My new flasking glove box

[s1214215]

Here is my new flasking glove box I made tonight.

I've tried several flasking labs around Bangkok. I didnt like the "we're the lab and know more about your seed than you" attitude I got. Not bad when they had not a clue what my species was and tried to find a common name in Thai . twice I was told the lab would decide what was suitable media and my input was not needed

I also need to reflask some phals that arrived a bit tossed around in their flask. I couldnt get that done here either unless they were small enough to go into a whisky bottle.

Fine, they dont get my money any more and I am going to do it myself. I 've a good source of media in Australia who give great advice http://www.westernorchids.com.au/index.html

I did my research on the web and here is the method and result.

You will need:

1 large clear plastic storage container.
1 Plastic sheeting (I used a shower curtain which is tough)
1 a stanley knife
4 plastic glue (do a compatibility test first - my glue bubbled a little under the plastic, but it seems ok.
5 someone who can sew or some long rubber/plastic arm protectors if you can get them.



Brett

[s1214215]

Fist step was to cut out the holes in the box, keeping in mind to not place either to far apart or too close. I held my arms above the box to get a feel where I wanted the holes. Cutting with a stanley knive was a challenge in that it was easy to split the plastic if not careful. I could have heated the knife, but didnt want to stink my apartment out.


I found a really nice seamstress near by. I provided two sheets of shower curtain and some thick elastic and she made these arm covers. I am sure you can buy something premade, but this was way easier than a trek to find it here in Bangkok in 40c heat.



Me testing the covers and box.


Next I glued two sheets of shower curtain over the holes and split them down the centre. Once it is all dry I will test it out. Hopefully, if I am right, I should get a good seal once the covers slide through.




I will post more pics tomorrow when I test putting my arms with gloves through the slits in the hole covers and see if I get a good seal. If that fails, back to the drawing board for creating a good seal.

Brett

[Zozzl]

That looks like a really nice setup. You know you can just use duct tape for the glove holes and it works fine. I think one of the most important things is just spraying the heck out of everything with a clorox solution and then letting it set for 15 minutes before you get started.

You did a good job!

Pat

[s1214215]

Originally Posted by Zozzl

That looks like a really nice setup. You know you can just use duct tape for the glove holes and it works fine. I think one of the most important things is just spraying the heck out of everything with a clorox solution and then letting it set for 15 minutes before you get started.

You did a good job!

Pat

Thanks Pat. Doh! Why didnt I think of the duct tape. Still the shower curtain was cheap and should be durable. I am really please with the sleeves.

I have my clorox handy and am ready to go once the box glue is cured. The flasks are sitting there ready to go.

Brett

[RoyalOrchids]

Looks good, Brett. I doubt you'll have a problem with the "seal". I've made a few myself and have found that an air tight seal isn't as crucial as I thought. Air currents in the box will cause you problems, but as long as it is very clean and draft free, sterile transfers should be possible.

Adequate size and a flat working area mean that all movements can be slow, smooth, and deliberate. This will make all the difference. Looks like you chose a good size from the start. Just be meticulously clean and you'll be fine. Good luck!

[RoyalOrchids]

I clean the box with clorox first, but then I only use alcohol to spray once inside the box. Alcohol is a bit more expensive, but it's worth it to me to not have to breath in all those Cl fumes. If the surfaces are clean to start with, a misting of alcohol does a great job of knocking down any floating particulates inside the box. The rest is up to good asceptic technique.

[s1214215]

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

I clean the box with clorox first, but then I only use alcohol to spray once inside the box. Alcohol is a bit more expensive, but it's worth it to me to not have to breath in all those Cl fumes. If the surfaces are clean to start with, a misting of alcohol does a great job of knocking down any floating particulates inside the box. The rest is up to good asceptic technique.

Hi Royal

Other than alcohol, is Detol ok? I read it was an OK antiseptic to use and smells ok. Thanks for the advice on wiping out. I was thinking along those lines too.

The good thing about this box is that it has a deep lid and can hold some liquid.

Brett

[RoyalOrchids]

Originally Posted by s1214215

Hi Royal

Other than alcohol, is Detol ok? I read it was an OK antiseptic to use and smells ok. Thanks for the advice on wiping out. I was thinking along those lines too.

The good thing about this box is that it has a deep lid and can hold some liquid.

Brett

I'm not familiar with Detol. I just use Isopropyl Alcohol (70%) in the spray bottle. I use a fine mist spray on my hands when I first put them in. I spray the outside of everything, wipe down with plain paper towels, then give one last squirt of alcohol mist before working.

I guess my method is kind of a combo of the glovebox and damp towel method. I was worried about my glovebox but figured if people could sow under a bleach soaked towel on the kitchen counter than I could make it work. It's no flow hood, but it gets the job done.

I found the OB when looking for info on making a glove box. You can see from my join date that I haven't been at it long, but I've had some success. It sounds like you've done your homework too, you'll be swimming in seedlings in no time - trust me.

[s1214215]

I have done my reflasking and flasked some seeds of Lepanthes Elata.

My plants of Lepanthes Saltatrix X L. Calodictyon. My friend JMP from France sent them in a sterile vermiculite, agar, sugar mix in two tiny bottles





My blue Phalaenopsis Violaceas. I hate glass flasks, so I am trying air-tight, antibacterial impregnated plastic lunchboxes. I have seen this done by others. The just sterilize them with dissinfectant and do the agar in a jar in the pressure cooker, then transfer it while still hot.

I did this and no infections at 5 days. Fingers crossed.





No pics of the L. Elata yet, nothing to see there.

Brett

[Zozzl]

That looks like it would be much easier for reflasking than working with jars. Great photos!