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Shroombie2
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Scalpel not turning red
#27293945 - 05/04/21 12:44 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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I used to have a cheap scalpel with plastic handel which used to glow red much faster than the one I have right now. I think the blade on this one is a bit thicker so I was forced to flame it with my torch much longer to the point that it became the most annoying part of mushroom cultivation. The plastic scalpel used to glow red after about 10 seconds of flaming it with a torch but the one I have now takes around 30 seconds. Not only that, I've had two different torches and both started to work very poorly very fast and I have to click a lot to get a steady flame.
Today I tried an alcohol lamp with some liquid specially made for alcohol lamps as opposed to denatured alcohol and I can't get my blade glow red. Instead it becomes black.
Is this alcohol that I got not good enough for this? If it is, for how long should I flame it before it's sterile?
Why are torches such pain in the ass. Sometimes they just don't work, You need to click 30 times before it starts to work and once you done a plate you need to click for another 30 times to get it start working again? I watched a lot of videos on how to fill a torch and let out air and mine is even transparent so I can see that there are a lot of butane in it, still it's a lot of trouble to use it everytime.
Edited by Shroombie2 (05/04/21 12:52 PM)
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Shakedown Street
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Shroombie2]
#27293950 - 05/04/21 12:48 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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My homemade alcohol lamp was a major PITA unless I switched from iso. to denatured alcohol. Now it works reliably. Have only used butane in plastic Bic lighters to light my alcohol lamp.
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Ashtray161
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id suggest just getting a better torch mate. A proper one for welding and not a small handheld meth/dabber one
--------------------
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Major Issues in the Psychedelic Movement: https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/27677086
"You never have to prove the fool a fool, just let them speak."
Please, be an adult. Get vaccinated. Dont use psychedelics as an excuse. Dont come at me with some hippy dippy nonsense, GO GET VACCINATED.
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Shroombie2
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How was it PITA? Did you also have problem making the scalpel glow red?
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Shroombie2
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Ashtray161]
#27293973 - 05/04/21 01:01 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Hmm, what kind do you mean? I googled some but I only see handheld or something big that feel like overkill, specially if it's common to work with alcohol lamps and denatured alcohol. If it doesn't work with denatured alcohol perhaps even change scalpel but it seem unnecessary.
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Atomsplit



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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Shroombie2] 1
#27293978 - 05/04/21 01:10 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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denatured alcohol burns clean and leaves less soot than iso.
If your goal is to get your scalpel red hot. Obviously a higher temperature flame and/or thinner blade should be the two variables to success.
IME a lamp with denatured alcohol and a good propane torch both work well on a xacto blade #11.
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Edited by Atomsplit (05/04/21 01:12 PM)
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NickShade
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Atomsplit] 2
#27293988 - 05/04/21 01:17 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Get a new torch for ~$15 at your local hardware store.
-------------------- bodhisatta said:
figure it out listen to the cake
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Shroombie2
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Atomsplit]
#27294022 - 05/04/21 01:35 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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But should my goal be to get it red? Is it not sterile if it doesn't get red? Does denatured alcohol also burn at higher temps than other alcohols, I don't have ISO either, what I have is called (advertised as) lamp oil?
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Shroombie2
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: NickShade]
#27294023 - 05/04/21 01:36 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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The one I have now is pretty new. I don't want to buy another until I understand why this one became like this.
Edited by Shroombie2 (05/04/21 01:36 PM)
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Ashtray161
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: NickShade]
#27294031 - 05/04/21 01:41 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
NickShade said: Get a new torch for ~$15 at your local hardware store.
--------------------
(You Know What Time It Is)
Major Issues in the Psychedelic Movement: https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/27677086
"You never have to prove the fool a fool, just let them speak."
Please, be an adult. Get vaccinated. Dont use psychedelics as an excuse. Dont come at me with some hippy dippy nonsense, GO GET VACCINATED.
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Ashtray161
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Shroombie2]
#27294034 - 05/04/21 01:42 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
Shroombie2 said: The one I have now is pretty new. I don't want to buy another until I understand why this one became like this.
if its clear like u said it sounds like its plastic and a shit one. One used for smoking meth/dabs/deemsters probably small enou to fit in ur hand im assuming. You also said it was butane, id get a propane torch. A proper one, theyre only like $15 at wally world dude. Those clear cheap butane ones are pos my friend
Quote:
Shroombie2 said: I don't have ISO either,
Also youre going to need ISO and a fk ton of it for this hobby man. Im not trying to be rude when I say this, but i highly suggest you get the required materials before trying to just wing it. I say this from recent experience. Just do it right or you will be doing it again. Pick up a propane torch and some ISO and do yourself a huge favor and read this: https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/24420178
--------------------
(You Know What Time It Is)
Major Issues in the Psychedelic Movement: https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/27677086
"You never have to prove the fool a fool, just let them speak."
Please, be an adult. Get vaccinated. Dont use psychedelics as an excuse. Dont come at me with some hippy dippy nonsense, GO GET VACCINATED.
Be Gay, Do Crime 161 1312
Edited by Ashtray161 (05/04/21 01:46 PM)
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Shroombie2
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Ashtray161]
#27294042 - 05/04/21 01:54 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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I use bleach to clean my SAB. I also desinfect my arms with some alcohol made for this before working in my SAB. I have ISO at home but I never need it for anything in this hobby.
I see. I just learned that propane burns at higher temp.
I have this one:

I'm trying to find a propane torch but I can't find info on all. Can I not just fill the one I have with propane?
There also some that are a bit bigger with a replacable container. But that's a mixture of Butan, Isobutan and propane with only 2% propane. Maybe those will work better.
Edited by Shroombie2 (05/04/21 01:56 PM)
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Atomsplit



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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Ashtray161] 1
#27294047 - 05/04/21 01:57 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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What they said ^^^^
BernzOmatic Multi-Purpose Trigger-Start Torch Head will flame almost any blade red hot!
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AntsInYourPants

Registered: 01/27/21
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Atomsplit] 1
#27294051 - 05/04/21 01:58 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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The main problem with torches is the consistency and quality of the igniter. You're probably gonna end up wasting more money on those cheap torches than you would if you just bought a legit propane torch. I know you said you don't wanna go overkill but that's what I do. I've also got a bernzomatic with a propane tank that heats my scalpel up in seconds. It'll last you years and it's handy when you need a torch for anything else.
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Ashtray161
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Shroombie2]
#27294059 - 05/04/21 02:02 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
Shroombie2 said: I use bleach to clean my SAB. I also desinfect my arms with some alcohol made for this before working in my SAB. I have ISO at home but I never need it for anything in this hobby.
I see. I just learned that propane burns at higher temp.
I have this one:

I'm trying to find a propane torch but I can't find info on all. Can I not just fill the one I have with propane?
There also some that are a bit bigger with a replacable container. But that's a mixture of Butan, Isobutan and propane with only 2% propane. Maybe those will work better.
Again mate, not trying to be rude, I say this from recent experience. Youre seeming very resistant to the actual advice being given to you. They sell propane torchs at walmart or any hardware store. Their tanks are blue. You can adjust the flame so you can leave it on like a pilot lite and it works really really well.
Bleach is not only over kill but ive read it might actually damage the genetics of what youre working with. Again, especially while youre figuring things out, do not deviate from the tek. DO NOT DEVIATE. Follow it to a T. Meaning youre gonna need ISO. I have no idea how you got it in your head you dont need it for this hobby but id put money on just about everyone telling you otherwise.
EDIT: Quote:
Shroombie2 said: I'm trying to find a propane torch but I can't find info on all. Can I not just fill the one I have with propane?
I just have to point out that from my understanding putting propane in a container not made for it is EXTREAMLY DANGEROUS and could result is serious bodily injury or even death lol. Butane isnt nearly as volatile as propane (again from my understanding i might be completely wrong here) but im pretty sure you do NOT want to do that.
Again, start here: https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/24420178
Quote:
AntsInYourPants said: You're probably gonna end up wasting more money on those cheap torches than you would if you just bought a legit propane torch. It'll last you years and it's handy when you need a torch for anything else.

Quote:
Atomsplit said:

Be safe and really TORCH IT!
  
Or a alcohol lamp will be fine with denatured alcohol. 
--------------------
(You Know What Time It Is)
Major Issues in the Psychedelic Movement: https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/27677086
"You never have to prove the fool a fool, just let them speak."
Please, be an adult. Get vaccinated. Dont use psychedelics as an excuse. Dont come at me with some hippy dippy nonsense, GO GET VACCINATED.
Be Gay, Do Crime 161 1312
Edited by Ashtray161 (05/04/21 02:49 PM)
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ninja cat 09
A paranoid android



