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Thread: Experiences re: Calumet Archival Print Washer

  1. #1

    Experiences re: Calumet Archival Print Washer

    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
    Flikr Photos Here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/

    “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
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  2. #2
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Re: Experiences re: Calumet Archival Print Washer

    I had the larger 20X24 version hooked up and running on a 2X4 stand

    I added a ball valve externally to the drain hose

    Never leaked, but I did worry what if it did

    I now have a 16X20 emulation DIY made by somebody and it is safely in a double tub utility sink

    Very similarly plumbed


    I have a gate valve on the input now so I can slow the flow as ! believe it only needs low flow for an hour for FB paper. Drain is still a ball valve.

    My 20X24 is now being used by another member here or there...
    Tin Can

  3. #3
    Mike in NY's Avatar
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    Re: Experiences re: Calumet Archival Print Washer

    I use the exact same one; it sits at the end of my 8 foot sink. I love it, and use the adjustable clip on the drain hose to regulate the out flow.
    I dream in black and white.

  4. #4

    Re: Experiences re: Calumet Archival Print Washer

    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.
    Flikr Photos Here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/

    “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
    ― Mark Twain

  5. #5

    Re: Experiences re: Calumet Archival Print Washer

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Moe View Post
    I had the larger 20X24 version hooked up and running on a 2X4 stand. I added a ball valve externally to the drain hose
    I have a gate valve on the input now so I can slow the flow as ! believe it only needs low flow for an hour for FB paper. Drain is still a ball valve.
    I put a gate valve on my input, as recommended in the original instructions. What is a ball valve? Why do I need one? THANKS!
    Flikr Photos Here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/

    “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
    ― Mark Twain

  6. #6
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Re: Experiences re: Calumet Archival Print Washer

    Quote Originally Posted by Daniel Unkefer View Post
    I put a gate valve on my input, as recommended in the original instructions. What is a ball valve? Why do I need one? THANKS!
    I like valves everywhere. A 100% diameter ball valve opens the fastest but harder to control flow compared to a gate valve.

    a simple video. https://youtu.be/txDANNh4_ME

    I never saw any instructions
    Tin Can

  7. #7
    Jac@stafford.net's Avatar
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    Re: Experiences re: Calumet Archival Print Washer

    Do we have an authoritative evaluation of the washer? I think not, but I look forward to rebuttal. These washers serve most to remove money from your wallet and increase our water bill.

  8. #8

    Re: Experiences re: Calumet Archival Print Washer

    Quote Originally Posted by Jac@stafford.net View Post
    Do we have an authoritative evaluation of the washer? I think not, but I look forward to rebuttal. These washers serve most to remove money from your wallet and increase our water bill.
    Ummmmmmm

    JAC, I'm curious, how do you archivally wash 12 16x20s or 24 8x10s at once? Let us know.
    Flikr Photos Here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/

    “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
    ― Mark Twain

  9. #9

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    Re: Experiences re: Calumet Archival Print Washer

    I also have this washer. It just keeps working. I have two SS sinks, 7 ft and 4 ft, end to end. The washer sits in the 4 ft. FWIW, I've rigged my water system with a 4-outlet manifold connected to the temp mixing valve outlet via a gate valve that serves as the master shutoff for all four outlets - pic attached. Note that two of the manifold outlets have flow-control valves attached, one is for a hose to the long sink to provide water jackets for the trays, the other is for a hose to the washer. An inline water flowmeter goes to the washer. So once the flow rates to the long sink and the washer are set via the flow-controllers, they are never altered and the manifold outlet valves are used as full-open or shut-off. The remaining manifold outlets are used for (a) general water needs and (b) rinse water for negatives that’s been filtered (blue tubes). All connections are 3/4" garden hose threads. Very convenient, allows me to go into the darkroom and quickly be ready to start once water temp stabilizes.

    Water flowmeters can be had from McMaster-Carr:
    https://www.mcmaster.com/flow-rate-meters

    Manifold can be had from Home Depot or Lowe’s:
    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Melnor-4...9009/202881087
    https://www.lowes.com/pd/Yardsmith-B...t-Off/50328287

    Same with the flow-control valves:
    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Orbit-3-...1?N=5yc1vZbx5n
    https://www.lowes.com/pd/Yardsmith-B...t-Off/50328301

    Good luck with your darkroom.

    Photo here:

  10. #10

    Re: Experiences re: Calumet Archival Print Washer

    Thanks Jerry!

    BTW today I got a Modern Enlarging Systems Model 2 Omega DII LED head. It's on my enlarger now and playing with it, it's way cool
    Flikr Photos Here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/

    “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
    ― Mark Twain

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