ferrotype print dryer questions

[Hughes-Banderob]

I just bought an old 16x20 electric ferrotype print dryer (two prints at
a time, stretched canvas, etc.). It's in pretty good shape but I have
never printed fibre-based paper before (just bought a box of ilford
double-weight matte 8x10).

Can anyone give me some suggestions on how best to use it?

Also, the canvas, though free of mold and mildew, looks like it could
use a good washing. I've been warned not to shrink it or it won't fit
back on. I'm thinking of washing it in warm water with mild detergrent
and a touch of bleach, then rinsing it thoroughly with cold water. I
was going to let it drip dry. What do you think? Am I asking for
trouble? Any suggestions?

Thanks, R.P.

[Tim Flash]

Hey this thing is called a dryer right?!?!? so wash the canvas , cold water,
mild bleach, double or tripple rinse. then mount on the dryer and turn thing
on. wait for the canvas to dry before adding prints.
done!

[Geo]

I washed mine and put them back with no problem. Make sure you replace them
when they're still wet and allow them to dry without heat. Have not been
able to get a good gloss despite polishing, etc. tho. Lots of pitting.

-George

[Jean-David Beyer]

Geo wrote:

> In article <34AAA6...@sympatico.ca>, hughes....@sympatico.ca wrote:
>
> I just bought an old 16x20 electric ferrotype print dryer (two prints at
> a time, stretched canvas, etc.). It's in pretty good shape but I have
> never printed fibre-based paper before (just bought a box of ilford
> double-weight matte 8x10).
>
> Can anyone give me some suggestions on how best to use it?

Use a hardening fixer, for one thing. Make sure the ferrorype plates are
perfect.If not, I believe you can get new ones.

> Also, the canvas, though free of mold and mildew, looks like it could
> use a good washing. I've been warned not to shrink it or it won't fit
> back on. I'm thinking of washing it in warm water with mild detergrent
> and a touch of bleach, then rinsing it thoroughly with cold water. I
> was going to let it drip dry. What do you think? Am I asking for
> trouble? Any suggestions?
>
> I washed mine and put them back with no problem. Make sure you replace them
> when they're still wet and allow them to dry without heat. Have not been
> able to get a good gloss despite polishing, etc. tho. Lots of pitting.
>
> -George

--
Jean-David Beyer
Shrewsbury, New Jersey

[William Laut]

Jean-David Beyer (jdb...@exit109.com) wrote:

: Geo wrote:
:
: > In article <34AAA6...@sympatico.ca>, hughes....@sympatico.ca wrote:
: >
: > I just bought an old 16x20 electric ferrotype print dryer (two prints at
: > a time, stretched canvas, etc.). It's in pretty good shape but I have
: > never printed fibre-based paper before (just bought a box of ilford
: > double-weight matte 8x10).
: >
: > Can anyone give me some suggestions on how best to use it?
:
: Use a hardening fixer, for one thing. Make sure the ferrorype plates are
: perfect.If not, I believe you can get new ones.

:
: [...]

At one time, Kodak sold something called "Ferrotype Plate Polish," which
was used for polishing for ferrotype plates prior to use. You wish wish
to investigate whether Kodak still sells it or if you can get it from some
other vendor.

Bill

[Jerry LeCroy]

Hi,

I'd definitely wash the canvas - I've had prints ruined by fixer
transferred from the canvas in a belt fed dryer in a community darkroom.
I still use my dryer occasionally, though mostly I just let prints air
dry on screens now - I'm not in so much of a hurry, and don't generally
like the ferrotype look - when using the dryer I face the prints toward
the canvas. Have you found a source for ferrotype plates?

Jerry

Hughes-Banderob wrote:

> I just bought an old 16x20 electric ferrotype print dryer (two prints
> at
> a time, stretched canvas, etc.). It's in pretty good shape but I have
>
> never printed fibre-based paper before (just bought a box of ilford
> double-weight matte 8x10).
>
> Can anyone give me some suggestions on how best to use it?
>

> Also, the canvas, though free of mold and mildew, looks like it could
> use a good washing. I've been warned not to shrink it or it won't fit
>
> back on. I'm thinking of washing it in warm water with mild
> detergrent
> and a touch of bleach, then rinsing it thoroughly with cold water. I
> was going to let it drip dry. What do you think? Am I asking for
> trouble? Any suggestions?
>

> Thanks, R.P.

[Hemi4268]

Hi

The trick to a good ferotype is a very clean or no fixer in the prints.
Prints must be washed at least 1 to 2 hours. I would say a good drum type
print washer is a must. The chrome plate must be very clean.

Some old pro's would use lighter fluid to clean the plate.

Heat must be just right. Even and not to hot or cold.

Last is to use of a wetting agent such as Pakosol. Photoflo may work just as
well.

Larry