microtome?

[mtuell]

I'm considering getting a used microtome, but only have a vague idea about brands and how to tell how complete they might be and how to ID parts to complete them and how available those parts might be.

This looks pretty good, but missing the blade, I think. This is about as much as I'd be willing to spend at this time - ideally less!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leitz-1512-Lab- ... 2568618149

Here is one that is less expensive... It has the advantage of coming with a mounted stereo 'scope, but I'm not sure if it even has a blade holder.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DuPont-Sorvall- ... 1973853812

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

[75RR]

You might want to look at American Optical (AO)
Here is an 820 for sale and a link to the manual.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AO-American-Opt ... SwRGlXpo2x

https://user.xmission.com/~psneeley/Per ... rotome.pdf

Does not appear to have a blade, though that is not a problem as there are plenty about on ebay, but what you really want is a disposable (razor) blade holder.

See page 6 of the manual.

[mtuell]

Thanks for your advice. This one is claimed to be tested as working. It includes a bunch of other stuff, including what looks like blades. Maybe I should make an offer on this one...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AO-Spencer-Amer ... 2987417672

Mike

[75RR]

Looks nice ... you could offer $300 and see what he says
Remember they are heavy - shipping will not be cheap - try and get him to send it USPS

[mtuell]

I was thinking $375, but I can start at $300. Shipping is $75 UPS ground. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Thanks again!
Mike

[Pau]

Mike, the Du Pont at your second link is an ultra microtome intended to cut ultra thin sections of resin embedded samples for TEM. It uses a triangular glass blade or a super-expensive diamond blade. I doubt that it could be useful for normal cutting for optical microscopy at home. I have some semi-thin sections made with a Leica Ultracut ultramicrotome for control at optical microscope before cutting the actual ultra-thin sections and they are really thin.

When young (so many years ago!) I used to do sample preparations of paraffin embedded plant parts and I did set up a monster Reichert sliding microtome. It was an interesting but delicate and tedious work, I wouldn't do it now as a hobby.

I would recommend the use of a blade holder and disposable blades now available.

Have luck with your new adventure!

[Pau]

It includes a bunch of other stuff, including what looks like blades.

Most of the accessories at the box are for TEM sample preparation, not for this microtome, the black things seem plastic cuvettes that couple at the triangular blade of an ultramicrotome to maintain the cuts floating on water.
The blades are small, I can't see any blade holder for them.

[75RR]

Agree with Pau, don't see a disposable blade holder.

[ChrisR]

Judging by the mass of the 1512 I stored away on a high shelf, shipping may be considerable!!

A much cheaper and lighter style is common thing in the UK, a "Cambridge Rocking Microtome".
Like this copy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWh_58PvLwk
Used ones come up quite frequently, around $100 or so.
I expect there's a US made version. I think its thinnest is about 5 micron. The Leitz may adjust a bit thinner. I'd be interested to know what the typical useful/practical section thicknesses are.

I have a couple of other very old lumps (Reichetrt and AOL I think). One of them, interestingly, slices across the subject, moving the blade longitudinally while the mounted specimen comes on to it at 90º. I can imagine it would be better for some specimens.

[75RR]

I have a couple of other very old lumps (Reichetrt and AOL I think). One of them, interestingly, slices across the subject, moving the blade longitudinally while the mounted specimen comes on to it at 90º. I can imagine it would be better for some specimens.

That's interesting - do you have a model number for that one?

[ChrisR]

No, and it's buried away. I just found a picture of the vintage Reichert on my phone, and it's not that one!
I suppose one could use an old 'tome as a stacking rail
You'd avoid all those halos...

[mtuell]

So, I think what you guys are saying is that I would need something like this to use disposable blades...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leica-Reichert- ... 2454351696

What appears to be a blade holder - is in fact that, but for the large triangular blades?



Like this? I don't know the dimensions needed...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Microtome-knife ... 0315742710

In addition, I see these fancy blade sharpeners, but they are like $400 themselves... dang it!

He didn't accept my offer of $300, but countered with $399. Maybe if I can get it for $350, that pile of junk will illuminate something. It certainly seems to have a couple of sample holders, so that seems useful.

Also, this particular unit seems fairly rust-free compared to some of the others I've seen.

Thanks for your input!
Mike

[75RR]

Sharpening original microtome blades is very difficult - one has to send them away to get it done properly - that is why disposable blades is the way to go.

This is what they look like:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AO-SPENCER-Micr ... SwfpVZMJrS

See also page 6 in the manual for image of original.

Note: Perhaps a forum member may have a spare one.

Unit weighs about 30kg - if USPS is cheaper than UPS ground (as it should) and seller is willing, you could save a little money that way as well.

When young (so many years ago!) I used to do sample preparations of paraffin embedded plant parts and I did set up a monster Reichert sliding microtome. It was an interesting but delicate and tedious work, I wouldn't do it now as a hobby.

It is as Pau said - not for everybody. See link:

http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/ind ... para1.html