokton48

Nokton48

Veteran
Local time
1:32 PM
Joined
Dec 19, 2006
Messages
7,036
Calumet Archival Print Washer 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Hi All!

I'm renovating my old darkroom for B&W printing, an ongoing process. I just pulled the trigger on this Calumet Archival 16x20 print washer. It will wash 12 16x20s or 24 8x10s in one go.

I'm in the process of replacing the tubing on mine. I have printed out the original instructions on the internet. Obviously I will need to make a table to support this unit, out of 2x4s or maybe 4x4s.

Anybody here using this print washer? Experiences please :)
 
My Kostiner came with a plexy "stick", beveled and smoothed at one end, to gently grab the prints and pull them up out of the slot. Was very handy.

Other than that, what's to know? It's a print washer!
 
Saul said:
My Kostiner came with a plexy "stick", beveled and smoothed at one end, to gently grab the prints and pull them up out of the slot. Was very handy.

Other than that, what's to know? It's a print washer!
Click to expand...


I Dunno, you tell me? :)

Yes I have an extra long plexi stick, the end is covered with surgical tubing. Very clever.
 
They are are heavy (well, all the water inside them make them heavy :) ), and they get the job done, and get the job done well. IMHO, they are an essential thing in any B&W darkroom.
The long plexi stick, on the other hand, should be sent directly to the trashcan (or recycling bin). There is nothing they can do that a pair of health hands and fingers can't do better -- except scratch / damage prints. With the removable cell divider, there is no need to use them, but YMMV...
 
Good Info. Thanks Mike.

Wonder if I should put it in an enclosure with a drain? In case it leaks...........
 
Kodak tray siphon is most economical for archival one print 16x20 washing.
Multiple prints? This is why I bite the bullet and get this monster.
 
Thanks for responses Guys!

Kodak tray siphon is most economical for archival one print 16x20 washing.
Multiple prints? This is why I bite the bullet and get this monster.
 
Are you printing with fiber or rc paper?

The reason I mention, using RC paper doesn’t need the wash procedure like FB.

Since I use RC my print washer, similar to yours, sits in the backroom.
 
I'm planning to use RC for proof printing and work prints. Final prints on fibre
I've been paid and waiting six weeks to get some #2 RC 8x10 Pearl Ilfospeed from B&H. Guess Harman has to make some :)

I have a freezer full of Kodak Ektalure R salon paper tapestry finish
I loaded up on it right before Kodak discontinued it

Last time I processed the Ektalure it was GAF120 and also Amidol developer I mixed myself
 
What a coincidence. I have one, too. Mine is just for prints up to 11 x 14, though. And I need to replace my tubing and the thing that connects to the faucet. You haven't by any chance researched a source for those parts? I thought I would try to rig up something with parts from Home Despot, if possible. I never seem to get around to it.
 
Rob-F said:
You haven't by any chance researched a source for those parts? I thought I would try to rig up something with parts from Home Despot, if possible. I never seem to get around to it.
Click to expand...

Hi Rob,
Here's what I'm waiting to get

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-4-ID-CLE...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-ID-x-5...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Inline-Bal...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-4-Female...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649


The hose clamps and 3/8" tubing I bought at the local Lowes
 
mustee washing machine part by Nokton48, on Flickr

Ok my plan is to make a custom work table for this, out of 2x4's. I'll use metal corner braces too. To avoid a potential flood, I'll order this washing machine floor pan $78 from Hope Depot. I'll run a drain in the pan with PVC to the large drains right next to the washer.
 
Dan, I have no idea what the print washer weighs, but you did say it was heavy..

I did the math, you said it holds 16 gallons of water...@8.25 pounds per gallon, that's 132 pounds of water plus whatever the print washer weighs.

I'd make the table really sturdy...
 
Bought the same exact washer last year. Reported to work very well, and in my use has worked great as far as I can see. Installed a cute little system to run the washer off the sink sprayer supply using a ball valve:

archwasherss.jpg
 
Very cool Corran!

Luxor Heavy Duty Rolling Cart by Nokton48, on Flickr

For my needs I ended up buying -this-. A Luxor Heavy Duty rolling cart from B&H. 17.5 gallons H20 plus maybe 50 lbs for washer, equals about 198.75 lbs fully loaded and weight distributed. Rated for 500 lbs so should be ok..........
When I'm done with it each time I will drain it completely. 24.5"x37"

It's got about 2 1/4" of lip which would catch slow leaks, I can drill a hole and install a 3/8" drain hose just in case?


New plumbing is complete so the next step is to fill it up :) 30 day store warranty if it leaks..........
 
I used Zone VI washers (16x20 and 8x10) for many years and built a table out of 2x4 topped off with a recycled formica kitchen counter top. It was just screwed together, no extra L brackets, etc. I let the drain hose go directly into a tub sink and never had a problem with them. New hoses and other fittings should be available at a decent hardware store--I replaced mine a couple of times when they got cloudy due to high mineral content municipal water supplies.
 
I carried the washer downstairs, and put it on the new rolling cart, and fired it up! Fills and drains quickly, it's now mostly free of accumulated debris. One very small leak, I think one of the bottom hoses needs tightened. I'll try it again after it dries out completely.

I like this unit! Looks like I'm keeping it! :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom