MicrobeHunter.com Microscopy Forum

Designed this 3D printed slide workbox in an attempt to organise my limited deskspace. Holds 10 slides/cover slips and four vials. See description on Thingiverse if anyone wants to print one for themselves: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4091518

Hi Chris,
very nice and cleve design - thank you for sharing!
These little helpers really increase the productivity in slide mounting.
I currently work on a small but universal hot plate. For Pleurax mounting of diatoms I need a small but fairly hot surface. But no 3D printing involved so far.

Bob

MicroBob wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 08, 2020 5:23 pm

...I currently work on a small but universal hot plate. For Pleurax mounting of diatoms I need a small but fairly hot surface. But no 3D printing involved so far.
Bob

https://www.ebay.com/itm/254418756764 ?
You can use with https://www.ebay.com/itm/402027722123

Hi Saul,
I'm going to use a PID regulator and a 12V 40W 3D printer hot end heater. It will work similar to a soldering station with precise temperature setting. I have now ordered XLR socket and plug to be able to use the base unit for different applications, like paraffin melting.

Bob

Hi Chris,
just thought about the cover slips: If you make the holder slots V-shaped, they could hold cover slips of different sizes, even round. Like this one:https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2091269

Bob

Absolutely Bob. Unfortunately I wasn't thinking of others when I designed it. Having bought a batch of 300 BH slides + slips in a sale, I'm resigned to not needing any others. I prioritised access for grasping by 2 edges with clumsy fingers. Not a fan of using tweezers.

Hi Chris,
older slides, fresh from the pack, sometimes don't fully clean up - they have developed a corroded surface. Cover slips are made from better glass and only rarely have this problem. So maybe you have a closer look before you use the slides for permanent mounting.
For permanent slides I prefer round cover slips - they make it much easier to achieve a good looking slide because the mountant is easier to spread equally.

Bob

2012 date code, seem to be ok Bob but I'll keep an eye on them.