has anyone used the 18 frame hand cranked extractor from mann lake?i would like to know what extractors yall use.i need to get one and i would like some feedback.thanks ...schawee
Go for the motorized version. Who wants to spin for hours? Depending on the temperature you may have to crank for quite while.so slow at first and gradually faster.
I just got one from Idee, I love it! But get one that has the steel basket instead of the plastic one, I feel that the plastic basket is the weakest link in the chain.
Hey Bruce, I have the 20 frame and love it! http://www.maxantindustries.com/extractors.html (http://www.maxantindustries.com/extractors.html)
...JP
We own this Mann Lake: http://www.mannlakeltd.com/ProductDetail.asp?idproduct=957&idCategory= (http://www.mannlakeltd.com/ProductDetail.asp?idproduct=957&idCategory=)
It's the motorized version of the one you want. We actually like a $200 second hand 14 frame Dadant BETTER than this one because the Mann Lake uses thinner SS and wobbles like mad even when it'd bolted down and the load is somewhat even. As long as you extract early enough in the fall when the honey is still warm the model you want will work fine.
I have an older model, 4 frame its a hand banger, but you know I love it, I crack a beer and start turning, and refreshing the beer and frames as needed, its one the few times I can just sit around and enjoy my beverage of choice. I turn really slow most all afternoon. Usually invite a helping hand along as well. I think an extractor is like a campfire. Good friends , good honey, == good time. :)