I have been given a Lee Duplex Print Dryer, but no instructions on how to use it (been doing the old clothesline method up to now). I Googled and only found more for sale--no manuals.

Anyone here able to tell me how to use this contraption? Or know of a site that could help?

Thanks!
Valerie

Is this the kind with two platens and a canvas apron on each side?

The best print dryer is to use a venecian blind roller with fiber-glass screen attached to it. That way, when you don't need it you can roll it up. You can also stack them up a wall with a small distance between them. You can make them pretty long and wide. If need be, you place a heater underneath them. Sorry about the double reply.

Is this the kind with two platens and a canvas apron on each side?

Yes, it is. I've used a drum dryer before (eons ago in school), but nothing like this. At a loss with how it works.

I have not used a Lee, but I have a Primer. My dryer has a 2 sided chrome plate, each side has a canvas curtain that is clamped down to hold the print in place as it drys and a thermostat to control the temperature. For glossy place the print face down on the plate, for matt face up facing the canvas. For glossy the chrome plate must be clean, I soak the print in distilled water and the print drys until it will pop off. I use my dryer for working prints as the canvas may become stained, occasionally I want a fiber archival glossy print in which case I do not use the heater or the canvas. I put the print face down, work out any bubbles and let it air dry until it falls away from the plate.

Good luck

Paul

Valerie,

Although I didn't see a listing for either Lee, or Premier on their site you might want to contact these folks. They might have it or know where you can find it.

Photobooksonline (http://www.photobooksonline.com/)



g

Paul pretty much summed it up.

I'll add that if you acquired the dryer used, you should clean the canvas aprons. Methods I've seen include drycleaning and handwashing and drip drying. If you dry them in a dryer, they'll shrink.

If you want to try ferrotyping, there used to be a solution called "Pakosol" that prints were soaked in to insure even contact with the plate. I'm not sure if it is still available, or what would be a suitable substitute.

I washed the canvas aprons in the washing machine, then put them on the print drier to dry. That way they shrunk to fit.

I don't use mine for ferrotyping, though - the plates are badly scratched and it's hopeless getting them re-chromed locally. But it's a great FB drier/flattener!

Thanks guys! You have been great help!