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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Shroombie2]
#27294060 - 05/04/21 02:02 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Having this issue too, bought myself a lab alcohol lamp and it's just turning the blade black, if I keep the blade on the flame the handle becomes too hot to hold. I'm using 95% ethanol with it too, so I don't think that's the issue.
Fuck it, I'll flame it like that run the blade through a couple agar plates and see if there are any contams.
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Dziber
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I have a feeling i read somewhere that it doesn't need to glow red. Flame itself kills everything but maybe I just remember wrong idk.
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Shakedown Street
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Shroombie2]
#27294064 - 05/04/21 02:03 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Had no problem making the scalpel glow red, no. I have no idea about the burning temperature of the different fuels. I just stick to using denatured alcohol because it's cheap, available, and works reliably in my alcohol lamp. It's a ghetto alcohol lamp made from a small jar of marinated artichoke hearts and a cotton ball pulled into a wick. Works reliably though. I keep a shotglass right next to it so I don't forget to set the shotglass on top to extinguish the flame.
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ninja cat 09
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Found this:
Quote:
RogerRabbit said: If it's over a flame for a minute or so it's sterile. It shouldn't turn black unless you're using rubbing alcohol. You're supposed to use denatured alcohol. RR
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Atomsplit



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Quote:
ninja cat 09 said: Found this:
Quote:
RogerRabbit said: If it's over a flame for a minute or so it's sterile. It shouldn't turn black unless you're using rubbing alcohol. You're supposed to use denatured alcohol. RR
That works but your scalpel handle gets hot to handle and your lighter will most likely break.
I cant see any benefits of flaming a minute for each transfer.
I guess the workaround is get a couple of scalpels.
or TORCH it quick n fast with either of the 2 options- no guesswork.
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Edited by Atomsplit (05/04/21 03:00 PM)
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PBJ710
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+1 for real torch. This is one of my favorites - takes 3-4 seconds for a #11 blade in a scalpel handle.
Edited by PBJ710 (05/04/21 05:30 PM)
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Shroombie2
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: PBJ710]
#27294196 - 05/04/21 03:34 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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I'm getting one of those torches with replacable bottles. I see some bottle has more propan than others. It should be better than the torch I have now and also I don't need to refill it so maybe it lasts longer. Also getting denatured alcohol for my lamp. The torch is probably still hotter but need to see if denatured alcohol is better than the liquid I have now.
I can't find a propane torch for under $100 without shipping costs. Also, the stores I've been to all have butane and these replacable bottles but no propane.
Edited by Shroombie2 (05/04/21 03:35 PM)
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PBJ710
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Shroombie2]
#27294403 - 05/04/21 05:38 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Those are $50 from the manufacturer - sorry I said only propane earlier as either propane or butane will work fine. The more focused the flame, the easier it will be to keep your handle cool.
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Inthepit
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: PBJ710]
#27294491 - 05/04/21 06:59 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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 Pics of my torch
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Ashtray161
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Inthepit]
#27294528 - 05/04/21 07:19 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
Inthepit said:
 Pics of my torch
ooo thats a good idea, having the little hole for ur flame sterilization. imma do that
--------------------
(You Know What Time It Is)
Major Issues in the Psychedelic Movement: https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/27677086
"You never have to prove the fool a fool, just let them speak."
Please, be an adult. Get vaccinated. Dont use psychedelics as an excuse. Dont come at me with some hippy dippy nonsense, GO GET VACCINATED.
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the_chosen_one
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: PBJ710] 2
#27294538 - 05/04/21 07:24 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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I've been doing this for over thirty years and never once.. ever, have I made a scalpel or needle glow red. I'm a mycologist not a blacksmith! No need for the Acme Anvil and billows with agar. A pressure cooker / autoclave go better with lab coats anyways. Seriously though. If you sterilize all of your tools in a PC and get them quickly and cleanly to the work area they only require minimal flame to eliminate static klingons.
-------------------- "Luck favors the observant." - Workman
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Shroombie2
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I acutally don't think the reason for my recent failures are because of the scalpel not being sterile. In fact, I believe you can get away with desinfecting the scalpel, you can desinfect petri dishes after use (bleach works, ISO doesn't) and get great agar cultures, why can't the scalpel also just be desinfected?
It's just I waste so much time with the torch that it kills all the fun. I just want to focus on technique instead I have to battle my torch most of the time everytime. Also, torching should be fun when it works easily, it's fire!
I'm getting a bigger torch with replacable containers. I think the containers have a standard valve and I can get containers with 25% porpane for $5. There is no 100% propane as I understand it and I can't find a propane refiller like the butane refiller I have.
Edited by Shroombie2 (05/05/21 02:51 AM)
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Inthepit
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Ashtray161]
#27295045 - 05/05/21 05:11 AM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
Ashtray161 said:
Quote:
Inthepit said:
Pics of my torch
ooo thats a good idea, having the little hole for ur flame sterilization. imma do that
Ok, I had second thoughts about posting those pics, but it's all I had of this great torch.

