Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: DayValleyDahlias on May 25, 2008, 04:00:50 PM

Title: Methods of Removing Honey From Plastic Based Foundation Without an Extractor
Post by: DayValleyDahlias on May 25, 2008, 04:00:50 PM
I have a few frames ( 6 ) of deep frames with lots of honey that I removed.  I do not have an extractor.  I am guessing that I can scrape the comb off the plastic, then do crush and strain?

How does that sound to you all??

Hugs,

Sharon
Title: Re: Methods of Removing Honey From Plastic Based Foundation Without an Extractor
Post by: Michael Bush on May 25, 2008, 04:30:29 PM
It works.  Scrape it off with a rubber spatula.  Give the sticky frames back to the bees to clean up.
Title: Re: Methods of Removing Honey From Plastic Based Foundation Without an Extractor
Post by: twb on May 25, 2008, 07:08:54 PM
I have a friend that scraped off the foundation and placed contents into a jar until full, then into the microwave :shock: for about three minutes.  The wax comes to the top and he has honey underneath.  He lets it cool and the wax "seals" the honey into the jar. :)
Title: Re: Methods of Removing Honey From Plastic Based Foundation Without an Extractor
Post by: Moonshae on May 25, 2008, 07:36:20 PM
I wouldn't heat honey in the microwave. You're too likely to overheat parts and scorch it, giving it all an off flavor., darken it, etc. I wouldn't take the risk of ruining it.

And if you have even a couple supers, that would take quite a long time!
Title: Re: Methods of Removing Honey From Plastic Based Foundation Without an Extractor
Post by: Pond Creek Farm on May 25, 2008, 08:35:26 PM
I just did as Mr. Bush suggested, and it worked fine for me. Got a lot of honey and after it went through a filter, it was clear.
Title: Re: Methods of Removing Honey From Plastic Based Foundation Without an Extractor
Post by: johnnybigfish on May 25, 2008, 08:53:16 PM
I've recently put bottles of honey in the microwave to break down the crystalization and it works good, but you gotta be careful...Nuke it at 10 to 15 second intervals and shake it up before doing it again every time. I did this with plastic jars and if you nuke it too many seconds without shaking it the bottle top will get soft and bend over,(or melt).
your friend,
john
Title: Re: Methods of Removing Honey From Plastic Based Foundation Without an Extractor
Post by: DayValleyDahlias on May 26, 2008, 01:06:55 AM
After I scrape the honey off with a rubber spatula, how do the sticky framed get given to the bees ?  In an empty super atop??
Title: Re: Methods of Removing Honey From Plastic Based Foundation Without an Extractor
Post by: buzzbee on May 26, 2008, 06:45:04 AM
Sharon,that works real well.You can use it as a honey super again(Unless the foundation is duragilt).Or if you place the empty super and frames above the inner cover they will clean the honey and move it below the inner cover to store it.
Title: Re: Methods of Removing Honey From Plastic Based Foundation Without an Extractor
Post by: Michael Bush on May 26, 2008, 11:54:45 AM
>In an empty super atop??

That works fine.
Title: Re: Methods of Removing Honey From Plastic Based Foundation Without an Extractor
Post by: DayValleyDahlias on May 26, 2008, 12:47:19 PM
Can do!