How does one extract without an extractor?? Is there a way that will save the comb for reuse?
Some bee supply stores will allow you to use their extractor for a price. I used the crush and strain method which did not preserve the comb. There was a great video posted on this website of how to do it last year.
I would suggest if you are in a bee club asking other members. They may agree to let you use theirs for a price or honey. For the amount I have the crush and strain method worked great. If you want more details on simple ways to go this let me know.
JA (Sacramento/Fiddletown CA
Quote from: renmag on August 27, 2008, 12:10:23 AM
How does one extract without an extractor??
Borrow one. One of the advantages of being involved with a local bee club is getting connected to other beekeepers. Usually there's are a few friendly beekeepers who will loan you their extractor. Actually, I have a borrowed one in my car at this moment, borrowed from the folks I buy bees and equipment from. They have a couple of extractors they loan to their customers.
I've also participated in an "extraction party" organized by my mentor and held in a large church kitchen. A few beeks brought extractors and several new beekeepers brought their supers and we spent the afternoon helping each other extact.
The gang at my local beekeeper's association actually pooled their money together and bought a 'club' extractor. They rotate it around among themselves based on whoever is harvesting at a given time, and it's free to use for association members.
>How does one extract without an extractor?? Is there a way that will save the comb for reuse?
And save the comb--- not that I am aware of.
I pulled a few shallows in the late spring flow. Just for kicks, I scored the caps on one frame and hung it upside down for a full day. Only about a quarter cup of honey flowed out. At that rate it woulda taken three weeks to extract via gravity. So, kinda hopeless.
Another experiment that was kinda worthwhile; One of the shallows i pulled for crush and strain, I cut from the frame but left the top three rows of cells for a guide, and threw back on one hive and a shallow of foundation on another hive. The one with the cells left for a starter was drawn and filled 50% to 75% faster and with straighter comb(my bees are usually kinda messy). I'll have to try that again, next spring.
My extractor is my cider press. Crush and strain. I then use my home made (from dumpster diving) solar wax melter to melt the wax for making candles and soaps.
Brian, make sure I ask to see your cider press while there Sunday. Sounds less messy than mushing by hand...Jody
Quote from: Brian D. Bray on August 28, 2008, 01:06:13 AM
My extractor is my cider press. Crush and strain. I then use my home made (from dumpster diving) solar wax melter to melt the wax for making candles and soaps.
Brian, I'm confused. I read how comb takes a lot of energy to produce, and how it's an asset to retain. I recently extracted my first honey and marveled at how quickly my bees trimmed up the comb and started filling it up again. It seems to me they would get set back a couple weeks to have to rebuild all that comb. Maybe that doesn't matter at all...I don't know.
Tracy
Quote from: tlynn on September 02, 2008, 09:46:19 PM
Brian, I'm confused. I read how comb takes a lot of energy to produce, and how it's an asset to retain. I recently extracted my first honey and marveled at how quickly my bees trimmed up the comb and started filling it up again. It seems to me they would get set back a couple weeks to have to rebuild all that comb. Maybe that doesn't matter at all...I don't know.
Tracy
It will set them back somewhat, but during a good flow it won't matter too much. And you are almost guaranteed nice white wax. Wax is valuable as well if you have a use for it or a market for it. Really, almost half of the wax is often cut off anyway with the cappings.
Rick
When you use your solar wax melter, I assume a little honey is still in the wax, so how do you seperate it from the wax?
Quote from: ArmucheeBee on September 03, 2008, 12:44:30 PM
When you use your solar wax melter, I assume a little honey is still in the wax, so how do you seperate it from the wax?
Let it set in a strainer for a few days until it drains completely or I put the combs out for the bees to clean up any left over honey.
Quote from: renmag on August 27, 2008, 12:10:23 AM
How does one extract without an extractor?? Is there a way that will save the comb for reuse?
YES !
[IMG]http://img143.imageshack.us/img14
This is an illustration from a very old book I was given in India written in the 1930s , called " The Romance of Scientific Beekeeping ยจ a bit labor intensive but will save your comb as well as give you a good workout (http://img143.imageshack.us/my.php?image=honeyexqx0.jpg)
That is a great idea. Labor intensive but such great appropriate technology. Definitely going to try it this year. Thanks Don. Let you know how it goes.
Reynie.
I made up a hand extractor consisting of a plastic pan and stainless insert. Along with a full frame it weighed about 10 lbs. I would guess. Well 20minutes later I had about a pint of honey and a sore back and arms. The next day I was really sore :'(. It ain't easy to swing that around. Worst I can't spin with it cause I get real dizzy and want to fall down. Soooo, next day I borrowed an extractor from a neighbor. Worth a try anyway.
I have an old golf cart that we use to run around the neighborhood and all. I thought about tying 4 of those contraptions (one on each corner) and just riding around in a circle for 5 mins or so. Would that be a video worth watching or what!!!
F
Brian,
When you used the cider press do you put the comb in something?
Johnny
Quote from: 1reb on September 30, 2008, 10:46:14 AM
Brian,
When you used the cider press do you put the comb in something?
Johnny
It's not necessary but use of one of those mesh bags would keep things a bit neater and tidier. I just dump the haney with comb in the basket and press until its flat. I do line the basket with aluminum foil about 1 inch high to keep the wax from breaking up too much. I usually end up with a thin wax patty that I then put into the solar wax melter.