[Biohackers] Open source centrifuge!

[Matthew Harbowy]

In most cases, a 2000g, 6000 rpm minifuge is all you need for mini preps
and pelleting DNA. Galaxy VWR minifuge for this is $422, brand new, from
VWR. This kit is $260. You can pick up minifuges at used resellers for
<$50. A basic Dremel tool is about $50. A replacement rotor for the galaxy
microfuge (hint, hint) is $70.

To Patrik's point: how much is your eyesight worth? Be careful out there.
When making plastic covers, use highly resistant materials, like
polycarbonate laminates (e.g. MAKROLON). Metal rotors are probably a better
idea than plastic ones. IMO, the brand new minifuge is not so expensive and
has clearly traceable product liability. DIY in this case might be a great
learning tool, if by "losing an eye" you learn what not to do.

This has been your "Important safety tip there, Egan" of the day.

Matt

On Thursday, September 26, 2013, Patrik D'haeseleer wrote:

> I would also want to see what happens to that thin acrylic cover when a
> fully laden tube ejects from the rotor at full speed. High speed
> centrifuges are explosion-prone devices, and need to be tested as such.
> Flying shards of acrylic are no fun...
>
> The typical recommendation for using the dremelfuge are to hold it inside
> a metal cooking pot - at least that will give you some serious protection.
>
> Patrik
>
>
> On Thu, Sep 26, 2013 at 10:17 AM, Craig Rouskey <craigrouskey at gmail.com<javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'craigrouskey at gmail.com');>
> > wrote:
>
>> Thanks Jenny! Typically for DNA work centrifuge speeds need to be approx.
>> 13000rpm/18000xg
>> —
>> Craig J. Rouskey
>> contact at craigrouskey.com <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
>> 'contact at craigrouskey.com');>
>> http://www.craigrouskey.com
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Sep 26, 2013 at 1:15 AM, Jenny Ryan <tunabananas at gmail.com<javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'tunabananas at gmail.com');>
>> > wrote:
>>
>>> Via @BiologiGaragen: New open source centrifuge
>>> http://t.co/otDqV44UER http://t.co/54l7f5DNOt
>>> Shared via TweetCaster
>>>
>>
>>
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>>
>
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