Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically cutting and retrieving for inspection a sample length of coiled material from an inner tab region of a wound coil using a machine having a motorized roller apparatus supporting and driving the wound coil. A machining arm including a cutter is introduced within the wound coil for cutting a given radial thickness of the coiled material in the inner tab region. The machining arm is withdrawn, and a specimen extraction arm having substantially "C"-shaped elements is introduced within the wound coil. The "C"-shaped elements may each have a pointed limb, which in use serves to pry out the sample length of coiled material in the inner tab region, and break the sample length loose from the wound coil in the region of the cut provided by the cutter. The extraction arm is withdrawn when the retrieving elements bring the sample length of coiled material out for inspection.