MicrobeHunter.com Microscopy Forum

Hi together,
no longer on offer, I don't find the time for coping with the international shipping any more.

Bob

Bob -- clever design with the counter-support, two windows, elevated blade, and Teflon gliding surface. Thanks for showing and sharing it.

Hi Bob, this is an amazing design - especially the counter-force plate IMO!
Please explain, how is the thickness of the cutting determined ? what prevents the blade from hitting the grey counter-force plate? I understand that the blade holder glides on the microtome base plate, towards the stem ? is that a "standard" hand microtome or can it be of any form ?

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Bob

Here a nice looking hand microtome is on offer: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wolfe-Cylind ... nav=SEARCH

Many thanks for the explanation and info, Bob.

This looks like a non-expensive, simple one. And good for that price I think (without any experience) http://www.brunelmicroscopes.co.uk/benchmicrotome.html

Hi Jan,
than you for pointing it out, this looks as if it could be quite well made. A table clamp is really valuable an already included. Brunel seems to be unsure what it is though: On one page they write of stainless steel, on the other of anodized steel, the graduations are one time 20µ, one time 2µ - a kind of surprise package!

Here it would be nice to find someone who can give short evaluation from his own experiences.

Bob

Hi, yes I have this exact hand-microtome, bought from Brunel Microscopes - from whom I've bought much equipment and even new microscope since I started microscopy some 5 years ago now. They're thoroughly trustworthy and always helpful. The best way to contact them is by 'phone.

I don't really use mine now as I progressed onto permanently-mounted slide making sectioned with a rotary microtome, but I did make a video demostrating it in action, and if you search this forum you'll find my posts using this actual machine....

Here's a link to my video demo of this nice little microtome...


Would I recommend this one for hand microtomy - unfortunately no.... This 'tome is very well made and totally solid - the drive is also lovely with click-stop feedback (yes I'd estimate at least 20µ thick but who knows - not particularly important anyway with hand sections where the technique and quality of the sections is paramount over thickness)....

Why would I not recommend this one - one single but important point - this has no means of clamping the specimen into the cylinder. In my demo I had to cast wax around the specimens to hold them. The cylinder is pretty wide but you could use the carrot-clamp method. My preference though would be one with the clamping 'jaws' within the cylinder as I think this would be easier and have greater flexibility...

But, the build and operation quality is superb - simply put I have a preference for the clamped specimen type. Quality and price to me is 100% good, as are BM the seller, with whom I have no connections whatsoever other than as a multiple, long-term satisfied customer.

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Bob