I've been asked to fix an old table (circa 1500s) that has been infested with some sort of beetles— possibly anobiids, as the hole size is ~1/8". Few if any holes come through to the surface, at least visibly, though I haven't had time to inspect it thoroughly.
The table weakened to the point that a ~2-1/2" square leg snapped. The inside looks about as solid as a common household sponge. The holes are filled with a fine powdery frass
The owner has stored the table indoors for several years in an unheated, dry space. Winters here usually get down to zero, though the transitions are gradual. She assures me the bugs are dead, and I see no evidence to the contrary.
My thought is to stabilize the wood by using a penetrating epoxy, then drill and dowel the break with a long dowel bedded in epoxy.
I've been searching the web for pointers on the best fix, to no avail. Does anyone have experience they can share?
1) on killing the beasts— is the freezing I describe sufficient?
2) on stabilizing the wood with penetrant— has anyone tried this? Any particular brands that do or don't work?
Thanks in advance for your help.