There are many different methods avaialble for collecting block samples for thin section micromorphology. All methods have the same aim - to remove an intact block of sediment from a straigraphic section, without disturbing the deposits, to be transported back to the laboratory to be set in resin and turned into a slide. One of the most common methods uses Kubiena tins - metal boxes made to the required size which can be inserted into a section, and then cut around to remove a block. Another method is the 'tissue and tape' method. The principle is the same as using a Kubiena tin, but the sample is cut directly from the section face, and tightly wrapped with tissue (strong kitchen roll) and tape (parcel tape works well). This has the advantage of being very cheap, and also works well in situations where it may be difficult to insert a tin, for example on very hard deposits such as mortar floors, or deposits with lots of large objects such as rocks and bones. An alterantive to Kubiena tins is square plastic drain pipe, than can be cut to size with a hand saw. This has a bit more flexibility than metal tins.