Mending a Morse G3 Bakelite tank

[MrJ]

I've just got hold of a Morse tank that is unfortunately cracked along the base. Structurally it's fine, and also light-tight, but after doing a test with water liquid does eventually get through and slowly drip out.

The bakelite just needs resealing on the inside along the crack. Is there a glue or epoxy that is safe to use that won't react with processing chemicals?

Many thanks

Mark

[carllooper]

I'm not sure how to mend it but there must be some DIY bakalite websites around that could help.

I have one of those tanks myself. Have never used it. Has become more of an ornament in my collection of things. I have no idea where I picked it up.

C

[beaunizo]

I doubt the material itself can be joined together again.
Likely the best thing is to coat it with a paint or rubber which is resistant against the chemicals. Especially the acid bleach

This paint exists
DIY processing equipment made of wood gets a special paint. Just last year I visited a photographer's darkroom which had permanent trays. Very large and made of wood. A drain in the bottom corner of course The wood gets painted when assembly is complete...

[woods01]

Those tanks are common and inexpensive enough to warrant just buying a replacement. You'd be introducing some unknowns to your processing. Such as how the glue or resin would react with bleach. Plus you'd have to constantly be worrying about whether the crack might leak again while you are in the middle of developing a roll.

[unsanity]

Just use epoxy resin. The stuff that is used with fibreglass matting, it should creep into the crack. Chemical resistant and waterproof. Can be also transformed into filler or glue.

Julian

[MrJ]

Thank you all for the advice. I opted for an epoxy resin in the end...the type used in water tanks...seemed to make sense.

So far so good, but I've only processed 100ft since the repair.

Cheers

Mark