Hi Joel,
	In the past I've had the same problem with the 1512. I used to
use the older Leitz microtomes, and when the 1512 came out it was a
major disappointment in my opinion. Too light and not rigid enough to be
a "serious" microtome .   This will no doubt provoke a torrent of abuse
from those who love their 1512's  :¬)
	We now use a Leica 2030 and a couple of Leica 2135's with the
standard Feather (S35) disposable blades, and don't have any problems.
I've also used Shandon's microtomes with standard disposable blades and
they seem pretty good as well.
	Hope this helps
		Alex Brown
		Crosshouse Hospital
		Kilmarnock, Scotland.