Microtome object holder (Leitz 1212)
- iconoclastica
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Microtome object holder (Leitz 1212)
I have acquired a rotary microtome, a c. 40kg black enamel beast by E. Leitz - Wetzlar, apparently an early, but not the first 1212 minot microtome. From the codes in the manual I guess it dates from 1953 or thereabout. It appears to be in good working condition, no rust, souple motions, even the knives look servicable.
Only the object holder is missing and I will have to think of a replacement. I haven't used a rotary before and I don't know the requirements of the object holder or even which type to use. Here's a photo of the 1960-ies version of the 1212, with an object holder in plain view:
It similar in design to the one shown in the manual of my version:
I suppose I could make someting similar, either from aluminum or 3d-printed. Does it need much strength?
I connects to the microtome by a circa 10mm diameter rod. A 10mm drill sits loosely, though. Anyone here who could measure the exact rod diameter?
The specimen holder illustrated in Purvis, Collier & Waqlls (Laboratory techniques in Botany) depicts a much simpler design:
On what grounds should I select a specific design?
thanks! --- W°
Only the object holder is missing and I will have to think of a replacement. I haven't used a rotary before and I don't know the requirements of the object holder or even which type to use. Here's a photo of the 1960-ies version of the 1212, with an object holder in plain view:
It similar in design to the one shown in the manual of my version:
I suppose I could make someting similar, either from aluminum or 3d-printed. Does it need much strength?
I connects to the microtome by a circa 10mm diameter rod. A 10mm drill sits loosely, though. Anyone here who could measure the exact rod diameter?
The specimen holder illustrated in Purvis, Collier & Waqlls (Laboratory techniques in Botany) depicts a much simpler design:
On what grounds should I select a specific design?
thanks! --- W°
Re: Microtome object holder (Leitz 1212)
Usually the specimen gets melted onto the holder. This is why I recommend the use of some metal, not plastic.
- iconoclastica
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Re: Microtome object holder (Leitz 1212)
Something I had not considered indeed. But then, is the vice-construction necessary, or does the toadstool shaped contraption of the drawing suffice?
Re: Microtome object holder (Leitz 1212)
Hi iconoclastica,
I would recommend you use a small square block of wood to fit between the clamp jaws. The wax will stick to wood better than metal.
Hope this helps.
Peter.
I would recommend you use a small square block of wood to fit between the clamp jaws. The wax will stick to wood better than metal.
Hope this helps.
Peter.
- iconoclastica
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Re: Microtome object holder (Leitz 1212)
Yes, that is helpful for wood is easier to work than metal or ABS. But what do I need a clamp for then? Wouldn't a square block of wood on a one inch, 10mm diameter stick work just as well?
Re: Microtome object holder (Leitz 1212)
It will do the job properly.iconoclastica wrote: ↑Fri Apr 07, 2023 7:04 pmBut what do I need a clamp for then? Wouldn't a square block of wood on a one inch, 10mm diameter stick work just as well?
Re: Microtome object holder (Leitz 1212)
This is [obviously] not specific to your instrument, but it’s a very useful reference document:
http://users.stlcc.edu/Departments/fvbi ... r_Care.pdf
MichaelG.
http://users.stlcc.edu/Departments/fvbi ... r_Care.pdf
MichaelG.
Too many 'projects'
Re: Microtome object holder (Leitz 1212)
Yes, it will suffice if you are melting wax blocks onto it … but if you are cutting more ‘robust’ specimens, the vice can be useful.iconoclastica wrote: ↑Fri Apr 07, 2023 5:36 pmSomething I had not considered indeed. But then, is the vice-construction necessary, or does the toadstool shaped contraption of the drawing suffice?
… I have a Reichert-Jung 1120 which needs a lot of tidying-up: Here’s a snapshot of the vice:
. .
If it’s any help, I could provide some dimensions.
MichaelG.
Too many 'projects'
- iconoclastica
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Re: Microtome object holder (Leitz 1212)
Excellent! Thanks!MichaelG. wrote: ↑Fri Apr 07, 2023 8:51 pmThis is [obviously] not specific to your instrument, but it’s a very useful reference document:
http://users.stlcc.edu/Departments/fvbi ... r_Care.pdf
MichaelG.
