We've processed specimens like that in the past.  I used an empty plastic
coverglass container, placed the large specimen in the bottom, placed a
labeled cassette on top of the specimen and then filled the entire coverslip
box with melted paraffin.  After solidification, the specimen was removed in
toto and the wax was trimmed so the cassette fit on the chuck.

Jim
_________________________
James E. Staruk, HT(ASCP)
Mass Histology Service
http://www.masshistology.com


----- Original Message -----
From: Jeff Crews <jcrews@organo.com>
To: <histonet@pathology.swmed.edu>
Sent: Friday, November 12, 1999 10:36 AM
Subject: big honkin' samples


>      Does anyone have any experience with embedding and sectioning
>      large-cross-section tissues? We have some porcine vertebral samples
>      that measure about  2" x 1 1/2". I can get larger cassettes for
>      processing them and make some larger embedding molds, but how do you
>      suggest that we clamp them in the microtome? This is the first time
>      that we've had to do something this large, and I'd appreciate hearing
>      from others about it. Thanks again!
>                                                 jc
>
>
>