AO 820 Microtome Retract Question

[tgss]

Hello all
Can anyone tell me if the AO 820 microtome has, or ever had, a retract funtion: i.e. backing the sample away from the blade on the return stroke?

Tom

[wporter]

No, the 820 moves the specimen strictly in an up-and-down motion, no extra motions for clearing the blade, etc. It jogs the specimen forwards only toward the blade, at the top point of the stroke. So the motion is straight down for the cut, straight up without any forward-or-backward motion, jog forward the set micron distance, repeat.

[tgss]

Thank you wporter. That clears things up perfectly. Appreciate you taking the time to respond.
Tom