Physitemp Instruments Erma Radial - Manual (Page 4)

Mount the specimen into the vise or freeze it onto the surface of your Freezing Stage,
bringing the top of the specimen to within a millimeter or so of the knife cutting edge as
explained in Paragraph 3. press lightly down on the slide arm and move it forward all the
way, then back all the way. This will cut the specimen and then automatically raise it by
the next section. Frozen sections should be caught on a small spatula and floated onto the
surface of a water bath (such as a petri dish) to flatten. They can then be readily
transferred to a microscope slide. If the frozen tissue touches the knife it melts and tends
to collapse.
7. Cleaning & lubricating
After use, especially when a freezing stage has been used, wipe up all condensation and
moisture on the bright parts of the microtome. Cover with a light oil to prevent
corrosion. The knife should be removed and cleaned in a similar manner and repacked in
its box to prevent any damage to the cutting edge. Always replace the soft plastic dust
cover over the microtome after use.
8. Routine Maintenance
8.1 Keep the running thread and slider surface well oiled and clean. Check tightness
of all nuts and screws periodically.
8.2 Rotary bearing adjustment - Adjustment of the bearing tightness can be made by
slacking off locking nut B using the Tommy bar. Turn screw C in a clockwise
direction to increase tightness. After adjustment hold screw C and retighten B.
8.3 Slider bearing adjustment - Binding or looseness of the slider foot can be cured
by slacking off the locking nut D and turning the adjustment screw E
clockwise to tighten, counter – clockwise to loosen. Retighten locking nut D
when the operation has been completed.
8.4 Knife should be sharpened periodically. A very dull or nicked knife should be
sharpened on a special honing machine. Knife sharpening services are available
in most areas.
For light honing, a zimmer strop can be used. Hold the knife with the knife edge and
bevel touching the surface of the strop. Draw knife rapidly over the strop with the edge
to the rear. Flip the blade over and repeat on the other side. Repeat until adequate degree
of sharpness is achieved, changing to successively finer surfaces as needed.
9. Repairs
In the event that a microtome is to be returned for repair, please pack it carefully and send
it prepaid to: