Michael - Kreonite is superb equipment. But Burkett did P3 Ciba, not RA4, which required a far more chemically-resistant machine with different timing. Ciba bleach is highly corrosive. But my drums do both equally well. I had my reason, he had his. Auto transport machines capable of bigger prints require a large volume of replenished chemistry.
That imposes some serious health as well as expense issues. I deliberately kept my print quantities well down for health reasons. Then just think about the utility bills. 80% of the cost and wattage goes to the dedicated dryer unit, and it is 240V. I have dual voltage in my lab, but certainly don't want to deal with the higher utility bills, the more complicated fume issues, or having to mix large volumes of chemistry.
All of those lab owner's I previously mention got sick. One had to have scar tissue removed from both his lungs. I could have taken over his lab. No thanks. Doing small quantities in drums is simply safer for personal purposes.
Once you go big there are also all kinds of hazmat and business license increased too. Yes, not being able to do large numbers lost me some pretty tempting sales; but so what? There are plenty of ways to make money; getting your health back is another story. With Ciba, even a big drum can just be dumped into a little bucket with some baking soda in the bottom, and the sulfuric acid bleach is instantly neutralized. With a big machine, it's a complicated headache and involves industrial zoning permits. That would be the case with every city around here; it's not like where Burkett lives. The entire Bay Area is tightly monitored. With RA4, I can actually run the drum outdoors and avoid most of the vapors. With a big machine, I'd have to have constant ventilation in a dedicated room. Etc ....
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