The thing is I haven't finished testing this idea. I had to get my petri contams down to <1%. So here's a link to the discussion about it.
Side hole in SAB for a torch - danger! Wow, 6 months ago... Let the flamer beware!
Edited by Inthepit (05/05/21 05:41 AM)
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Shroombie2
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Inthepit]
#27295070 - 05/05/21 05:39 AM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Cool. Is that 100% propane och a mixture of butane and propane?
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Inthepit
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Shroombie2]
#27295082 - 05/05/21 05:51 AM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Well the tank is labeled P PROPANE and it reads, "Use only with torches designed for propane gas."
Quote:
they only require minimal flame to eliminate static klingons. thanks chosen_one!
Edited by Inthepit (05/05/21 05:57 AM)
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sandman420
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Inthepit]
#27295085 - 05/05/21 05:59 AM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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I prefer the green camping canisters for my propane torch because they are shorter and wider = more stable on the table.
whatup Taco!
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Shroombie2
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Inthepit]
#27295092 - 05/05/21 06:05 AM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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I see. I think it's different where I live. I can't find anything with 100% propan, only mixes. The highest percentage of propane I've seen is 30. Otherwise they have american valves.
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Inthepit
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: sandman420]
#27295095 - 05/05/21 06:09 AM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
sandman420 said: I prefer the green camping canisters for my propane torch because they are shorter and wider = more stable on the table. whatup Taco!
Ya, I think was yours I saw, very stable with a small footprint!
whatup Taco!
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TheBoJim
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Inthepit]
#27295169 - 05/05/21 07:31 AM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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I have seen videos of mycologists working in real labs passing the blade over a flame for just a few seconds without it becoming red. Maybe they know something.
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ninja cat 09
A paranoid android



Registered: 10/11/09
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Loc: Mexico
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Quote:
Shroombie2 said: , you can desinfect petri dishes after use (bleach works, ISO doesn't) and get great agar cultures, why can't the scalpel also just be desinfected?
You probably could, but you'd spend a lot more time waiting for it to dry than you would just flaming it. Chlorine drops on petri dishes probably aren't the best. Many people here have tried just using ISO and it doesn't work.
As far as petris go, I read on some random website that you should use chlorine, then alcohol, I assume because they'll dry quicker like that. Maybe you could try that and see your levels of success, but I think it's a lot more hassle than it's worth.
Quote:
TheBoJim said: I have seen videos of mycologists working in real labs passing the blade over a flame for just a few seconds without it becoming red. Maybe they know something.
Quote:
the_chosen_one said: Seriously though. If you sterilize all of your tools in a PC and get them quickly and cleanly to the work area they only require minimal flame to eliminate static klingons.
That's my train of thought as well, I think it's important for needles to get red hot because you need the inside to get sterile too, plus it's extremely thin material, but in the case of scalpels, an ethanol flame is 1920 degrees Celsius, your average pressure cooker at 15 PSI gets up to around 120 degrees C, so getting it red hot seems like overkill to me. Especially since you only need to sterilize the exterior of the blade.
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sandman420
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Microbes die at a much lower temp than 1400 degrees
Edited by sandman420 (05/05/21 08:34 AM)
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ninja cat 09
A paranoid android



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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: sandman420]
#27295279 - 05/05/21 09:00 AM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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EDIT: I read higher, not lower.
Well, the CDC seems to disagree with that (see gravity displacement, I.E. pressure cookers). I understand it's a time-heat relationship, but even for dry heat the temperatures are pretty low compared to a direct flame. It doesn't seem unreasonable to me that a few seconds at 1920 C would effectively sterilize everything on the surface, especially if we've put our tools/blades in the PC first.
If you have a source which states otherwise I'd love to see it 
Plus, we're not going for full sterilization, otherwise SABs would not be effective. Either way, I'll follow through and test my hypothesis once my recently poured petris have a chance to show any possible contaminants and post a thread with the results.
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Edited by ninja cat 09 (05/05/21 09:00 AM)
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sandman420
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I sterilize glass petris in a oven at 350F lol works fine.
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Inthepit
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: sandman420]
#27295362 - 05/05/21 10:36 AM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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me too! Corning Soda Lime Silica 100x15mm
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sandman420
Saint PP



