This is a good theoretical microtome. As it's the only one available for noncommercial use, there could be a better designed one.

The first thing I have to do is admit that I didn't know what I was doing when I ordered this. It is, as described simple. It is too simple. It claims to cut slices of only 10 microns, and technically, it probably can. Here are the reasons I wish I had not odered it. 1) It has no scale to indicate how much a specimen has been moved from one cut to another; 2) It has no means to secure a speciman in place for a cut (application of warm wax destroys and/or soils the specimen); 3) the flat top, at least of the "microtome" I received, was not smooth enough to avoid shavings of metal being removed by the cutting edge of the razor. I am not returning it, because I used it, and I don't like doing that. So, it will be a reminder to me to investigate potential purchases more carefully and that sometimes being "economical" gets you less than you pay for. In this case, I think I clearly purchased a reasonable concept for a simple microtome that does not, for me, present sufficient basic engineeing necessary to allow this simple instrument to function at all well. I take a hit every now and then, and this is a full-loss hit. It was delivered promptly and was packaged well. My judgment: nice concept, inadequate execution of the concept. I will search for another simple microtome, but in the meantime, I'll just use a razor under a 10X dissecting scope.

This is tool you need,if you make your own slides
Much better finish to product than pictured
Great microtome,resonable price

When I was eight, way back in 1954, I received an elaborate, fairly high grade microscope lab set made by Gilbert which came in a three foldout metal carry case. The microscope was fairly decent compared to the optics you get in kids sets nowadays. I also included a small plastic microtome which I proceeded to ignore for years.

When I was fourteen, I got a better microscope and proceeded to dig out the little plastic microtome. I found out that it worked very well.

This microtome is very excellent for the price and works basically on the same principle. What you do is back the screw out to create. You drop the specimen to be sliced into the hole and pour melted paraffin around it. Then you turn the screw and as a small part rises up out of the hole you can slice it off with a single edge razor blade or similar blade.

When you get down to it, this should be a basic piece of equipment in and kid's or adults microscope set since it makes getting thin sections so much easier.

The device is bright silver and not like the picture shown. The round base is about two inches across and seems to be made of heavy aluminum. The rest appears to be stainless steel. All seems well made and it should last at least until the Rapture. You can find a nice little wooden box for the thing at Michael's, Hobby Lobby or probably Pier One imports.

I was really pleased when I received this and tried it. I have a couple of microscopes in my greenhouse (for apiculture and horticulture). Often, I need to use high magnification to try to detect problems with plants and bees. A very thin section is necessary to determine if problems are occurring at cellular level, or, if they have some other cause (such as parasites).

I did not want to spend hundreds of dollars on a (usually worthless) digital microtome. (It's not like I am doing brain surgery or anything requiring an elaborate microtome).

This little microtome does just about everything I need. What I received is better than what is depicted in this listing.

The listing shows a blued metal device. What I received was a stainless steel device. The listing says that you can get 10 micron slices from this tome. I have been able to get, with ease, 5 micron slices.

To use this, all you have to do is surround your subject with some kind of wax to stabilize. I use readily available beeswax or grafting wax. Grafting Wax Trowbridge 1/2Lb. Pack the little receiving tube with the sample, and, use a razor blade or scalpel to start pealing off the slices of your subject. You can use the little knob to readily adjust the thickness of the slice you take from the surface with your scalpel or razor blade. Then you just mount it on your slide, etc.

I am delighted to find something simple, compact, sturdy, of good quality that is cheap and works!