A SMALL HOLE  

In order to be able to perform an infrared spectroscopic wood dating, a few milligrams of wood dust from the object are sufficient. This dust must be removed from the wood at a depth of about two to three millimeters after the first 2-3 mm of the surface have been removed.

A normal cordless drill with a router bit head with a diameter of less than 3 mm is suitable for drilling (available in all hardware stores).

The hole resembles a wood wormhole. The wood dust can be collected and placed into a small white paper envelope and mailed directly to my laboratory. The laboratory requires two wood samples from two different areas on the same piece of wood. Upon request, I will mail you the instructions with some glassine (parchment) envelopes and a special router bit (€ 15 fee).

More on this on my Youtube channel. 

SAMPLING FOR WOOD DATING.​

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SAMPLING 

• In case wooden figures are to be analyzed, please do not take the samples from their base. This is the most dirty and contaminated part.

• For furniture, it is advisable to choose weight bearing wooden parts and not pieces that could have been replaced or repaired at some point in the past. Thinly layered elements should be avoided. 

WITH A STANDARD CORDLESS  DRILL (with low rotation)​

• In the case of panel paintings do not take the samples from the backside (due to the risk of damage to the painting). Instead, take the samples from the edges. If you have a painting on plywood, take 2 samples from 2 the different parts. 

• For walnut objects, three samples have to be collected:  two from the light and one from the dark section.