- iconoclastica
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Re: Microtome object holder (Leitz 1212)
Understanding is dawning, I think. I foresee cutting soft plant tissue, so the large-head pin model will do. I'll only have to figure out the rod diameter experimentally.MichaelG. wrote: ↑Fri Apr 07, 2023 9:07 pmYes, it will suffice if you are melting wax blocks onto it … but if you are cutting more ‘robust’ specimens, the vice can be useful.
… I have a Reichert-Jung 1120 which needs a lot of tidying-up: Here’s a snapshot of the vice:
...
If it’s any help, I could provide some dimensions.
MichaelG.
When eventually I may want to cut e.g. rhizomes too, then the block might need more support, whence the vice. Seeing the details of your vice and the differences with the ones I included pictures of, I'd say that the vice-holder of the B&W image (so the one that came with my model) seems to clamp a 5 sided cubic container in which the wax block sits. Which would be a third way of attaching the object.
I can measure the dimensions from the photos, if necessary. Only when someone here has the Leitz holder, I'd still be interested in the exact rod diameter (and shape, if not strictly cylindrical).
W°
Re: Microtome object holder (Leitz 1212)
My other Reichert-Jung [a smaller, slightly more recent, model] uses a plain 8mm shank on its wax-mounting head
. .
… which is clamped in a collet.
[note: the perspective is rather exaggerated in that photo]
… let me know if you want more dimensions
MichaelG.
. .
… which is clamped in a collet.
[note: the perspective is rather exaggerated in that photo]
… let me know if you want more dimensions
MichaelG.
Too many 'projects'
Re: Microtome object holder (Leitz 1212)
Just a ‘heads up’ for anyone interested in microtomes:
This ebay listing has some decent photos: https://www.ebay.com/itm/403428909128
MichaelG.
This ebay listing has some decent photos: https://www.ebay.com/itm/403428909128
MichaelG.
Too many 'projects'
- iconoclastica
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- Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2019 5:43 pm
Re: Microtome object holder (Leitz 1212)
I just found a 10.0 mm diameter rod that fits and sits tightly clamped. The 9.9mm drill sat too loose, a 10.3mm wooden rod was too wide. Its a hard steel rod that I can neither saw nor attach to a disk. But now I know what to look for.
So a plain shank indeed, and existing holders other than Leitz should not be expected to fit. So called 'universal' holders are not universal at all.
So a plain shank indeed, and existing holders other than Leitz should not be expected to fit. So called 'universal' holders are not universal at all.
Re: Microtome object holder (Leitz 1212)
Welcome to the Multiverse [or should that be Mulltiverses ?]
MichaelG.
.
P.S. __ It’s worth noting that the 1212 is described as Large Minot Rotary Microtome
Large being probably relevant to the present discussion, and Minot being its ancestor:
https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.o ... microtomes
MichaelG.
.
P.S. __ It’s worth noting that the 1212 is described as Large Minot Rotary Microtome
Large being probably relevant to the present discussion, and Minot being its ancestor:
https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.o ... microtomes
Too many 'projects'
- iconoclastica
- Posts: 182
- Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2019 5:43 pm
Re: Microtome object holder (Leitz 1212)
I am honoured
BTW, 10mm aluminium tube appears to be a good starting point for the shaft that fits after a minute of polishing.
---------------------
C S Minot
Nationality: French
active 1886-1892, inventor of a microtome, French
I thought minot referd to the specific kind of knives, but still.
Re: Microtome object holder (Leitz 1212)
.iconoclastica wrote: ↑Mon Apr 10, 2023 9:29 am
I thought minot referd to the specific kind of knives, but still.
A short [hopefully acceptable to the copyright holder] quotation from one of several articles I downloaded from the University Library last night should clarify …
MINOT's AUTOMATIC MICROTOME. — The principle of this Microtome is to obtain sections by moving the object to be cut in a vertical plane past the knife which is held in a fixed position
MichaelG.
P.S. __ This is our hero : http://www.nasonline.org/publications/b ... harles.pdf
Too many 'projects'