[meteorite-list] Thin Section Box by PolandMET

[PolandMET]

Hi
I like build different things, especialy when I think out new project.
This time I want present easy to use, field use recomended box for see thin 
section in cross polarized light.
You need only loupe, light and thin section :)

step 1
First of all, we need to buy one thin section box from Jensen Meteorites
http://www.jensenmeteorites.com/supplies.htm
http://www.meteoryt.net/ebay/ts1.jpg
They are perfect for storage thin section except one thing. Designer forgot 
about any corner or something else for our fingers that let us to open this 
box. New boxes are impossible to open without help of knife or other tool.

Step2
So first thing we need to do is take top of this box and polish, using pile 
tool, two shorter edges of box on angle 45*. When we do this and close box 
we will have space for our finger nail that let us open box. It also 
necessary to do this on all boxes we use to store our thin sections. I have 
made this on my 100 boxes and its much easer to open them, and it cost less 
stress when inside is expensive thin section and box dont want let us to 
open it.
http://www.meteoryt.net/ebay/ts2.jpg

Step3
Now is time to cut square hole in both halfs of TS box. Hole must have size 
similar to the size of meteorite in standard thin section. Dont make too big 
hole becouse box can be broken while preparing it or later.
http://www.meteoryt.net/ebay/ts3.jpg.

Step4
Now we must polish edges of our new hole. Make sure hole size is similar in 
both half's of TS Box.
http://www.meteoryt.net/ebay/ts4.jpg

Step5
Now I make small holes on surface of box on all sides to make it more stable 
when we hold it. Box is very flat and extreme smooth and it like to fly out 
of your hands, especially when inside is thin section worth few hundreds of 
$$$. Remember Murphy Law's !
http://www.meteoryt.net/ebay/ts5a.jpg
http://www.meteoryt.net/ebay/ts5b.jpg

Step6
Now we buy polarize filter from www.3dlens.com (I purchased A4 size). We cut 
two square samples that will fit inside of each half of TS Box. REMEMBER to 
cut them in 90* angle to each other. When You put them together You must see 
nothing through them. If they will become black, then they are in cross 
position.
Prepare glue for glass/plexiglass/plastic and small sponge 2-3mm thin. Put 
some glue inside of each half of TS Box and put there filters. REMEMBER to 
remove folio layer from both sides of polarize filter before You will glue 
them with TS Box. When You put filters inside box, close it WITH sponge 
inside. It will make good connection beeween box and polarize filter while 
glue become dry.
http://www.meteoryt.net/ebay/ts6.jpg

Step7
If You not glued two halfs of TS Box together , then You will be able to 
open it after several minutes. My box looks like this. Pretty funny but 
extremelly usefull.
http://www.meteoryt.net/ebay/ts7.jpg

Step8 finito
Now crash test :)
Pretty easy to use everywhere. In Tucson show or in desert of Oman. Its 
undetectable by metal detectors, so You can take it to the plane without 
risk. Police dogs from drugs section will also not find my TSBox :)
It take a hour to do my TSBox.
http://www.meteoryt.net/ebay/ts8.jpg

Have Fun !

-----[ MARCIN CIMALA ]-----[ I.M.C.A.#3667 ]-----
http://www.Meteoryty.pl             marcin(at)meteoryty.pl
http://www.PolandMET.com       marcin(at)meteorite.pl
http://www.Gao-Guenie.com      GSM +48(607)535 195
--------[ Member of Polish Meteoritical Society ]--------