How to Make an Inexpensive Microtome
Jun 13, 2017 • 11:34 PM UTC
Unknown Location
140x Magnification
Unknown
Dana
Learn about the author...
1posts
0comments
0locations
Hi All,
I’m making inexpensive microtomes to use with the foldscopes.
Here are the items I used.
You can use either an empty wooden or plastic thread spool. In order to have a surface on which to glue the nut and to have a firm cutting surface, glue a metal washer on each end of the plastic spool. The wooden spool didn’t seem to need one.
I used 1/4-20 x 2 inch flat Phillips bolts with nuts which fit into the spools nicely. Glue the nut to the end of the spool using a hot glue gun or other waterproof glue.
Then glue a small wooden craft stick to the end of the bolt to use to turn it.
You can mark increments on the spool with a waterproof marking pen for uniform samples. Two strips of carrot can be used to hold the specimen in the microtome.
Single-side razor blades are used to cut the section. Dip the blade and section into a bowl of water and the section should float off.
I’m making inexpensive microtomes to use with the foldscopes.
Here are the items I used.
You can use either an empty wooden or plastic thread spool. In order to have a surface on which to glue the nut and to have a firm cutting surface, glue a metal washer on each end of the plastic spool. The wooden spool didn’t seem to need one.
I used 1/4-20 x 2 inch flat Phillips bolts with nuts which fit into the spools nicely. Glue the nut to the end of the spool using a hot glue gun or other waterproof glue.
Then glue a small wooden craft stick to the end of the bolt to use to turn it.
You can mark increments on the spool with a waterproof marking pen for uniform samples. Two strips of carrot can be used to hold the specimen in the microtome.
Single-side razor blades are used to cut the section. Dip the blade and section into a bowl of water and the section should float off.
1/3
1/3
Have fun! Post pictures.
Dana Rensi
Dana Rensi
Sign in to commentNobody has commented yet... Share your thoughts with the author and start the discussion!
More Posts from Dana
No more posts from this author.