Restoration of Gaertner Toolmaker Microscope

[billmac]

Tony -

Thanks for posting that OMT history. It was very interesting reading but sad to see how yet another really high class company went down.

The part about the fantastic finish on OMT equipment is absolutely correct. My toolmakers microscope is very old, but apart from a few very small chips, the cream paint is still beautiful. All the steel parts that are handled are stainless and the whole instrument feels superb.

 

[rwilliams]

Thornewmexico,

If you are still around the forum please check your Private Messages. I have a question about the handwheels on your Gaertner Toolmakers Microscope.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[220swift]

Did you send him a PM ?

Hal

 

[rwilliams]

Hal,

I did send a PM. But, I haven't heard anything back yet; he doesn't seem to have been active here for a while.

Bob

 

[Conrad Hoffman]

So, what's the question?

 

[rwilliams]

Conrad,

No Classified Information request, I just did not want to clutter up the Forum, But, I guess I will in the quest for information.

I want to remove the graduated knob/handwheel on a Gaertner Linear Slide, clean up and lube project. I got the crank piece off, no problem. However, the graduated hub, after removing the set screw, seemed to be a very tight fit or retained by magic. I am quite adept at forcing and breaking things so I am hoping to get some experience based information before resorting to brute force.

Bob

 

[bsg]

Conrad,

No Classified Information request, I just did not want to clutter up the Forum, But, I guess I will in the quest for information.

I want to remove the graduated knob/handwheel on a Gaertner Linear Slide, clean up and lube project. I got the crank piece off, no problem. However, the graduated hub, after removing the set screw, seemed to be a very tight fit or retained by magic. I am quite adept at forcing and breaking things so I am hoping to get some experience based information before resorting to brute force.

Bob

Have you reached out to Gaertner, they're still in business?

About Gaertner Scientific Corporation — Gaertner Scientific Corporation

IIRC, they closed up manufacturing, (bought a beautiful DoAll saw from the auction), talked to the owner during pickup......they relocated to a smaller building to focus on service!

Heath Industrial | Mfg Division Only Of: Gaertner Scientific Corporation lotes

Kevin

 

[spaeth]

If anyone here is interested in owning a Gaertner toolmakers microscope I have one in very nice condition that I would consider parting with.
spaeth

 

[rwilliams]

Kevin,

Thanks for the information about Gaertner. That must have been a heck of an auction given how long they have been around, especially if they did not clean house too often.

Bob

 

[NC Rick]

Thanks for the excellent postings folks! I ended up with a Gaertner TMM last week that is in fantastic condition. I’m missing the light sources but it has a fiber optic ring lite I can sort out with a used light source I have coming. Any details on the bottom (backlight) assembly would be useful. So far a flashlight with a bit of paper as a diffuser is working. It looks as if a large bayonet type holder went in there. I’d like to replicate something like that so any details would be appreciated. Photos on request of the new tool! I’m impressed with its utility.