CONTROLLED COPY
Centre for Biological Engineering
Standard Operating Procedure
SOP194
Title: Use and maintenance of Leica RM2125 RTS rotary microtome.
Location:
H27
Version 001
Effective Date: 24.05.2021
Review 24.05.2023
Written by: Sotiria Toumpaniari
Reviewed by:
Approved by: C.Kavanagh
Page 4 of 11
5.3.3. Adjusting the clearance angle
1. The index marks (0°, 5° and 10°) for adjustment of the clearance angle (10) are located on the right
side of the knife holder (8).
2. There is also an index mark (11) on the right side of the knife holder base (7) which serves as a
reference point when adjusting the clearance angle.
3. When using the knife holder base (non-orientable), loosen the Allen screw to release the clamp by
turning Allen key No. 4 (9) counterclockwise.
4. When using the knife holder base (with lateral movement), rotate the lever on the right side of the
knife holder base counterclockwise.
5. Move the knife holder until the index mark of the desired clearance angle coincides with the
reference line on the knife holder base.
Example: Enlarged detail showing a clearance angle setting of 5°.
Note:
The recommended clearance angle setting for knife holder E is approx. 1° - 3°.
6. Firmly hold the knife holder in this position and rotate the lever (9) or Allen screw (depending on the
knife holder base used) clockwise to clamp it.
5.3.4. Specimen retraction (specimen orientation)
(i) To prevent the knife or blade from touching the overlapped specimen while returning to the upper end
position, the specimen is retracted 40 μm when retraction is activated.
