[Histonet] RE: Histonet Digest, Vol 112, Issue 9

Mon Mar 11 02:11:23 CDT 2013

The problem seems to be that the clamp screw handle is welded on and that is the weakness. On the old tall Leicas (does anyone remember them?) the  screw-in lever was solid and we never had this problem. Also the springs get rusty inside the clamps probably from corrosive surface decal. It seems to be an ongoing problem.

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Bouchal, Rena L
Sent: Friday, March 08, 2013 2:08 PM
To: 'Weaver, Stephanie'; histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] RE: Histonet Digest, Vol 112, Issue 9

We have had the same experiences with the clamps. At one point we were told we had to purchase a complete $2000 head when one of our clamps went. We "got ugly" and they gave it to us for free, but it was not pleasant. We have several Leica's and I am going to look at a Microm this year because of these problems. No one has ever admitted to us that there is a "known manufacturing problem". Its too bad because other than that we have been quite pleased with the units. I just don't want to fight with the company routinely over clamps.  

Please note that my email address  as of Jan 3, 2011 is bouchalr <@t> wvuhealthcare.com  .   Please make the appropriate changes in your address book.

Rena Bouchal, M.S.
Anatomic Pathology Manager
West Virginia University Hospitals
304-293-7765

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Weaver, Stephanie
Sent: Friday, March 08, 2013 1:33 PM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] RE: Histonet Digest, Vol 112, Issue 9

We purchased a Leica RM2125RMS manual rotary microtome new from Leica less than a year ago and you may want to be aware of the issues that we are having.  We purchased it for multiple reasons, including the excellent reputation of Leica microtomes and the great sectioning of tissues (even bone) that we experienced during the demo.  It still cuts great sections but I am not pleased with this purchase.  We have replaced the cassette clamp at least 6 times since we've purchased it because the solid steel level to pull to open the cassette clamp breaks.  Each new cassette clamp seems to last less time than the last.  We are still under warranty so they have replaced this part for free every time and they are always kind when I tell them it broke again, but this is just not acceptable.  We have been told that it is a known manufacturing problem and that they are working on a resolution but I would still be wary since this is obviously not fixed yet.  The body of the microtome is also already showing discoloration and signs of corrosion but since these parts do not move and are not under stress it does not seem to be affecting the microtome.  At this point I don't think I would ever buy Leica again, but I know that a lot of people have loved their equipment and have had very good longevity out of it.

Good luck,
Stephanie Weaver, HT (ASCP)

From: "kgrobert <@t> rci.rutgers.edu" <kgrobert <@t> rci.rutgers.edu>
To: histonet <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Sent: Thursday, March 7, 2013 2:32 PM
Subject: [Histonet] Microtome upgrade, planning stages...

We are starting to look into upgrading to "higher-end", but used, microtomes.? What we have is still working, but the writing is on the wall for them in terms of repair/parts.

Which brands/models are considered "higher-end" in the used market these days?? (Leica is already on my list, but which models?)

Thanks so much!

Kathleen

Principal Lab Technician
Neurotoxicology Labs
Molecular Pathology Facility Core
Dept of Pharmacology & Toxicology
Rutgers, the State University of NJ
41 B Gordon Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854
(848) 445-1443
FAX (732) 445-6905

_______________________________________________
Histonet mailing list
Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

_______________________________________________
Histonet mailing list
Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet