Chatter refers to zones of varying thickness in the section that run parallel to the knife edge.
Possible causes for chatter related to the blade:
(1) nick or structural defect in the blade
(2) dull edge to the blade
(3) blade loose
(4) incorrect blade angle when sectioning
Possible causes for chatter related to the block handling:
(1) block loose in the chuck
Possible causes for chatter related to the tissue being cut:
(1) piece of calcified material
(2) foreign body (staple, other)
(3) paraffin too hard for proper sectioning
(4) tissue too brittle for proper sectioning, including over dehydration
