Microscopy Forum

In a previous post I displayed my first attempt at a rotating stage for my Labomed CxL microscope.
It was crude, but demonstrated to me the use of a rotating stage when viewing thin slice mineral sections.

A very extensive search turned up several used stages that would physically fit the Labomed platform if the existing mechanical stage was removed.
A "click and buy now " hesitation proved wise. A check on the thickness of an add-on stage showed there would not be enough stage travel for the microscope to focus.

Back to searching the web for DIY projects.
Bingo!
Mr Ian Walker in the UK had already fabricated and written an article on "A Simple Rotating Stage Attachment for the Zeiss Axiostar."
http://www.microscopy-uk.org.u…..stage.html

I do not have a Zeiss microscope, but his article is quite detailed on how to make a rotating stage. Even a spastic mechanic like myself should be able to adapt Mr. Walker's concept.

What follows is a very loose adaptation of Mr. Walker's rotating stage.
As mentioned above, I am almost useless when it come to making things mechanical. My toolbox consists mainly of four different types of glue.

This prototype is a Zero cost effort and looks that way.
I did follow the base plate  and the DVD  part, but adlibbed for the other parts.

I will not  detail what I did for the base plate as Mr. Walker describes it better. Although I did substitute the material. For the prototype I used a heavy composite material I use for backings in photo frames. The next version will use the poly backing for outdoor frames.
The bearings in my rotating stage are non existent , as are any calibration marks at this time.

My material list is short.
Composite backing plate.
Failed DVD burn.
A small piece of 5mm wooden dowel.
The slip sheets from an audio cassette.
Super Glue. The gel type.

The basic concept is to allow a DVD to rotate a slide around a fixed point. The fixed point is the most critical part. The DVD must be centred on the condenser opening. With the base plate fitted into the microscope X-Y stage it is relatively easy to find the centre position. Making note of the points on the X-Y stage calibration bars ensures repositioning.

Instead of bearings I used a small pieces of dowel at four points around the DVD. The dowels act as a retainer for the DVD. Making sure there was no space between the dowels and the DVD.
To get the DVD to turn easily, the slip sheets from the audio cassette were tack glued to the base plate.

Hey! It works with acceptable rotational error.
Some finishing required. Batteries extra.

The base plate fitted into the X-Y stage with the first attempt slip sheets.

The four corner retaing dowels.

The final prototype.

The rotating stage in use.

Here are a few samples of Peridotite  to show  changes in colour as the disk is rotated.

Great job! Simple and functional. I think your adaptation is very clever!

I just might have to make me one of these things.