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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Inthepit]
#27295377 - 05/05/21 10:50 AM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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I've only got 4 of my good pyrex brand left, the rest of mine are cheapos from amazon but they do the job. The expensive ones break easier, fuck!
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ninja cat 09
A paranoid android



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Loc: Mexico
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: sandman420]
#27295465 - 05/05/21 12:21 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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My previous mention was for plastic petris, some guy on mycotek has been apparently reusing his for over a year. Another poster suggested using a towel they put in the PC to dry them off instead of using hot water to clean off the bleach. I'm a cheap bastard, so I'll be giving that a try Another user on that same thread apparently oven sterilizes them (2 hours, 150 C)! 
EDIT: Just put a few in the oven now.
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Edited by ninja cat 09 (05/05/21 12:27 PM)
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Inthepit
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Wow, I can't see any of that would work. I can't wait to see the responses to that!
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ninja cat 09
A paranoid android



Registered: 10/11/09
Posts: 4,192
Loc: Mexico
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Inthepit]
#27295477 - 05/05/21 12:35 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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It's not the first time I've seen it mentioned online, and here's a paper on using bleach to sterilize plastic petri dishes with good results and no inhibition of fungi growth by traces of NaOCl.
The oven thing I'm more convinced was to convince some idiot like me to put plastic in the oven, but I'll report back in a few hours to tell you if my house burnt down
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sandman420
Saint PP



Registered: 06/17/04
Posts: 5,387
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yea I dont know about that haha...you are wild
But I just looked it up and polystyrene has a glass transition temp of 212f./100c..
edit I put wrong number lol
Edited by sandman420 (05/05/21 12:43 PM)
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Shroombie2
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: sandman420]
#27295531 - 05/05/21 01:31 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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I use these small sized filter boxes for agar. I don't need to pour my agar into something after sterilization but I can't fit more than 4 of these in my PC at a time.
My vendor used to have even smaller size which was only shorter but had the same base, it's a shame they don't have them anymore, they were even better than these.
Edited by Shroombie2 (05/06/21 03:12 AM)
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woofwoof
such mushrooms!



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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Shroombie2]
#27295551 - 05/05/21 01:50 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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I just use my kitchen stove (gas). I turn it on high then start my sab setup and put my agar and stuff in
Then I stand up and walk over to my stove and flame my scalpel between plates and never had an issue. I just leave it over the flame for about 25 to 30 seconds till its red hot, then walk over to my table, sit down, cool blade in receiving dish and do my xfers
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the_chosen_one
So Called Sage


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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: sandman420]
#27295576 - 05/05/21 02:05 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
sandman420 said: whatup Taco!
Hey Sandy! Good to see you. Just came out of the lurk to yell at some kids on the lawn. Next week I think I'll step it up a bit and record speeders going past my house on my cell phone.
-------------------- "Luck favors the observant." - Workman
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ninja cat 09
A paranoid android



Registered: 10/11/09
Posts: 4,192
Loc: Mexico
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Well, it worked, sorta. I've gotten myself a very sterile paper weight:

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sandman420
Saint PP



Registered: 06/17/04
Posts: 5,387
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Ah yes, reedy to pour
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Shroombie2
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: sandman420]
#27296508 - 05/06/21 03:11 AM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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It's really weird that there are still no petri dishes made of heatable plastic. Like the ones I use, but they are made for BRF cakes and not agar. I wish they started to make them shorter again. It's also weird that these stuff are not available to you in the US (I'm assuming?) since they are very light to transport (I understand Presto PC is not available in EU) and really makes this hobby so much easier.
Edited by Shroombie2 (05/06/21 03:12 AM)
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myc_ousin_vinny
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Shroombie2] 1
#27296543 - 05/06/21 04:57 AM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
Shroombie2 said: It's really weird that there are still no petri dishes made of heatable plastic. Like the ones I use, but they are made for BRF cakes and not agar. I wish they started to make them shorter again. It's also weird that these stuff are not available to you in the US (I'm assuming?) since they are very light to transport (I understand Presto PC is not available in EU) and really makes this hobby so much easier.
Not petri dishes per se but these containers rock... no mods. Alien's Holy Grail No Pour Agar Unomodified Containers
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Shroombie2
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Those seem great too!
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DERRAYLD
Constructus


