Page 1 of 1

While a derelict microscope gathers no moss...

Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2018 5:49 pm
by ebenbildmicroscopy
...it, apparently, becomes the repository for everything else! Both scopes are Fleabay finds - the first with bonus chewing gum under the stage came from Ohio, while the spider laden stand arrived all the way from Florida - I was thinking to myself, "Good grief, lemme blow these dead spiders outta there.." when the heat of my breath resurrected them! "IT'S ALIVE!!!" (yikes - they made it through a week of USPS shipping no less)

As part of my continued recent obsession with American Optical, I bought these Model 2s from Fleabay in order to remake the two into one Frankenscope. (Apologies to the American Optical experts on here - based on my limited experience with AO, because the one scope only was equipped with epi illumination, I'll bet it means it's no longer considered a Model 2, at any rate...).

I'm wanting to configure a Model 2 that features epi and transmitted illumination, simultaneously, while maintaining the integrity of the tube body. I'm going to probably have to machine the course focus casting to allow for the epi-illuminator while maintaining enough material to still provide for the trans condenser carrier. It would be an added bonus if this managed to straddle a recently acquired Ortho Illuminator, but *that* may mean flying too close to the sun!

Re: While a derelict microscope gathers no moss...

Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2018 3:15 pm
by Radazz
One of mine was coated in dried urine. :roll:
But it’s satisfying to bring them back.

Re: While a derelict microscope gathers no moss...

Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2018 7:06 pm
by Scarodactyl
Radazz wrote:One of mine was coated in dried urine. :roll:
But it’s satisfying to bring them back.
I got one that I thinkhas some inside. Rank smell when the light starts warming up. Got any good tips? It's a nice nikon brightfield-darkfield stereo base so I really want to save it.

Re: While a derelict microscope gathers no moss...

Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2018 12:54 pm
by Radazz
I had good luck with acetone, if you can get to the stain.

Re: While a derelict microscope gathers no moss...

Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2018 2:51 am
by ebenbildmicroscopy
HOLY MOLY, guys! Your experiences make me thankful for just spiders!

As a result of watching and becoming addicted to YouTube videos that feature restoration of vintage electronics, I disassemble components and soak them in a solution of Simple Green. I just recently purchased a fairly grungy AO Ortho Illuminator and disassembled it down to the painted castings and left them for about 4 hours in a 10% solution of Simple Green concentrate diluted in water. I bought the concentrate at Lowe's home improvement. Rinsed using a soft bristle brush and the crinkle paint came back to life again!