Darkroom Sink

[David Aimone]

Ok, I've been looking locally for a used darkroom sink around 72" x 30" (give or take) and I haven't found anything (except for one guy on craigslist who apparently didn't really want to sell his after listing it). I want to get this done, I've been looking for a couple of weeks.

Unless someone out there has one near Albany, NY, I'm looking at the following two options:

Delta II "The Sink" painted ABS plastic 72"x33" with stand and backsplash, delivered for around $700.
or
Rosy Products stainless steel sink (a little smaller, 72"x28") with stand and backsplash, delivered for around $850. I could also do a 24"x60" from them for about $700 delivered.

Is the extra money worth the stainless steel?

I don't want to build one either.

David

[BOB MURPHY]

Make one -its easy-plus look at the money you will save

[jp]

http://www.rosyproducts.com/Price%20List.htm really doesn't look like a bad deal. I imagine the shipping is not cheap; probably $200 or more.

I have a locally made stainless steel sink about 6' long. I like it. Mine was a freebie from someone who'd moved and disassembled their darkroom. I'd suggest posting a WTB in the classifieds here or on craigslist if you really don't want a new one.

Previously in another home I had a plastic countertop abutting a plastic utility sink. That was fine too. Both materials were easy to keep clean. I guess it's a personal preference about what material you'd want it made of.

[David Aimone]

The Rosy Products sinks are very reasonable, but the crating and shipping is where it hurts ($250-$300)...


http://www.rosyproducts.com/Price%20List.htm really doesn't look like a bad deal. I imagine the shipping is not cheap; probably $200 or more.

I have a locally made stainless steel sink about 6' long. I like it. Mine was a freebie from someone who'd moved and disassembled their darkroom. I'd suggest posting a WTB in the classifieds here or on craigslist if you really don't want a new one.

Previously in another home I had a plastic countertop abutting a plastic utility sink. That was fine too. Both materials were easy to keep clean. I guess it's a personal preference about what material you'd want it made of.

[DW Ludwick]

Here is a free 7 foot SS darkroom sink (just pay shipping) from Seattle.

http://photo.net/gc/view-one?classified_ad_id=1182950

[jeroldharter]

I think those are good prices for stainless steel sinks. I doubt they include stands. Nothing beats a nice stainless steel sink so go for it.

If the prices are too high, hire a handyman to build you a sink from plywood and marine epoxy. There are many posts about sink construction so search the forum for ideas. You could make it to your specifications.

[David Aimone]

I emailed him. We'll see what happens. Thanks!


Here is a free 7 foot SS darkroom sink (just pay shipping) from Seattle.

http://photo.net/gc/view-one?classified_ad_id=1182950

[John Whitley]

If that sink doesn't work out, another option is to call around to local machinists and/or possibly place a Craigslist ad for quotes on a sink to your specifications. I've seen mention here and there (esp. the epic APUG Darkroom portraits (http://www.apug.org/forums/forum43/10966-darkroom-portraits.html) thread) of folks working out very reasonable deals for custom built sinks. The results seem to cheaper and/or vastly superior to the Delta ABS sinks.

I'll share the lesson learned from my own sink quest: it's worth being vigilant and a bit patient in the sink search. I was just about to venture into building my own pair of sinks last year, when an eBay listing came up with exactly what I needed down to the inch. I'm still reeling over the time and energy that saved me... :D

[DanK]

Another option may be checking the local restaurant supply stores...

Many offer used and budget stainless sinks and tables...

Often even the stainless tables have a three or four inch (upward) lip, plenty deep for a darkroom sink, all that is needed is the addition of a drain...

Just a thought....

Thanks,
Dan

[Kermit Burroughs]

I have "The Sink II" and it has been fine. Had an issue with the drain, but it wasn't the sink's fault.

[David Aimone]

Ok, the four used darkroom sinks that I have been sort of offered in the past couple of weeks have fallen through.

So, I just bit the bullet and ordered "The Sink II". It should be fine for my needs and last for quite a while.

Thanks for all your advice!

[BOSS565]

Helix Camera in Chicago offers stainless steels sinks. I have one and am very satisfied.

Here is the link: http://www.helixcamera.com/darkroom/processing/Helixsinks.html