Dissecting Boards & Trays

Wax-filled trays hold pins securely for soft-bodied specimens like frogs and earthworms, while a plain wooden board suits quicker, simpler dissections.

Metal wax trays rinse clean quickly under a tap, while wooden boards need to be wiped and dried thoroughly to avoid staining or warping.

Larger boards and trays give more room to pin out bigger specimens fully, while smaller sizes suit compact classroom storage.

A wax-filled tray can be re-melted and topped up as it wears, while a solid timber board simply needs the odd sand-down to stay usable for years.

The wax layer gives dissecting pins something soft to push into, holding a specimen firmly in place and open for cutting without the pins slipping or bending.

Yes, but dry it thoroughly afterwards to prevent warping or staining. A wax-filled tray is a better long-term choice if you regularly work with fluid-preserved specimens.

Gently warm the wax surface and smooth it over, or top up with fresh melted wax, to close old pin holes and restore a firm, even surface.

A standard 300 by 450mm board suits most CAPS Life Sciences specimens like frogs and earthworms, giving enough room to pin the specimen fully open.

Yes, both wooden boards and wax-filled trays are designed for repeated use. Rinse or wipe them clean and dry fully after each practical to keep them in good condition.