How to avoid thick-thin sections? FAQ Report The temperature is incorrect for the tissue to be cut. Select correct temperature. The cryocompound and specimen have become detached from disc after freezing. Remove the specimen and ensure that the disc is clean and that the grooves are cleared of any build up of cryocompound. Remount the specimen on the disc using a minimum amount of cryocompound. The specimen disc is not clamped tightly enough. Check disc clamping. The specimen arm is fully extended and the knife holder is too far back to be clamped tightly onto the microtome base. Move the specimen arm all the way to the home position and reposition that knife holder squarely over the clamping device. The knife profile is inappropriate for the specimen to be cut. Use a knife with different profile (c or d) or possibly switch to a disposable blade system. The knife may have ice or debris built-up on the back side. It should be cleaned. The knife/blade is clamped using either too much or not enough pressure. Check knife clamping. You may be using a blunt knife. Use a different area of the knife edge or replace the knife. The cutting speed is irregular or too fast. Turn the handwheel in a moderate, hesitation-free manner. Automate if possible. The clearance angle may be incorrect. Set correct angle. The section thickness may be inappropriate. Select correct section thickness.