From: Dave Rose (cactuscowboy@attbi.com)
Date: 02/07/03-09:49:57 AM Z
I received a private email requesting details. Others may find this useful,
so I'm posting to the list.
Start with a piece of 3/4" birch plywood and a piece 1/8" pegboard (masonite
with holes pre-drilled at regular intervals) cut to the same size. Using a
router, cut a network of shallow channels into the plywood, positioned so
that the holes in the pegboard will correspond to the channels. Glue the
pegboard onto the plywood. Use a heavy glue that will completely seal the
two pieces together, eliminating gaps or air leaks around the outer edges.
Drill a hole through the edge of the plywood, deep enough to intersect a
channel. Using epoxy, glue a metal tube into the hole. Using plastic
tubing, attach the metal tube to the intake on a vacuum cleaner. (When the
vacuum is turned on, it will pull air through all of the holes in the
pegboard).
To complete the vacuum easel, paint the pegboard flat black. Attach a piece
of clear polyester to the pegboard, taping it along one edge only. (I use
20x24" x .005" thick anti-static polyester "Kleerbase", a product used by
graphic artists/printers).
To use, place the negative & paper underneath the polyester and turn on the
vacuum. The polyester will be drawn tightly against the pegboard, providing
excellent contact between negative and paper. Bring the vacuum easel to the
light source and make the exposure.
I'm using this easel for making cyanotype and gum prints, up to 16x20". For
my purposes, it works well.
Best regards,
Dave Rose
Cactus Cowboy
Big Wonderful Wyoming
cactuscowboy@attbi.com
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