General openFrame assembly instructions
This page contains general assembly instructions for completed openFrame layers and transillumination parts. The assumption is that each layer has been assembled as shown in the page for that layer.
The layer components of the openFrame are oriented with respect to each other via the use of a pair of dowel pins. For any given pair of layers, the dowel pins (4mm diameter x 6mm length e.g. https://www.accu.co.uk/dowel-pins/72668-HDP-4-6-A1) are inserted into the two dowel holes at the top of the lower layer, as shown by the vertical red arrows on the layer on the left in the image below. The layer to be stacked on top will have a ring of 8 dowel pin holes on the dovetail, as shown by the horizontal yellow arrows on the layer on the right in the image below. Once a layer is stacked, you should fasten it to the layer below by use of suitable M4 x 4mm grubscrews (e.g. https://www.accu.co.uk/cone-point-set-screws/4737-SSO-M4-4-A2) and/or the pair of OF-CL-LC layer clamps on a layer (see below for instructions on attaching the OF-CL-LC).
To attach an OF-CL-LC to an openFrame layer, first insert a spring (e.g. one similar to the Lee Spring LCM035A 08 S) into the central hole of the set of three in the clamp recess on the layer. Next, place the OF-CL-LC on the recess and compress the spring. Finally, screw in the pair of M4 x 12mm countersunk screws (e.g. https://www.accu.co.uk/pozi-countersunk-screws/9548-SPK-M4-12-A2) that secure the OF-CL-LC to the layer. As long as the screws are not completely loosened , they can be partially undone to unclamp layers from each other.
Assuming that the top layer of a microscope is an OF-LL-SP, and that you wish to use the OF-AD-SP-TI-PILLAR to connect an OF-TI-PILLAR to base a transilluminator off, you can attach the OF-AD-SP-TI-PILLAR to the underside of the OF-LL-SP (the side with the dovetail) by means of the four screw holes indicated by the vertical red arrows in the image below (the screws will come from the top of the OF-LL-SP). The OF-TI-PILLAR can be attached by means of another screw coming from the underside of the OF-AD-SP-TI-PILLAR, indicated by the horizontal yellow arrow:
