frustrated exposing prints in sunlight...grrr!

[Pitcherman]

Good morning,
I got all set up to do some pt/pd this morning, full- bright sun clear sky low humidity. In other words perfect. But then I bring a sheet out and that perfect sun was gone. Clouds seemingly from nowhere came in and I was sunk...again. I need to acquire/ build a printer. I have found plans online for a printer you can make with 8 18" t12 fluorescent tubes using black lights tubes, but I have not been able to source the materials cost effectively. What I am wondering, is what do you guys use. Is it best to go ahead and bite the bullet and get a printer from B&S or is there an updated plan using maybe a four-light fixture. Any input would be greatly appreciated. In the meantime I will scour the DIY forum etc. Thanks, and have great days.

[Vaughn]

Lots of possibilities.

You might find plug in and go sets at the Big Box hardware stores -- such as Home Depot: http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/202024447?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=blacklight&storeId=10051&N=5yc1v&R=202024447#.UXS-QoJGR_k

Those are BLB tubes (and fixtures). They have a filter built in to block most of the visible light and let just the UV through. BL tubes are a little cheaper (they do not have the filter) and actually seem a little faster. If you make a system from scratch, they are what one usually gets.

[Jim Noel]

BL tubes are faster than BLB.
Try "The Bulbman" for tubes. Even easier is the use of CFL-UV bulbs. The total cost of building a unit is reduced and made simpler since no ballasts need to be installed. These are also available from the Bulbman and similar sources. If you are printing 4x5, one CFL is sufficient. For 8x10 negatives, one will suffice also if moved a little further away from the printing frame, but most of my students have used four bulbs.

[David Aimone]

A few months ago I finished a very basic UV exposure box for under $200 total. It uses a 6 bulb 32w T8 fixture. The fixture is 48 inches by 20 inches, and I can do up to 2 16x20 prints at one time. Estimating initial height of 7 to 8 inches, to even out the light. The bulbs are separated by about 2 inches.

93802

[sanking]

Unless you live in parts of the southwest where the sun is reliable source of UV light it is best to invest in a good UV printer for alternative printing, especially pt/pd where the materials cost are so great.

Requirements for screen printing and alternative printing are similar. A good source for UV light sources is Ryonet, http://www.silkscreeningsupplies.com/?gclid=CMvLhrGN37YCFUTd4Aod2FAApw

Another good type of printer for alternative work is the platemaker type units of NuArc 261k, 261ks, Amergraph UL28, UlF-28, etc. These units use powerful HID lamps and usually come with built in vacuum and light integrator. You might be able to find a used unit on Ebay or Craigslist.

If you want to built a unit with a bank of BL tubes just do a search on built screenprinting light. There are many youtube videos on how to make your own.

Sandy

[Tri Tran]

I used this http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?products_id=2184 for my Platinum printing demontration workshop. Exposure time about 10 min at 2-3 ft for an 8x10 neg . You can go to local PetSmart to get one. UVA & UVB needed for this kind of printing.

[Lenny Eiger]

Printing companies are always going out of business. Many of them have platemakers you can pick up for a very small amount... These usually have vacuum frames built into them, exposure controls and come in sizes from small to 48 inches or so. There's a bunch on evilbay right now with starting bids from $199-$225. You can also ask a local printer where to get such things. I used one of these for many years doing platinum and will likely do so again very soon...

Lenny

[Bruce Schultz]

Sandy, What would your thoughts be on this unit?

http://www.silkscreeningsupplies.com/product/RXP2024

[SpeedGraphicMan]

You can also use electronic flash to print...

[Brian Ellis]

Sandy, What would your thoughts be on this unit?

http://www.silkscreeningsupplies.com/product/RXP2024

I'm not Sandy but you don't need anything that costs $400. For my gum and Vandyke printing I built a simple plywood box open on the two long sides and installed normal "under the counter" florescent lights - I think a bank of 8. Cost maybe $50-$75 and I'm not at all handy so if I could do it anyone can.

[sanking]

Sandy, What would your thoughts be on this unit?

http://www.silkscreeningsupplies.com/product/RXP2024

I used a similar unit for printing pt/pd recently at a workshop. Exposure times for pure palladium were pretty fast, about 8-10 minutes as I recall, and the unit is relatively light and portable.

For some general considerations of UV light sources for alternative printing see my article http://unblinkingeye.com/Articles/Light/light.html The article was put up more than ten years ago but most of the information is still current.

Sandy

[Jim Noel]

Tri,
That is really interesting. I have never thought of reptile supply stores as a source for UV source. This should be very helpful to those needing a printing unit.
Jim

[sanking]

Tri,
That is really interesting. I have never thought of reptile supply stores as a source for UV source. This should be very helpful to those needing a printing unit.
Jim

The growth of the marijuana industry has also resulted in a number of light sources that produce a lot of UVA light that is useful for exposing alternative processes. Self-ballasted HID mercury vapor lamps that fit in regular sockets are commonly available from 160 watts up to 250 watts. http://www.lightingsupply.com/hid-bulbs/mercury-vapor-mv-bulbs/self-ballasted-mercury-vapor.aspx

Two potential problems with these lights. One, they put out a lot of heat, and two, it takes them a couple of minutes to reach full radiation after turn on. So for really accurate exposures you need to turn on the bulb and allow it to warm up for a couple of minutes before beginning your exposure.

Sandy

[Tri Tran]

Tri,
That is really interesting. I have never thought of reptile supply stores as a source for UV source. This should be very helpful to those needing a printing unit.
Jim

Indeed Jim, it's cheap, EZ set up , get the job done. Tropical and salt water fish store also carry these UV light bulbs too.

[Pitcherman]

Gentlemen,
Great information. there are lots of options. I think I am going to go with the T12/BL option and make a printer along the line of the Edwards printer, but less elaborate. Sandy, thanks especially for your exhaustive article. It really made decision making process easier. I will keep you posted as I get into the process. thanks again.
Robert

[Pitcherman]

Brian- did you mount a fan on your box?

[Andrew O'Neill]

Originally Posted by Bruce Schultz
Sandy, What would your thoughts be on this unit?

http://www.silkscreeningsupplies.com/product/RXP2024

Bruce, I currently use one that is almost identical for kallitype and carbon transfer printing. I am quite happy with it compared to my plate burner as I don't have to worry about it melting carbon tissue. Exposures are quite a bit longer, mind you.