Best rollers for rear clamp manual.

[Gilligan]

I have been keeping an eye out for a good deal on roller frames... probably just getting myself into trouble.  But I can't help it when I read threads about the better tension and how for only a little more than statics you can get used rollers.

But I have rear clamps.

I'd like to eventually get an auto but I have no time frame on such an expansion now.

I have about half 20x24's and 23x31's right now (smaller are wooden and larger are aluminum).

Press is a Antec Legend 6/4.

[Nation03]

I think you can get 23x31 newmans with a square bar attachment. That way you can use them on your manual now and still use them if/when you get an auto.

[Gilligan]

I'm of course game with ghetto rigging something up to use all round frames IF that is fairly acceptable.  (read about it in endless's workhorse refurb thread)

[Nation03]

If you dont want to go with a square bar you can always order some side clamps from vastex that attach to any rear clamp press. Personally, the only way I'd use side clamps is with airlocks though.

[Gilligan]

I'm not opposed to square bar by any means... I just don't want to limit myself when looking at the used market if there is a suitable work around for all round frames.

[jsheridan]

If you want to stay with manual  size MZX  frames. Stretch makes 3 manual frame sizes with square bar ends and 1 with all rollers.
 MZX-UL™   18" x 20" ID (45.72 x 50.80cm)   3 rollers with 18" square bar
MZX-UL™   23" x 26" OD (58.42 x 66.04cm)   3 rollers with 23" square bar
MZX-UL™   23" x 28" OD (58.42 x 71.12cm)   3 rollers with 23" square bar
MZX-UL™   23" x 31" OD (58.42 x 78.74cm)   4 rollers (no square bar)

The mzx 23 x 31 is considered a large manual frames for presses that have side clamps and can handle the weight and size of the 23 31's.

Finding used 23x26/28's are tough as they're a specific kind of frame so i suggest buying the 23 31 mzx and use an adapter, available from newman, that allows the clamping of round tubes in a back clamp press. This way the frame grows with you if you ever automate.

[ZooCity]

I don't recommend using the clamp adapters with 4 rollers and rear clamps.  They work but I don't think they were made with that intention.  If you want 4 roller, get side clamps. 

I also notice that we popped mesh along the clamp area on those screens we used in this manner.  If you're staying with manual for awhile just find a good deal on square bars, use 'em and sell 'em later if you don't need them anymore.   My 2c. on it.

[Gilligan]

I've seen those clips before... but I thought they were something someone fabbed up.

How exactly do they work?  I mean, I get that you clamp down on them but how does it keep the frame from spinning?  Does it have teeth to it?

[Gilligan]

Good to know Zoo.

[jsheridan]

I've seen those clips before... but I thought they were something someone fabbed up.

How exactly do they work?  I mean, I get that you clamp down on them but how does it keep the frame from spinning?  Does it have teeth to it?

The ID of the adapter is slightly smaller than the OD of the tube.

For rear clamp press;s, they make a long single clamp. Unless you swing and handle your press like a mad ape, I've never had any issues with the clamps. It's when you tighten to much and over push or swing with to much force that things start to go wrong.

[jsheridan]

I also notice that we popped mesh along the clamp area on those screens we used in this manner. 

Don't blame the clamp, blame the process or lack of one.

Were you using mesh protection tape along the exposed part of the tube?  Unprotected mesh along the roller underside is the #1 reason for mesh failure of roller frames.

[Gilligan]

Speaking of... how long does mesh last in rollers.

As I understand it one benefit is the "work hardened" screens have excellent tension.  But how long do these hold up for?  1k prints, 5k prints, 20k prints, more?  Obviously it is a YMV situation but what is typical with average use.  In a manual shop with reclaiming after say 100 prints on average?

If it matters, and I suspect it does, my chems are Chromaline Blue (metal halide exposure with sun dry/post exposure), IR14 (what is the difference in that and IR4?), ER2 and HR6.

I'm suspecting that in the long run, performance aside, rollers will save you money by being able to replace you mesh (less often) by yourself and just buy the mesh vs having to use a restretching service.

[Shawn (EIP)]

I think you can get 23x31 newmans with a square bar attachment. That way you can use them on your manual now and still use them if/when you get an auto.

23x31 and 23 x26 with square bar new yes, used VERY rare find. I've been keeping an eye out for the past few years.

Side clamps, problem solved 

[Shawn (EIP)]

Speaking of... how long does mesh last in rollers.

until it breaks

[Gilligan]

Speaking of... how long does mesh last in rollers.

until it breaks

And barring someone doing something stupid (hitting a corner), under "normal" use (on a manual press) how long should that take?