🔬 How I 3D printed a microtome to cut specimens for microscopy

[@MicrobehunterMicroscopy]

Link to a small DIY microtome (for those who do not have a 3D Printer :-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKnOaoisidyZobc

[@kubilayalbayrak8419]

in our pathology lab we use parafin to encase the specimen and we cut it put it on a slide and move it over fire for a bit and parafin melts and specimen sticks to the slide. so instead of putting your specimen in a carrot like your previous video you can make or 3d print a tube, fill it with melted candle and put your specimen in it and let it cool down. I'm not sure but I think you can even fill the microtome with candle parafin and put the specimen in it directly and let it cool but the parafin might stick to the PLA I'm not sure I might try it first. great video as always sir!

[@Sgyozo]

Using glass would be better than washers, but hard to drill at home. I started thinking what i have, and there is a ready-made solution. You have to take apart a broken 2,5" HDD, the disk is super flat, you can use that instead of the washer. I'll also make one with a clamp, get a microtome blade, and fix that to a contraption. Then i can move this thing with the specimens through the fixed blade, i think this would give good results.

[@dshambli]

An HDD platter is good thinking. Super smooth.

[@kayemimages395]

I saw recently a video of what I believe was you using the Brunel Microscope's bench mounted hand microtome. In the video you used a plastics cylinder for producing the wax block with the sample in it. The cylinder was in 2 halves, allowing the wax block to be easily accessed when solidified. Around the wax block was a layer of greaseproof paper. I have 2 questions - 1, where did you get the plastics cylinder and 2, how did you insert the greaseproof paper inside the cylinder. Thanks

[@burtonkeeble670]

Always fun to watch you perform, Oliver. My son has a 3-D printer. I'm sure he will enjoy this clip.

[@alexandrevaliquette3883]

11:00 For potatoes, you can put a drop of iodine solution to stain the starch.

[@antonievanleeuwenhoek5772]

Sir wt type of microscope would you prefer for research

[@lotharmayring6063]

ot a good idea to use 3d-printer for making microtomes. Better use a laser-cutter and turning machine, gives better quality an is much faster. The plastic is also to smooth

[@nightstormoutdoors6080]

I am almost certain it would be more convenient and less expensive and hassle to buy a microtome from Brunel. Regarding cutting a thin slice, Wilkinson Sword razor blades are what you need, or break open a cheap bic razor and remove the blade hen use it to cut your specimen.

[@arjhithag3794]

we can also use a stiff glue stick it also have a upward rotatory axel. we can place a metal washer ...... hope u will find it useful!!! :):):):):):):):):) Arjhith Tamil Nadu(India)

[@rarefilmsandmore6863]

I see a new channel on 3D printing in the near future ;-)

[@bendirval3612]

If you are getting pretty good at 3D printing, perhaps you should print your own microscope (openflexure). You might find that it's a lot better than your lego microscope but at the same or lesser cost.