How long does it take to make a micromount?

I just had someone ask me this question, and in truth I really don't know. My guess was 20-30 minutes. This would mean in 6 hours of work on one day I ought to be able to turn out 12-15 finished mounts.

Given my new figure (15 minutes), I should be able to generate 4 per hour, or 20 mounts in a 5 hour period. I am not managing that, so either I am wasting time and working inefficiently, or my timing is too optimistic.

But I decided to start timing myself, getting real data, and also start looking for ways to get more efficient.

The process

Selection and trimming. I don't count the time to sort through a box of collected material and select the pieces I want to mount. Perhaps I should. One I have the pieces I want to make mounts of, the thing to do is to trim them so they will fit in my chosen box. The trouble involved varies widely. Sometimes I have a piece "ready to mount". Other times I need to use the diamond saw and/or one of my two jaw trimmers. Whatever the case, when finished I have pieces trimmed and often ultrasonic cleaned, that fit my box.

Cataloging and labeling. I like to label my boxes next and have the labeled box bases ready to accept mounts. My catalog system makes labels for me, so the first step is to enter information into my specimen database. Then I print a sheet of labels on my laser printer and spray the sheet with fixative. Next I use scissors to cut out the labels, then a sand the box bases a bit for better glue adhesion, spread an even layer of white glue (I use Weldbond glue from Ace Hardware and a bicycle spoke as a spreader), and attach the label. This is much superior to stick on labels.

Mounting pieces on pedestals. I use either cork or balsa. For some size pieces, the cylindrical corks I have are ideal, otherwise I use a razor saw to cut off what looks about right from a balsa stick that looks right, perhaps taper this with an exacto knife. Then perhaps I shape the top of the peg to fit the speciment. Then I paint it with india ink, set it on top of my hot desk lamp to quickly dry, then attach the piece using "Aleene's original Tacky Glue". Then it needs to sit and let the glue dry (I don't count the drying time, as I just do something else).

Glue the piece into the box. This goes fairly quickly except when I decide my pedestal is too tall and needs to be reduced. I used to use a razor saw to remove some of the base, but that is risky. I now have a flat disk sander I use, which surprisingly is less risky and has yet to fling a speciment. I use cyanoacrylate glue to attach the cork or balsa directly to the black box base. This is surprisingly strong. I was told that painting the box flat black or using black paper was a waste of time and after some study I agree. I never get distracted by shiny black plastic when viewing a specimen.

My measurements

I will "round up" to 15 minutes per mount and call that my official time. Note that this assumes that all materials and tools and ready at hand.

Trimming - 5.00 minutes
Database - 2.00 minutes
Labels -   2.00 minutes
Mounting - 2.00 minutes
Install  - 1.00 minutes

It is hard when timing oneself not to be self conscious and rush. I try to just work calmly, steadily, and efficiently. On the other hand, consciously trying to work as efficiently as possible yields useful lessons.