Hot vs. Cold uncapping knife

twb · July 03, 2009, 09:02:14 PM

My hot uncapping just quit on me while in use. I remember reading some of you liked your cold uncapping knives even better than the hot one. Really? I have no experience with a cold one. Do the cappings fall away from the frame as you uncap like with the hot one. I want them to do that. My hot one had no temp settings, that makes things easy, but what do you all recommend for the next knife? Or do you have suggestions to fix the old one. Thank you.

twb · July 04, 2009, 02:07:16 PM

Hot knife or cold? Ever tried the hand held uncapping plane? What shall I get next?

NasalSponge · July 04, 2009, 02:23:51 PM

Bread knife works great. :)

wildbeekeeper · July 04, 2009, 02:31:55 PM

i was wondering how the uncapping plane works as well......worth the purchase?

tct1w · July 04, 2009, 10:32:20 PM

Only used a cold knife so I dont have a comparison to a hot knife but a plane is awesome. You can upcap real fast,even and keep getting it. With the cold knife I would tear up some of the comb. CU Dave

leechmann · July 05, 2009, 04:17:29 AM

Whhere can you purchase an uncapping plane? Who sells them and how much a re they worth?

nella · July 05, 2009, 06:56:54 AM

Would an electric knife work, the kind that you would carve a turkey with?

BeeHopper · July 05, 2009, 09:26:22 AM

I had an electric uncapping knife till I traded it for some honey with a member here, the knife worked just fine, but the process was just awkward and painful for my wrists. I now use a Cutco Serrated Bread knife, works like a charm. The thinner the blade, the better. :)

tct1w · July 05, 2009, 09:49:05 PM

you can get an uncapping plane just about any beeking supply place. Probably Dadant,Brushy Mountain,Miller Bee or others. I got mine from a friend new and it was made by Maxant. Guess you could check with them. I think it was 125.00 or so
Dave

SlickMick · July 06, 2009, 09:22:37 AM

I use 2 hot capping knives I made out of 2"x1/4" flat steel bar. I shaped handles down one end and tapered the other into a blunt point. I bevelled the edges at 45 degrees. I keep them hot in a boiler and use them one at a time. They work really well.

I have tried the serrated bread knife used cold and the electric carving knife. Both stuck to the wax and were hard to use. The hot knife just slices the cap off cleanly.

Mick

jdesq · July 06, 2009, 11:27:16 AM

I have tried alot of different tools for uncapping- and now prefer the capping scratcher. very simple and quick.