Best RC washer for a school darkroom

[alorino]

Hi all,
I'm teaching a darkroom photography class and our RC washer just gave out. It's been so long since I've needed to buy one that I'm not familiar with some of the brands. What are your opinions on the different washers available? I'm looking for something that can handle bulk washing and 11x14 and smaller prints. I've seen some yankee washers that look fine, but are they built to last?

[David Brown]

Versalab

http://www.versalab.com/

http://www.versalab.com/server/photo.../vestlrevw.htm

[cliveh]

How about a sink with an overflow to drain.

[ROL]

Versalab

http://www.versalab.com/

http://www.versalab.com/server/photo.../vestlrevw.htm

Slot washers are great (and preferred) for fine art and single users but typically won't be able to handle the demands of a gang darkroom, where everything needs to get washed quickly and ready for the next class/session. The OP probably needs something automatic and higher volume. If cost is an issue (and when isn't it), I suspect a horizontal overflow washer might be sufficient (like my RC/"pre–wash" – left side of sink), if you can enlist students to keep their own prints moving in the washer from time to time. These have no moving parts to wear out and are otherwise perfectly suitable for many RC prints (non-archival washes). Going out on a limb here, repairs to your existing washer might be easier than you think.

[Rick A]

How about a sink with an overflow to drain.

+1, keep it simple. You only need a couple of minutes in the wash for RC paper.

[alorino]

I'm familiar with washing technique and slotted washers. We have an archival slotted washer but it is reserved for fiber prints. What I'm looking for is a speedy RC washer that can hold, and still wash, a load of photo 1 prints. My main question is what brands seem to hold up well. The hose connection on ours broke off and gluing does not work. Right now we only have a regular old tray with a tray siphon and it just can't keep up with the volume of prints. Suggestions?

[alorino]

Slot washers are great (and preferred) for fine art and single users but typically won't be able to handle the demands of a gang darkroom, where everything needs to get washed quickly and ready for the next class/session. The OP probably needs something automatic and higher volume. If cost is an issue (and when isn't it), I suspect a horizontal overflow washer might be sufficient (like my RC/"pre–wash" – left side of sink), if you can enlist students to keep their own prints moving in the washer from time to time. These have no moving parts to wear out and are otherwise perfectly suitable for many RC prints (non-archival washes). Going out on a limb here, repairs to your existing washer might be easier than you think.

That is exactly what I need. Any brands you like? It's really the brands people like that I'm asking for.