Rocking Microtome

Quick Answer: The Rocking Microtome is a histology sectioning instrument in which the paraffin block is carried on a pivoting arm that rocks past a fixed knife, advancing slightly after each stroke. A rocking microtome produces ribbons of paraffin sections for teaching and routine histology with a simple mechanism.

The Rocking Mechanism

In a rocking microtome the specimen block sits at the end of an arm that pivots like a see-saw. Each movement of the operating lever lowers the block past the knife edge and lifts it back, and a feed mechanism advances the block by a small, fixed amount between strokes. Consecutive paraffin sections stick edge to edge and form a ribbon that can be floated out and mounted on slides in order.

Because the block travels along an arc rather than a straight line, its sections are very slightly curved, which matters little for small teaching blocks. The design has few moving parts, is compact and is easy for students to understand; the Cambridge rocking pattern was the classic teaching instrument of this kind for many decades. The listing does not state section thickness settings or block size, so check those against your teaching blocks.

For larger blocks and flat sections, LabEquip’s Rotary Microtome moves the block in a straight vertical path, while firm plant material without wax can be cut on the Hand Microtome, Bench Type.

Specifications

Applications

• Cutting paraffin sections of animal tissue in histology practicals
• Teaching the principle of serial sectioning and ribbon formation
• Sectioning small plant or animal specimens embedded in wax
• Preparing sections for staining exercises such as haematoxylin and eosin

Care & Handling

• Brush wax shavings off the rocking microtome and knife after every session; wax build-up clogs the pivot and the feed.
• Lightly oil the pivot and feed screw as the instructions describe, wiping away excess so it does not reach the block.
• Lock the operating lever and fit the knife guard, or remove the knife, before leaving the instrument.
• Wind the feed back to its starting position at the end of a session so the full travel is available next time.

Why Choose LabEquip

Zoology and histology teaching laboratories and small research groups that section modest numbers of paraffin blocks choose this pivoting-arm design for its simplicity. It is listed in the LabEquip Microscope & Optics range.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a rocking microtome different from a rotary microtome?

In the rocking design the block swings through an arc on a pivoting arm; in a rotary microtome a handwheel moves the block straight up and down. The rotary design handles larger blocks and gives flat sections, while the rocking design is simpler and smaller.

Why do my sections not form a ribbon?

Ribbons form when each section sticks to the one before. If they separate, the wax may be too hard or too cold, and warming the block face slightly can help. The top and bottom edges of the block must also be trimmed parallel.

Why are sections wrinkled or compressed?

Some compression is normal, and floating the ribbon on a warm water bath flattens it. Heavy compression usually points to a dull knife or a block that is too warm.

What knife does this microtome use?

Instruments of this type traditionally take a steel section knife or a razor-type blade held in a clamp. Keep the edge sharp, set it at the angle the instructions give, and move to a fresh part of the edge when sections start to tear.

Can it cut frozen tissue?

Not as supplied. Frozen sectioning needs a cooled stage or a cryostat, and LabEquip lists a separate freezing microtome for that work.

Is it suitable for student use?

Yes, with supervision. The mechanism is easy to follow, but the knife is very sharp, so students should lock the lever when not cutting and keep fingers away from the edge while handling the block.

Last Updated: September 2026