MicrobeHunter.com Microscopy Forum

Hello MH,

I am seeking to replicate a home setup like this one:



I already own an American Optical/Spencer 880 microtome. The sales reps at PhysiTemp tell me that the MP-3 and MP-5 (as well as the older TC equivalents, but they're much larger and heavier) are the only two units whose stage sizes will work with my microtome model.

Looking for a fully functional unit, no as-is or for parts. Also happy to receive any insights on how to build my own pump and tank unit. The older ones made by Physitemp are enormous and overkill for my use, and the newer ones are $650. I think I should basically be able to get away with a DIY fishtank kind of thing. The rep says the unit just needs to pump out 1000ml per minute, which can be roughly approximated by laying a piece of tubing over a washbasin, and ensuring that a three-inch stream leaves the tubing completely horizontally before losing altitude.

Many Thanks in Advance,

-myxomop

IMO, to cool the stage of a microscope, a Peltier-effect device would be safer and more compact and easier to use than a combination of running water (or pumped water) and a Physitemp (or other) controller.

the stage that the controller freezes is not the microscope stage, but the microtome stage, which is where sections are prepared. once sliced, they needn't remain frozen, and in fact ought to return to room temperature.

bump. still searching, unsuccessfully, after all these years...

bumping again. the multi-year search continues...