So... I found a NuArc 26-1K on 'bay, and got it. Just brought it
home, plugged it in, and realized I don't exactly know how to
run it. Seems simple, but it didn't come with a manual. Would
someone write me a simple "1. 2. 3." kind of instruction for making
an exposure with it? ( and/or show me where I can get a manual
online... I searched but came up empty)

I did turn it on and the fan up top powers on. I think you have
to wait for it to pull a vacuum before the light comes on, am I
right? The vacuum pump hums, but the meter just flutters around
2 or 3 and that's as good as it gets. The glass doesn't seem to
make firm contact... is there an adjustment I can make for that?

One more question... the round knob on the upper right next to
the vacuum button... it's spring loaded... is that a bleed or
something? When I go clockwise with it I get a little vacuum,
when I go counter, no vacuum.

Any help would be so very appreciated!

thanks,
Susan

OK I'm back to report that i got it working. Still haven't found a
manual online, BUT I did find the solution to my vacuum trouble.
it was as simple as cleaning the glass and rubber gasket. They
"looked" clean, but had a film of dust I guess, because after a good
cleaning, it sucked! Yeah! Pressure is measured in mercury, right?
Is it pounds, or... ?

It is SO exciting to have this, and now to know it works!
All for $311, too.

I plan to use it for exposing polymer plates for gravure, so I'll have
to do some testing this weekend to find my exposure times...

I'll still welcome any hints and suggestions for how you've set
up yours. Thanks!
Susan

Hi Susanne

Your *Fuji Graphic* representative in US will have all the info , parts and service technicians to help you. At least that is the case here in Canada.
You got a great deal on this unit, I have used Nuarc for over 20 years and they are very reliable.
You may want to build a small barrier around the unit when you are exposing or you will end up with a nice sun tan.
Have fun.

Hi Bob, thanks for responding, I really appreciate it. I'll look for
that Fuji rep here.

I made a makeshift curtain for it today with some magnetic hooks
and three pieces of tarp. it fits loosely enough for good airflow
(and it is open on the back which is about a foot from a wall),
so I don't think it will get too hot, but I'm going to watch out
for that. My main problem is my big goofy standard poodle. I
don't want to fry his big brown eyes.... He is always at my side,
watching everything I do like there's going to be a quiz later ;)

thanks again for the response!
Susan

Susan,

I have a manual in PDF format if you want. PM me with an email address and I will send it to you.

Bill

Many thanks to Bill Schwab for the manual. That's just what I needed!

Susan

Can you be so kind as to email me a copy of the manual ?
I am having some of the same issues as you
Gustavo@Ironworkx.net

http://www.Ironworkx.net
Gustavo@Ironworkx.net
818 632 2035
16684 Morrison St.
Encino Ca.91436

It's a Litho plate burner. What do you guys use it for?

Kiron Kid

Susan, I just got the same unit used and I'm working in the same process. If you want, feel free to email me with questions, thoughts etc. at dkfreed (at) whidbey (dot) com -- spaces removed.

Also, the dealers for the NuArc are M&R graphics. Their tech person has been helpful to me in getting going on this unit. See: http://www.mrprint.com/en/Home.aspx
I plan to use it for exposing polymer plates for gravure, so I'll have to do some testing this weekend to find my exposure times...

Hi, I have the 261k as well sans manual. Can I persuade anyone to share the pdf instruction manual? It would be greatly appreciated.....

Hey Bill Schwab or Susan V or anyone else...
Could you please send me the manual for the Nuarc 26-1K Mercury Exposure System?
We've had it for years but we're always blowing fuses...probably because we're using the wrong ones but I don't have a manual to find out which are the correct ones to use.
Thanks very much.
gayle@stobbsprinting.com

Here is a link to the manual, though I don't know how reliable the link will be based on the address: http://128.100.138.188:5000/documents%5CNuArcMercuryExposureSystem.pdf

I also put a copy in my dropbox (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2175281/NuArc%2026-1K.pdf) account, which is public.

Hi, I just acquired a Nuarc 26-1K, and have a few questions for anyone who would be willing to give me some basic advice.

I have a vacuum problem, as per others, and will follow the procedures outlined to see about getting the suction to a better level. (I get enough pressure to feel it on the entry hole into the rubber mat, but the meter barely registers.) I will be temporarily storing the unit, (until September), when I intend to setup a dedicated space for printing.

What I need to know is, how to use the unit, and especially with respect to negative / paper setup in the unit. Specifically, I am assuming that the vacuum easel replaces the need for a contact frame, but is there a need to have a hard surface between the negative/print sandwich and the rubber mat, or will the vacuum compress the glass so firmly into the rubber mat that nothing else is required?

Thanks,

Nick.

Hi Nick,

It works well without the need for a backing, this is the way it was meant to be used...but, I do use a thin 3mil mylar backing on top of the rubber mat to keep humidity in the paper when I print platinum as well as gum...

When printing carbon, which I have done only a handful of times, I feel the need for a solid backing, perhaps a mat board, since the grid of the rubber mat exposes into the carbon tissue.

Hi Pvia, thank-you, that was very helpful. I will go in search of a mylar layer to help keep humidity in the paper. I may also opt to use a piece of mat board at some point based on experience without it.