Beevac plans

alfred · June 10, 2008, 11:32:29 AM

Hello Folks,
I could swear that I saw a picture on this forum of a beevac made using a plastic water jug and a little hand held dust buster type vac. I can't find it now.
I would love to find and figureout how to make one. Seems like it would be much more portable and easier to build and use than most of the plans I have seen.
Any ideas?
Alfred

Robo · June 10, 2008, 03:56:03 PM

Bee Culture - January 2004

KONASDAD · June 10, 2008, 04:57:51 PM

does it have enough draw? I looked at your more comprehensive plans Robo and I just dont know when i'll have time to make one, but i need one to make my life easier.

alfred · June 10, 2008, 07:12:51 PM

Hello Robo,
Great picture thanks.
Any more on how to make one? Have you used it? How well does it work?
I see on your web site that you have plans for a completely different one.
Do you like that one better?
Thanks for any info.
Alfred

Robo · June 10, 2008, 09:26:24 PM

The water bottle vac is not mine. Is was shown in the January 2004 Bee Culture. I believe it has a wire colander glues inside the bottle to prevent the bees from being sucked into the motor. I have my doubts that it works too well. Maybe for really small swarms, but definitely not for cut outs. As far as I can tell there is nothing that prevents the bees from coming back out after you turn off the motor. Plugging the end ever time would be a big hassle (and sticky one too). If I was in a bind and need something quick, I would go for something like this on a 5 gallon pail.

I have used my new design one on both swarms and cut outs and it works like a champ. I have had positive feedback from some who have built it as well.

xC0000005 · June 10, 2008, 09:36:46 PM

This one is my own. A jug, a strainer, some cord. I often skip the hose now and just use the nose of the jug to suck them in.

KONASDAD · June 11, 2008, 11:48:49 AM

Does a vacuum w/ lower HP help by not "crushing " bees? I have an older vac w/ a mere 1.4HP as opposed to newer models which have 5HP and higher.

Robo · June 11, 2008, 01:01:12 PM

Lower HP does help, but I would definately recommend having a bypass for adjusting the flow. That way you don't have to worry about the vacuum HP or the length of hose as it can always be adjusted. I'd hate to show up and find I need to use more hose but the vac won't handle it.

JP · June 11, 2008, 09:01:51 PM

Quote from: Robo on June 11, 2008, 01:01:12 PM
Lower HP does help, but I would definately recommend having a bypass for adjusting the flow. That way you don't have to worry about the vacuum HP or the length of hose as it can always be adjusted. I'd hate to show up and find I need to use more hose but the vac won't handle it.

Agree 100%, install a regulator and have the beef.

...JP

TwT · June 12, 2008, 05:53:07 AM

mine is ajusted by a vent, oh I am talking about the bee-vac built from the plans at beesource, it works better than I ever thought it would....

Robo · June 12, 2008, 09:46:28 AM

Quote from: TwT on June 12, 2008, 05:53:07 AM
mine is ajusted by a vent, oh I am talking about the bee-vac built from the plans at beesource, it works better than I ever thought it would....

Yup. A simple bypass vent is all that is needed. Makes it easy to adjust the suction regardless of the vacuum HP or length of hose used.