Extracting from foundationless frames

[jdesq]

When you go with foundationless frames and then extract honey from these- how do they hold up in the extractor? With no support do they fall apart on you?

[Ross]

First, the comb needs to attached to all 4 sides.  If it's last years comb, you can get by with 3 most of the time.  Rubber bands can be used to reinforce it.  Second, the comb needs to have hardened some.  That means if it was drawn last week, don't extract it.  It needs several weeks on the hive to extract well.  Third, start the extractor slow for 10 minutes or so to let most of the weight out, then crank it up to pull the rest out.  I extracted 40 gallons from a dozen supers of foundationless this year.  I lost maybe 4 combs and I was asking for it on those because they weren't well attached.

[doak]

Even with wire less  foundation you have to be careful.
Do one side about half way then turn it around to the other side,"that is" if you have a one sided extractor like I do.
Do the second side all the way then turn it back to the first side, don't spin too fast.
works for me.
doak :)

[Robo]

I found it worthwhile to wire the foundationless frames before the bees draw comb.  I haven't had a failure yet since doing it.

[Michael Bush]

>When you go with foundationless frames and then extract honey from these- how do they hold up in the extractor?

I do all mediums with no wire.  If the wax is not too new and soft and if it's attached a little on all four sides. they do fine.

> With no support do they fall apart on you?

No.

If I were doing deeps, I might put a wire in the middle.