The miraculous transformation of an old enlarger into a household item

Some things from the distant past have a chance for a second life. But mostly they act as art objects and rarely - as useful things in everyday life. Honor and praise to people who open up new facets of such objects for us. Well, it would seem: what fate awaits the old photo enlarger? But at one time he was in almost every home. Do you remember how you locked yourself in the bathroom and watched with bated breath how the frames appeared on photographic paper under the light of a red lamp? How much magic there was in this process! But first, the Kodak machines appeared, which began to print pictures in a matter of minutes, and then the photograph completely moved to a parallel digital world. A photographic enlarger, neatly packed in a suitcase, is gathering dust somewhere on the mezzanine. But not from the author of the YouTube channel GOOD_WOOD, who figured out how to use it for the benefit of the household. Perhaps you will also be interested in this invention.

Read in the article

1 What's valuable in a magnifier
2 All the specifics in detail: design features
3 How the stone is fixed on the machine
4 How is the knife attached to the structure
5 How to work with a homemade knife

What's valuable in a magnifier

So, let's see what is so valuable in this device that you can use it in homemade products.

What can be done from an old enlarger — First of all, this device is valuable because it has a stationary, strong and securely fixed metal stand. It can be useful for different purposes, so take your time to get rid of it.

And the second important point is that the device has a sturdy suitcase in which you can store both the rack itself and additional devices to it.

These features were used by the author to create a universal machine for sharpening knives.

All the specifics in detail: design features

To convert an old photo enlarger into a sharpener, you need to re-equip it.

You will need a knitting needle with a stone attachment mechanism. The fixation will be due to two wooden parts with recesses for a stone. One of them freely " walks" on the spoke and, if necessary, is fixed by means of a spring — You will need a knitting needle with a stone attachment mechanism. The fixation will be due to two wooden parts with recesses for a stone. One of them freely "walks" on the spoke and, if necessary, is fixed by means of a spring

To install a spoke with a stone, you need to equip the rack with such fasteners. This is a movable metal bracket with a part through which a spoke is threaded and fixed with a bolt.

Due to the mobility of the staple, the spoke can have a different inclination relative to the base surface. You can also adjust the position of the spoke by raising or lowering the movable part of the rack. Thus, when working with a stone, you can direct it at different angles relative to the stationary mounted blade.

How the stone is fixed on the machine

To secure the stone to the spoke, you need to make two L-shaped pieces of wood. They fit onto the spoke.

One part is fixed at the end of the spoke and is stationary, but the second must move along it so that a stone of different sizes can be used. The fixation takes place by means of a spring. Washers are installed on both sides of it. The spring can be moved by securing with a bracket

Fixing the stone is very simple: insert it into the grooves of the L-shaped parts, move the spring and that's it. To prevent the stone from sliding on the wood, glue a piece of leather on these parts

How is the knife attached to the structure

The second important condition for the successful operation of a homemade device is a convenient and reliable fixation of the knife.

The knife is fixed on a stand, which is a case from a photographic enlarger. To attach to the edge of the box, you need to screw the parts: the upper one is a strip of metal fixed in a fixed position, and the lower one is a plate that presses the knife and can move

The lower part of the blade holder is movable and secured by a clamping bolt with a butterfly nut

This design allows you to securely fix the knife, while freeing your hands.

How to work with a homemade knife

The principle of the homemade product is clear: the knife is fixed, and you can walk over it with a stone in different directions and at different angles.

The stone is moved by a movable spoke. Its position can change at different angles.

For sharpening, the blade is first processed on one side, and then it must be turned over and sharpened on the other. Everything is very simple and fast. Change stones, angle and direction of movement

According to the author, the use of this device allows you to get excellent results, and there is no reason not to believe him.

This is how, using an old photo enlarger, you can get a knife sharpening machine for your home. You can store stones for work in the same case. And who would have thought that this device could still be useful to you in household chores!

Well, if you do not have an old enlarger, it doesn’t matter. There are other options for homemade scissors, which are easy to repeat at home. For example, here is one popular video with a master class:

Share your opinion about this DIY in the comments! Maybe you have other ideas for using your old enlarger? Tell us about them, or even better - send your photos and job descriptions to the editorial office. In this case, your invention will be seen by thousands of our readers.

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