ItsReallyDarren
That's really me
I just bought two Paterson 3 reel tanks off the big auction site a few days ago. One was the older 4th generation (1970's) tank and the other is the current tank we find in stores today. Both are 3 reel tanks, each with 3 reels.
While I was developing some film in my old tank I pulled out the Patersons to give them a good wash. The 4th generation tank seems fine, smells like C-41 chemicals and a little discolored. I dont think they will interfere with B&W film processing.
The current tank has a crack which leaks water when pressure is applied. Standing on its own it leaks maybe a drop or two of water, but when I put the cap on and press down it sprays out liquid.
I'm debating whether I should contact the seller and return the tanks or if its feasible to patch up the tank with some glue or tape or both and start using them. I paid $30 total for both tanks which seem like a good deal especially since they came with the reels. Anybody have experience with patching up plastic tanks?
While I was developing some film in my old tank I pulled out the Patersons to give them a good wash. The 4th generation tank seems fine, smells like C-41 chemicals and a little discolored. I dont think they will interfere with B&W film processing.
The current tank has a crack which leaks water when pressure is applied. Standing on its own it leaks maybe a drop or two of water, but when I put the cap on and press down it sprays out liquid.
I'm debating whether I should contact the seller and return the tanks or if its feasible to patch up the tank with some glue or tape or both and start using them. I paid $30 total for both tanks which seem like a good deal especially since they came with the reels. Anybody have experience with patching up plastic tanks?
mwooten
light user
I think I would just patch up the leak. Maybe some JB Weld on the outside.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
I couldn't see any type of glue working too well .... there's clever people out there in the automotive crash repair world who can actually weld plastic electrically which would be a solution but they'd probably charge you more than the tank's worth.
Depends where it's cracked too ... I managed to crack the base of a Paterson by being a little enthusiastic with my air bubble removal when banging it down on the bench.
Depends where it's cracked too ... I managed to crack the base of a Paterson by being a little enthusiastic with my air bubble removal when banging it down on the bench.
40oz
...
JB weld is probably overkill, but it'd work. Any two-part epoxy will work to seal the tank.
Too bad about the typical ebay seller behavior. Make sure you mention it in his feedback - the only reason he was selling them on ebay instead of a garage sale is he knew it was too much hassle to return.
Too bad about the typical ebay seller behavior. Make sure you mention it in his feedback - the only reason he was selling them on ebay instead of a garage sale is he knew it was too much hassle to return.
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
ABS glue - used for pipes work well. Try to apply it to the inside of the tank and for safety's sake on the outside too.
I have cracked and fixed many Paterson tanks. Most of the time it works fine - though I had one loose the whole bottom - split open . This was in the "good old days" - you just returned it to your dealer and they gave you a new one - no questions asked- though some eyebrows raised.
If you are banging the tank against the edge of the sink, you might consider putting a piece of rubber there. It still works as tapping point. I save the tape from 100/400 ft reel cans and just stick it down on the edge - by now there is a 1/4 " layer there and though bottoms have been chipped, no leaks for the last while.
I have cracked and fixed many Paterson tanks. Most of the time it works fine - though I had one loose the whole bottom - split open . This was in the "good old days" - you just returned it to your dealer and they gave you a new one - no questions asked- though some eyebrows raised.
If you are banging the tank against the edge of the sink, you might consider putting a piece of rubber there. It still works as tapping point. I save the tape from 100/400 ft reel cans and just stick it down on the edge - by now there is a 1/4 " layer there and though bottoms have been chipped, no leaks for the last while.
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ItsReallyDarren
That's really me
I couldn't see any type of glue working too well .... there's clever people out there in the automotive crash repair world who can actually weld plastic electrically which would be a solution but they'd probably charge you more than the tank's worth.
Depends where it's cracked too ... I managed to crack the base of a Paterson by being a little enthusiastic with my air bubble removal when banging it down on the bench.
The crack is a vertical line around the middle of the tank. The leaking area is roughly about an inch, 3cm is more accurate to its length but there's a hairline crack running about half the length of the tank.
I've picked up some GOOP and plan to patch it soon, both inside and out. Let's hope that fixes it.
Chris101
summicronia
Goop or epoxy: no. It will eventually fail. Use ABS glue (thin clear liquid, a chlorinated hydrocarbon) as Tom suggested, or a toluene based plastic cement from the inside. Either of these will chemically weld the plastic.
ElrodCod
Established
Scuff the outside well with some sandpaper & repair with JB weld reinforced with a piece of nylon window screen. It'll last forever.