Extractors

KellyInNE · August 22, 2006, 03:47:48 PM

Greetings Bee People!

I'm looking into buying my first honey extractor, and wanted to get some experienced opinions, on what brands and models you prefer? Suggestions, tips, and things to look for would also be appreciated.

Has anyone ever made there own extractor? What is your opinion on a 'homemade' extractor? If you have made one, what kind of plans did you use?

I know I can buy plans for a hand crank, which I'm not opposed to using, as I only have 2 hives at the moment. The only plans I can find call for a galvanized trash can, used for the main base. I'm not keen on using anything galvanized, but I know someone who can weld, and may be able to get a hold of some stainless steal for me, which I think would be great.

If I am unable to make my own, I'm thinking of getting a simple plastic extractor, and then upgrading to a stainless steel model further down the road. Anyone use a plastic extractor before?

Basically, any tips and opinion on extractors would be great! :D

Brian D. Bray · August 22, 2006, 08:26:12 PM

When I get a new extractor I am going to get a 8-12 frame radial. Mailnly because the more frames per operation the quicker the job is finished and also because that size works well up to the point of going sideliner. I am more interested that it be motorized and accept medium frames in the radial position than I am of the manufacturer. In the end, I'll go with the one who meets or exceeds those requirements at the lowest unit cost.

IndianaBrown · August 22, 2006, 08:31:57 PM

Here are a couple of interesting ideas on homemade extractors:
http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2005/september/honeyextractor.htm
http://sleekfreak.ath.cx:81/3wdev/VITAHTML/SUBLEV/EN1/HONEYEXT.HTM

I'm cheap, but somewhat lacking in tools, time, and materials, so I figured that for $100 I could probably not build anything better than the plastic extractor. It works fine, although I had to modify it somewhat to keep medium frames from slipping down through the bottom of the basket:
http://www.beemaster.com/beebbs/viewtopic.php?t=5908
http://www.beemaster.com/beebbs/viewtopic.php?p=35082&highlight=#35082

goodeva · August 23, 2006, 09:56:56 AM

Betterbee sells the Delux Italian Extractir for 245.00 and it has a 100 gallon holding with seive. You can extract 4 medium frames the honey runs down passes through hole in the bottom and then is filtered through the seive then let it set over night and you can bottle straight through the holding tank it has a honey gate at the bottom. I works great and has metal gears for the hand crank. This is the best one for the price that I found its all in one.

KellyInNE · August 23, 2006, 12:20:34 PM

I will be extracting shallow frames, will this be a big problem in extractors meant for deep and/or medium frames? Or can I self adjust without too much of a problem?

Something else I was wondering, about how long (time wise) does it take to hand crank extract a frame?

Thanks for all the info so far!

potomacjoe · August 23, 2006, 02:55:17 PM

I bought one of those plastic extractors from Western Bee in Polson Mt. I paid $115 for it last summer and I was pleased with it's performance. It was my first harvest and totally enjoyable for the first two supers ! Two supers, two days hmmm.... 36 supers left - I had to take both shoes off to figure that one out. It took about 20 minutes per side to extract the honey. The temps were only in the mid 70's so if it's hot it may not take as long. My brother came to the rescue and drove 300 miles to bring me his 9 frame radial extractor to use. Needless to say I'm not going to use the small plastic extractor any longer,it is up for grabs. Make me an offer I can't refuse! BTW I will harvest in 2-3 weeks looks like another good one.

IndianaBrown · August 23, 2006, 09:03:58 PM

QuoteIt took about 20 minutes per side to extract the honey.

:shock: Joe, It took me about 2-3 minutes per side. It took me less than an hour for a 10 frame super, including uncapping, cranking, turning frames around, and draining honey out occasionally.
Hmmm. It was in the 80's, and since I use Pierco plastic frames for honey I am not worried about blowing them out. I crank them up to full speed relatively quickly with no problem. If I was using wax foundation and/or it was cooler I would expect it to take a little longer, but 20 minutes per side??? :? :shock:

Kelly, my modifications to use mediums in my plastic extractor consisted of a few well placed zip ties. Modifications for shallows would be no different. Fro what I have seen I don't think you would have to do any modifications to a more expensive extractor.

goodeva · August 23, 2006, 09:12:05 PM

It take me about 45 mins to do 10 frames. I use plastic foundation in wood frames and crank them for about 30 seconds and done. Uncapping takes the longest.

Brian D. Bray · August 23, 2006, 10:39:18 PM

The warmer the temperature to easier the honey flows. It helps if you can have a room heated and maintained at 80-85 degrees during all phases of extracting. With room temperatures in the 80's it should only take a few minutes per frame. Double the extracting time by every 5 degrees for drop in temperature.

Even with a 2 frame plastic hand cranked extractor it should take less than 5 minutes per side to extract at 78 degrees--unless of course, you forget to turn the crank, then it could take forever. :)

KellyInNE · August 24, 2006, 10:54:43 PM

Do you most always extract on the same day as you remove the supper(s) from the hive(s)? If I am unable to do it the same day, how long will it keep, and how should I store it?

potomacjoe ~ Very interested in your extractor! Will be PM-ing you for details.

Zoot · August 25, 2006, 12:19:04 AM

That Italian extractor looked interesting but we went ahead and made the investment in Brushy Mt's 9 frame radial. It also has the convenient feature of an attached storage tank. Not real crazy about the plastic gears but it's already pretty heavy as it is. Very smooth operation.

Michael Bush · August 27, 2006, 12:07:22 AM

How many hives do you have? I wouldn't buy less than a 9/18 radial. I'm in SE Nebraska. Where are you?

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesharvest.htm

thegolfpsycho · August 27, 2006, 01:55:55 AM

With only a couple hives, an extractor may be an extravagance. I think Michael Bush has a section about crush and strain on his website. Works pretty well for a smaller number of hives, plus gives you plenty of wax for candlemaking. Something to consider when your running a few hives on a shoestring.

joecat · September 03, 2006, 11:52:57 AM

Consider joining a local beekeepers association or club
many of them have extractors that you can use.
This way you can have a kind of test drive to see what style
size you need/want.

Michael Bush · September 05, 2006, 07:49:09 AM

http://www.nebraskabeekeepers.org/index.asp

This would be your local beekeeping club. I would be the person in charge of programs. You can PM me for the time and location of the next meeting. So far it's not a firm location, but I should know soon.

KellyInNE · September 05, 2006, 12:49:11 PM

I know I could most likely get by for a while without an extractor, but thought using one would be an easier method. I found one for what I thought a good price and went ahead and bought it, just waiting for it to come in the mail! Thank you for all your tips and advice.

Thanks for that info Michael, I'll be PM-ing you.

TwT · September 05, 2006, 01:11:35 PM

a few thing count when buying a extractor, how many hives you have now and how many you are planning to increase your hive numbers too? also the money you have at this time to make a investment on a big extractor (they are worth every penny if you can buy one), I have crushed and strained before but I sure lover my extractor for 2 good reasons, its fast extracting honey and saves me and my bee's on comb for next year, after extracting I put the empty supers with frames out and let the bee's clean for about 2 days, put in bags then freeze supers for next spring....I have a Kelly 12-24 and it makes quick work of frames..... good luck!!!!!

BeeHopper · September 05, 2006, 02:25:30 PM

Quote from: goodevaBetterbee sells the Delux Italian Extractir for 245.00 and it has a 100 gallon holding with seive. You can extract 4 medium frames the honey runs down passes through hole in the bottom and then is filtered through the seive then let it set over night and you can bottle straight through the holding tank it has a honey gate at the bottom. I works great and has metal gears for the hand crank. This is the best one for the price that I found its all in one.

I have recently acquired the deluxe italian extractor setup from BetterBee. It is of very good quality and suits my needs. :D

Extractors

IndianaBrown

IndianaBrown