Rick - the Reflex "Wig-L-Bug" (steel ball mill ) works excellent, its fast
(minutes per sample), easy to clean up, and its cheap (~$400USD).  However,
the main problem with this product is that it so cheaply built you will
require a steady stream of spare parts to fix it when it breaks its arms and
fittings. We have 2 and are constantly having to repair. However, the
alternatives are very costly.  When working its just wonderful for SIA
sample prep.

See...

http://www.reflexusa.com/eeffppkk/wiggrinmil1.html

Len

-----Original Message-----
From: Rick Doucett [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2001 4:01 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ISOGEOCHEM] Advice on purchase: device to pulverize samples


Hello everyone,

After many painful and repetitive hours in front of a mortar and pestle,
our lab would like to now purchase a device for pulverizing samples to fine
powder to improve sample homogeneity.  We have short-listed two contenders:
(1) the Retsch MM200 mixer/mill, and (2) the SPEX Certiprep 8000D Dual
mixer/mill.

Is anyone familiar with these devices?  If so, we would appreciate hearing
any and all comments on performance, maintenance, reliability, etc.  Could
someone suggest an alternative to these two devices?  Given the outrageous
cost of these mills, we'd like to consider several options.

As always, advice from the list is sincerely appreciated.

Cheers,
Rick

<> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>

Rick Doucett (PhD), NSERC Post-Doctoral Fellow,
Stable Isotope Laboratory, Department of Biology,
University of New Brunswick, Bag Service# 45111,
Loring Bailey Hall, Bailey Drive,
Fredericton, NB, E3B 6E1, CANADA,
tel: (506) 453-4594 fax: (506) 453-3583,
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
http://www.unb.ca/cri/postdoc.html
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"Now, my suspicion is that the Universe is not only
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suppose."  -- J.B.S. Haldane