I have no experience but would like to build a darkroom easel

The Hackspace
#1

I have an idea for a simple and fast to use darkroom easel. I have a model made out of board but it would be more useful if it were heavier and sturdier.

I’m not sure if it would be better to use wood or metal or 3d printing and I don’t know how to do any of those things.

The current design consists of three components, two of which are combined into one.

  1. Rectangle 10 by 8 inches
  2. Rectangle 10 by 8 inches with rectangular hole of 5 by 7 inches
  3. Rectangle 7 by 5 inches with rectangular hole of 4.5 by 6 inches*

*0.25 border on long sides, 0.25 border on one short side, 0.75 border on the other

1 is aligned with and attached permanently to 2

3 is separate and is inserted into and removed from the hole in 2 during use.

There is a small opening on one short side of 2 to allow the easy removal of 3.

I know nothing but if someone would be up for providing some basic guidance or instruction I would be very grateful.

Thank you!

#2

The choice of material will mainly depends on a few factors:

  • Cost
  • Weight
  • Strength

From the description I think I can visualise what you’re after but if you could sketch up a few layouts / 3D views / pictures of your current one that’d help us give better advice

For training your best asking in the telegram chats. Assuming you’ll be using hand tools for this, anyone should be able to help out and give you guidance. For our bigger tools like the woodwork Mitre and Band saws we have formal training you can book on to when slots are available

Hope that helps

#3

Thank you so much Marcus for your thoughtful reply.

When looking into the 3D printing thing I found that someone else had made the exact same thing I wanted to make but in a different size.

So assuming this is the way forwards I am now wondering how I can adjust this to the correct proportions and print it at the hack space.

Any suggestions for next steps?

#4

Afraid I don’t have much 3D printing experience / knowledge but our telegram channel for it will have several people happy to help / advise

Link:

Looking at that link, if it’s just a 2D shape then our laser cutter might be another option to try (again not my area I’m afraid).

#5

I don’t think any of the 3D printers have a large enough print surface for 10 inches but I might be wrong. Laser cutting something or cutting some wooden boards would probably be the best and easiest way to do it but that’s not something I have experience in. I’ve also never heard of a darkroom easel before today so don’t know what considerations are required for it.

Is this the sort of thing you’re looking for?

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