I have only a few frames of honey that I need/want to extract the honey out of. I have no access to an extracting machine, so can I just cut the tops off of the combs and drain it into a pan?
What is the best way to get this honey out of the combs?
It won't drain very well. I've tried it. Some of the honey came out, but no where near all of it. The only option I think you have is to scrap off all the comb and squeeze & strain it. I've done that most of the time.
Beth
I have been told that you can remove the comb from the frame and place it in a bucket. Next mash the comb until all the honey is squeesed from it. Pour it through a strainer and there ya go. This is best done on a hot day. This is what a friend told me, I myself have never tried it. Hope this helps.
There is a certain amount of waste from the layer of honey you can't get off all the equipment. If you only have a couple of frames to do, I'd crush and strain or do cut comb.
This crush methid seems to waste a lot of wax in the form of drawn frames that you could use next year too. there must be abeekeeper around that will share a small hand-crank extractor with you.....
If you crush up the comb real well and let it sit for a day, the wax be floating in a layer on the honey. Squeeze this wax to remove the honey then wash it in water before carefully melting. I did this the first year but there is no substitute for an extractor. I was able to rent one from the local Dadant office.