Finer Points of Properly Loading Jobo 3006 Drum

Using the Jobo 3006 (4x5 and 5x7 compatible drum) for the first time, and had a couple questions during a dry run loading dummy sheets.

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1) Does the 4" or 5" edge of the sheet film get inserted first into the tubes?

2) Inside each tube there are 2 "trenches" running down the length. Is the film supposed to be situated relative to these grooves in any particular manner?

3)Finally, How does one manage to put the lid on EVENLY? The fit is quite tight, and therefore my attempts have not worked, and drum will rotate with a warble on processor. Does it call for a thin layer of Vaseline, then cranking down on lid til it's on as far as it will go all the way 'round?

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I do appreciate any assistance you can give. Andre

Place the loaded tank on a low table. Press down on the lid with both

hands, a hand on each side. Rotate the tank 1/4 turn and press down

again. Continue until even.

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To take off the lid use the foot pump. Hold the lid with both hands. DO

NOT place your face above the tank. When you press on the pump the lid

will pop off with a loud pop.

Andre, I load the drum with the notch code up, the ribs will keep the

sheets from overlapping when running. As for the lid, modt of the

time I don't get it on evenly and I run an ALT2500 processor. It

don't seem to bother what i do with it. You need the foot pump to

remove the cover.

Thanks you, you two. Since the individual tubes of the 3006 only

take a single sheet, perhaps the "trenches or grooves" are to allow

solution to reach the non-emulsion side of the film?

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I am in an experimental mood, and just tried a very thin layer of

Vaseline on the lid lip, and it works like a charm, as you sugested,

Per. The lid now sits all the way down as far as it will go, snug,

yet flush all way 'round.

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Bill, i just wanted to mention that 1st thing this a.m., found

instruction manual for the CPP-2 which contains info on the loading

the Expert drum. They suggest that on 4x5 film, that the 5" length

be loaded in first, as opposed to what I believe you were

suggesting, which is to load the 4" edge first. I believe I read on

this site that it makes a difference in the quality of your process

how you load film, but I suppose your film has come out fine.

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I got this Expert drum free when I bought CPP-2. !st time using it,

and you can tell it's a quality manufactured piece.

Andre, No No No vasaline, any that gets in the drum will comtaminate

the sheet of film, and will be hard to remove. I had 2 drums break on

me using the foot pump. Jobo suggested that i coat the outside rim of

the tank and the inside of the cover with vegtable oil. I tryed this

method, and still i feel that at some time i might still contaminate

the film.

Bill

I use both 5X7 and 4X5 in the 3006 drum. 4X5 goes in with the

notch on top (5" dimension top to bottom) 5X7 can only go in

with the 5" dimension top to bottom.

An alternative to the foot pump that I don't have:

I use water pressure from the faucet. A hose and fitting

(or your hand) to seal around the drum opening. As water does

not compress, the lid lifts off gently and easily.

I forgot to add: I use a dry silicone lubricant for the drum lip.

It comes in an spray can. Wipe a bit on (careful not to get it in

the drum, only on the lip.) Leave it set a few minutes and wipe off

excess. One application usually lasts for 10-15 runs before it

starts getting sticky again.

Cheap, effective, safe way to "pop"lids on Expert Drums: From a

plumbing counter get a common grayish rubber sink drain plug that

fits the lid. Drill with an electric drill a small hole through the

center. Get an ear syringe such as you might already have to blow

dust off a lens. One puff off sets the lid without excessive force.

I know this is an old thread but just in case someone reads this in the future:

winddancing: There is absolutely no way you can force a top off of an Expert drum using and ear syringe or lens blower bulb. I hope you were just kidding. But in case you weren't, not only would it not even come even remotely close to producing the volume of air necessary for the job, but it wouldn't produce enough pressure either. On top of that, ear syringes and bulbs used for lens blower brushes have to take air in through the the same tip that it blows air out of so you can't use it to build up air. In other words, after you squeeze it once, you will simply suck the tiny bit of air you just pushed into the drum back out when you release it. You are either kidding or you have never tried it or worked with an Expert drum. You're just blowing hot air!