Author Topic: Extracting Honey Frames In New Extractor (Read 7157 times)

Jen · « **on:** July 11, 2016, 03:07:43 pm »

I have about 12 frames that need extracting. I'm ordering a two frame extractor probably today. The frames of honey I have will not need a hot knife because the wax isn't that far out from the edge of the frames, honey is flush with the cells. Do I simply scratch the wax caps with a fork? or, I do have a decapping device I haven't had a chance to use yet, any hints to using this device?

tedh · « **Reply #1 on:** July 11, 2016, 05:06:31 pm »

Hey Jen! Long time no talk to. The device is an uncapping fork. I hear that some people "lift" the cappings with it however Josh and I flipped it upside down (instead of like the photo roll it over) and drug it across the cappings. All you have to do is pierce the cappings and the extractor does the rest. I'm excited about your harvest, not sure why, but excited! Which extractor did you go with? Ted

mowarren · « **Reply #2 on:** July 11, 2016, 05:59:18 pm »

this was best video i found for that

Jen · « **Reply #3 on:** July 11, 2016, 06:38:08 pm »

Hi Ted!

I think I'll start with this one from amazon, if it's not sturdy enough then I can up grade. It's a very basic 2 frame extractor, the reviews are better than the other 2 frame extractors.

https://www.amazon.com/Goplus%C2%AE-Stainless-Extractor-Beekeeping-Equipment/dp/B015GR2DHE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468264181&sr=8-2&keywords=Goplus+honey+extractor

Are you pulling any honey yet?

Mowarren~ Thanks for this vid! See last year I tried the uncapping fork but kept trying to make one long glide with it, didn't work at all. But this guy's got it down and I learned something today

tedh · « **Reply #4 on:** July 11, 2016, 07:14:46 pm »

Yeah, we extracted about 8 gallons, maybe a little less, sometime in June. Looking for another harvest towards the middle of August. I tried using the uncapping fork like the cat in the video, I seemed to tear the cells up worse that way so flipped and dragged it. Good luck and keep us posted! Ted

Perry · « **Reply #5 on:** July 11, 2016, 09:02:24 pm »

Some lift, some scratch. I tried scratching last year to save time but found I ended up with a lot more wax in the extractor ands it was plugging up my strainer too much so went back to lifting the cappings off. Now that I run 9 frames in my honey supers I hope to use my vibrating jiggle knife this year.

Jen · « **Reply #6 on:** July 11, 2016, 09:12:48 pm »

vibrating jiggle knife.... kaaaaaaay? You should probably take a pic of that and prove to us there is such a beekeeping tool... other than that, I should refrain from comment.

CBT · « **Reply #7 on:** July 11, 2016, 09:18:57 pm »

I have a hot knife and I know how to use it.

Jen · « **Reply #8 on:** July 11, 2016, 09:47:02 pm »

Perry · « **Reply #9 on:** July 11, 2016, 09:54:42 pm »

Post # 12 shows a video of a steam heated one, mine is heated electrically.
http://www.worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/index.php?topic=1206.msg16239#msg16239

Jen · « **Reply #10 on:** July 11, 2016, 10:02:17 pm »

Pretty Cool Perry, I can see that a beek such as yourself would need an operation like that

rober · « **Reply #11 on:** July 15, 2016, 11:26:25 am »

I mentioned this before but this time i'm adding photos. every year lately produce depts. have been selling watermelon knives when melons are in season. later in the season they close them out for 2-3.00. I keep a pot of hot water on a hot plate & rotate knives when they cool off. I've never used an electric knife but have heard the only last 1-3 years. anyone who has one might sound off as to their longevity or lack of. I am considering buying one now since there are some on amazon & ebay as low as $20.00 shipped.
jen you might want to get a 1/2 sheet of 3/4" plywood to screw the legs of your new extractor to. extractors can get wobbly &/or hop around like an unbalanced washing machine.

iddee · « **Reply #12 on:** July 15, 2016, 11:51:34 am »

I just sold my electric knife I bought used about 15 years ago. It still works like new.

apisbees · « **Reply #13 on:** July 15, 2016, 12:39:17 pm »

Have an electric knife that is not working? it is either the element or the thermostat on the better knives that are the problem. On knives with a thermostat or heat limit I have had then not heat up after being used and unplugged the previous time. Wax can get between the heat limit contacts and cause a break in the electrical circuit. Heat the knife with a torch to melt any wax residue and it will start working again.

Jen · « **Reply #14 on:** July 15, 2016, 03:18:58 pm »

Rober, thanks for that tidbit on wobbly extractors. I did read in the reviews regarding that issue. One lady said that hers stopped wobbling when she set the extractor on a folded towel. I think the one I bought doesn't have legs..

My extractor was delivered yesterday. Excited to try it out

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015GR2DHE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

rober · « **Reply #15 on:** July 15, 2016, 03:35:58 pm »

good to know about the electric knives. the 3 people who had short lived knives were mechanically challenged. they may have unknowingly somehow abused them. I knew a guy who complained that his 8N tractor was constantly burning up the ignition points. I went to check out the problem & the ignition switch was on. when I asked him about it he admitted he routinely accidently left the switch on when he worked on it. that was an easy diagnostic job. could be something similar going on with these folks knives.
jen-if your extractor does not have legs here's something that could work for you.
http://www.michiganbees.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Hony_Extractor_Stand_20100815.pdf

kebee · « **Reply #16 on:** July 15, 2016, 06:38:27 pm »

I have been cutting the caps off my honey with a water melon knife like the one in rober picture for the last 3 years now and still works like a charm.

Ken

Jen · « **Reply #17 on:** July 15, 2016, 07:11:11 pm »

Thanks Rober. Hubby would whoop that up in no time. But was wondering? Does it have to have legs? can I simply set it at the edge of a table with the honey bucket up to it.. like on a stool?

neillsayers · « **Reply #18 on:** July 15, 2016, 11:50:50 pm »

Jen,
That's the same model I have been considering....eagerly awaiting your review!

Jen · « **Reply #19 on:** July 16, 2016, 12:24:06 am »

Okay Neil, I have Sunday off, I'll do my best to give this contraption a whirl

Got this one off of Amazon, had the best reviews for the 2 frame extractors.