Center for Bottomland Hardwoods Research![[Images] Photos illustrating the types of work we do](/cbhr/local-resources/images/eatfimgstr1.png "[Images] Photos illustrating the types of work we do")
el Grupo Cerúleo
Aging Mussel Shells
Step 4: Sectioning the Sample
After the sample has dried for several hours (to ensure the epoxy mixture is set), paraffin is melted on a wafer chuck and the slide is attached.
Once the paraffin cools the chuck is attached to the arm of the saw.
Using a micrometer the sample is lowered onto the saw blade to cut a section approximately 0.4mm thick.
Using the chuck as a handle the edge of the thin section is polished in the same manner as described in step 2.
Once polished the chuck is re-heated to melt the paraffin so the slide can be removed. Excess wax is removed from the bottom of the slide to make it easier to see through.