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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Shroombie2]
#27296663 - 05/06/21 07:43 AM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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I love these, would prefer them clearer but they are so cheap and work like a charm. Pp 5
Edited by DERRAYLD (05/06/21 07:43 AM)
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sandman420
Saint PP



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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: DERRAYLD]
#27296666 - 05/06/21 07:45 AM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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PP whats that now?
Oh yea just PP.
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DERRAYLD
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: sandman420]
#27296670 - 05/06/21 07:47 AM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
sandman420 said: PP whats that now?
I made sure to keep the space between the 5 and the pp to not upset you, I realize now it's just pp but then how would I differentiate between s and 5?
Edited by DERRAYLD (05/06/21 07:48 AM)
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sandman420
Saint PP



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Posts: 5,387
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: DERRAYLD]
#27296677 - 05/06/21 07:49 AM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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I was called by god to change the ways of PP...what a lame calling.
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DERRAYLD
Constructus


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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: sandman420]
#27296683 - 05/06/21 07:51 AM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
sandman420 said: I was called by god to change the ways of PP...what a lame calling.
As long as you put the pp first.... always put the pp first
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ninja cat 09
A paranoid android



Registered: 10/11/09
Posts: 4,192
Loc: Mexico
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Quote:
myc_ousin_vinny said: Not petri dishes per se but these containers rock... no mods. Alien's Holy Grail No Pour Agar Unomodified Containers
I completely forgot about those! If I can't get the bleach to sterilize the petris enough, I'll look into getting some in Mexico!
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Shroombie2
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Found a bigger torch for $30, although still mostly butane (some perscentage propane) it has much larger flame and the same scalpel turn all red within 3 seconds. And it has a continuous mode Now this part of mycology is going to become a joy
Edited by Shroombie2 (05/09/21 10:36 AM)
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ninja cat 09
A paranoid android



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Posts: 4,192
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Shroombie2]
#27309744 - 05/15/21 11:33 AM (3 years, 7 months ago) |
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So, I put my money where my mouth is and did some tests on the 13th of May, I had a pair of control plates where I was able to get (a thinner) scalpel red hot and did a few cuts on two different dishes, flaming between dishes:
 
Then, using a thicker scalpel which doesn't get red as easily, I flamed it for 10 seconds and did the same, it also sizzled when touching the agar the first time:
 
Then, I did some transfer practice, using the blade from the control plates, but only flaming it for 10 seconds each transfer, you can see some contams, but it's because I sprayed too much soap water on the top of my SAB and a drop fell and splashed. No contams so far on any of the cuts or transfers (the spots on the receiving plate are sawdust)
  
I wanted to wait longer, but since I saw contams which didn't originate from the blade, so I posted now before it became more difficult to differentiate. I'll update in a few days. Finally, the blue plates (except for the plate which received the transfer) are PSYA (Potato, Sugar, Yeast, Agar) plates without the potato because I'm a doofus and I forgot, the green ones are a premix of PDA which contams grow fine on and the dish that received the transfers is PSYA + sawdust.
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sandman420
Saint PP



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Very cool ninja cat! If the blade is getting hot enough to sizzle that is plenty. No need for the red commie blade. 
More people need to do dry practice runs with their gear before they get a beloved culture that they botch hehe.
Try some more and bring that transfer size down to 1/4 that size IMO.
Edited by sandman420 (05/15/21 12:20 PM)
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ninja cat 09
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: sandman420]
#27309962 - 05/15/21 03:19 PM (3 years, 7 months ago) |
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Thanks for the tips sandman!
I read I'm not sure if here or in Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms that one should. I'm feeling impatient to get my hands dirty so to say, but I've already figured out a couple issues with my sterile technique by doing that which would have botched the 11 year old cultures from slants I'm trying to preserve!
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ninja cat 09
A paranoid android



Registered: 10/11/09
Posts: 4,192
Loc: Mexico
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So, another update because I got more contams but none from the cuts:
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sandman420
Saint PP



Registered: 06/17/04
Posts: 5,387
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Hopefully you can identify where the contams are coming from? Looks like they are growing inside the agar?
Edited by sandman420 (05/17/21 05:38 PM)
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ninja cat 09
A paranoid android



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Posts: 4,192
Loc: Mexico
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: sandman420]
#27313540 - 05/18/21 09:31 AM (3 years, 7 months ago) |
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Most of them are from that splashing issue I mentioned in the last post, another seems to be coming from the edge of the petri somehow, but so far nothing from the blade. Thankfully the receiving transfer plate, one of the red hot and one of the 10 second ones have survived.
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