Gayle,
We also quit using the antiroll plate on our 1800. I much prefer using an
antiroll device and have a difficult time with the brush technique, but
spent way too much time fiddling with it to get it re-aligned after various
grad students/researchers used it. Glad to know we are not the only ones to
resort to this. Also glad to know there is an improved one out there and
VERY glad we don't do many frozens!!!




At 09:13 AM 1/7/2000 -0700, Gayle Callis wrote:
>Alan Bright asked the question:  How did histologists manage to get
>sections with disposable knives  on Leica cryostat before now, I find
>this very strange to say the least.
>
>Not strange, they probably "managed" to work the system  or resorted to
>to the brush technic.  Our experience with the old 1800 antiroll device was
>disappointing, and we removed it. It is nice to know Leica improved the
>old knife holder/antiroll device, eliminating time consuming manipulations,
>Since the new knife holder will also work on the older model Cryocut 1800,
>we would love to have it, more for 100%  use of blade edge and not
>because of an improved antiroll device.
>
>We use a brush technic exclusively with disposable blades on
>brain and all other soft tissues.  Some people have
>resorted to using a c profile steel knife with the antiroll device in
>a LEICA Cryocut 1800, cutting numerous (100-300) serial sections.
>With practice, serial sections CAN be cut with brush technic, and we
>do this often on the 1800.
>
>The NEW Cryocut 1850 has a superior glass antiroll device.
>We just prefer to NOT use any antiroll device, can cut twice as fast,
>since we don't have to tilt the device away from a section, an option
>many people prefer to even with antiroll devices that do work.
>Fiddly dinking 1800 antiroll adjustments were too time consuming, and
>we use our backup dinosaur Reichert Histosat aka Leica cryostat the same way,
>no antiroll with disposable blades.
>
>Maybe someone who did use the 1800 antiroll device will make comments,or
>did they also banish it to a drawer?
>
>Gayle Callis


**************************************************************************
Jill Songer HT (ASCP)
Anatomic Pathology Supervisor
Virginia Tech
Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital