Bee Vac Suction control question

2Sox · May 15, 2019, 06:00:03 PM

I do a good number of cutouts each season and I realized it would be so much easier if I could somehow control the suction closer to where the bees are - in the hose handle. It's obvious that suction can be controlled in two ways - through controlling air flow or through controlling current into the unit. I just saw an older YouTub video of someone who solved it the first way - air flow in the handle. Pretty ingenious.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efv2noUFRRk

My question: Does anyone know an easy (or easier) way to either make an air flow control or control for current?

ed/La. · May 15, 2019, 09:17:12 PM

A poddimeter would control the electric to motor. Like they use on variable speed drill. You would want one with a knob not a tiger. Or perhaps with some thought you could rig so with a tiger so machine turns off when released. Less noise to suffer through. I liked the set up in video except I like smooth hose not corrugated.

iddee · May 15, 2019, 09:32:41 PM

I have both. Harbor freight has a router control for 10 or 20 dollars. It will control the vac motor. I also have screened holes in my catch box with duct tape over them. I remove duct tape for less vacuum, or turn the control up or down.

Ben Framed · May 15, 2019, 10:53:53 PM

2sox You may already have seen the following. If not, it is a very nice vac. The video explains some advantages in this design. Just in case you might be interested. I have one similar but not quiet the same. I use a 1.5 inch swimming pool hose with the smooth inside. (Home Depot)

https://youtu.be/-Z2x412XoA8

2Sox · May 16, 2019, 12:46:30 AM

Thank you for your replies. I actually have two vacs. I like the Bushkill Bee vac very much. Since I will not use a hose longer than 6 feet, it has its limitations. (The longer the hose, the greater the mortality.) I also own the bee vac that Brushy Mountain sold; I forgot the name. You can hang it from a ladder and climb with it if you need to. Again, the air control is on the bucket.

I'm going to look into your suggestion about the router control, Iddee.

Don't know what a poddimeter is though.

Dabbler · May 16, 2019, 07:54:01 AM

He might have meant "potentiometer" (i.e. a volume control knob).
Probably auto correct speller creating havoc and humor again

2Sox · May 17, 2019, 11:34:10 AM

Quote from: Dabbler on May 16, 2019, 07:54:01 AM
He might have meant "potentiometer" (i.e. a volume control knob).
Probably auto correct speller creating havoc and humor again

Seems that was what he meant. Thanks.

Acebird · May 18, 2019, 09:16:18 AM

See that deflector in the lid of the bucket on the end of the hose? That is what kills the bees when they smack into that. That is what is wrong for all shop vacs. The hose needs to be mounted in the side of the bucket (tangential) so there is no surface to smack into. Then the amount of vacuum is not critical. When the bee enters the bucket the velocity of the air naturally slows down in a swirling pattern.

BeeMaster2 · May 18, 2019, 09:25:33 AM

I add a 2 inch piece of soft foam on the opposite side of the entrance it really helps to protect the bees from getting hurt.
Cut that deflector off.
Jim Altmiller

2Sox · May 18, 2019, 03:10:04 PM

Quote from: Ben Framed on May 15, 2019, 10:53:53 PM
2sox You may already have seen the following. If not, it is a very nice vac. The video explains some advantages in this design. Just in case you might be interested. I have one similar but not quiet the same. I use a 1.5 inch swimming pool hose with the smooth inside. (Home Depot)

https://youtu.be/-Z2x412XoA8

Yep. I've been using this one for some time. I also have the Owens bee vac. I bring both on every cutout I do.

On the wall of the cage in the Owens - opposite the vac opening - I siliconed soft foam pads to cushion the bees should the suction be too high.