bone dust

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From:Gayle Callis <uvsgc@msu.oscs.montana.edu> (by way of histonet)
To:histonet <histonet@magicnet.net>
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Date:Fri, 2 Apr 1999 03:09:29 -0500
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I am not sure how you are cutting your tiny bone slabs (?) or pieces of
bone, but I use a Buehler Isomet low speed saw, with a diamond embedded
cutoff blade.  The joy of this is the bone (when using a diamond grit
size of 320) cuts the bone, but at 320 it also tends to polish it.

The bone is sliced by the blade, and the reservoir(sp?) that keeps the blade
cool (blade actully is continually washed, removing debris from saw, leaves
the bone clean also).  We always place a drop of detergent in this
resevoir (you can also put fixative or PBS with Tween 20) to aid in the
washing.  Change the reservoir frequently, and you will have clean,
debris free bones.  Call Buehler 1-800-Buehler and ask for particulars.
I cut fresh unfixed bone this way, rather than deal with NBF fumes.  PBS
maintains the cells, and the Tween 20 will not hurt them either.

The saw is not cheap, low speed, no more than 500 rpm, but you have
great sections.  There is a very precise micrometer that comes with it,
be sure to ask for the one in Metric, and a huge array of holders.  As for
saw blades, I have a great source for different grit sizes, 180. 220 and
320 that will not ruin your pocket book, Norton is the supplier of the blades.


Gayle Callis




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