Steam Wax Extractor Query

patoinsf

Our society was considering buying a steam wax extractor
"http://shop.carl-fritz.de/product_info.php?products_id=708"
and I was wondering if anyone out there has had any experience with them.
I will be reporting back to the committee at the beginning of next month and wanted to get all the feedback possible.
Thanks in Advance......

bpmurray

A wax melter shouldn't cost anything like that - it's very expensive indeed. Compare to Thornes version - probably not as sophisticated, but certainly every bit as functional.

patoinsf

Thanks a million for the link I will bring it to the committee's attention.
Do you by any chance know anyone that has used one (a wax extractor)?
Pat..

tmg52

I have briefly heard a fellow beekeeper say he melts the wax using an adapted steam wallpaper stripper that he picked up at one of the discount stores. Also another saying they us a homemade solar extractor, a basic box and a sheet of glass, an old small fridge minus the door would suit. Try doing an internet search for home made devices, sure to come up with something. I made a home made mite fumigator device when I picked ideas up on a similar search. Good Hunting will be interested in how you get on.

solargain

Should be an article in Aprils Beachaire

patoinsf

Thanks for all the replies
Our next meeting is this coming Sunday so I will add your suggestions and information to the discussion.
Pat..

Effects

It's easy enough top make one if you are handy. Keep an eye out for a steamer on the upcoming offers from Lidl or Aldi that you can use.

midlouth

Easy enough to build you own.

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/7112180/Trail/searchtext%3EWALL+PAPER+STEAMER.htm

Bought one of these last week and a bin. Drilled a hole in the side of bin to put the tube from the steamer in, drilled a hole in the base and put the bin into a basin so the wax would follow into it. Worked out very well, very easy to get frames cleaned up. Only thing I missed was putting some muslin over the hole in the base of the bin so the wax got filtered. Will know for next time. All in all around 50 euro.

tmg52

Hi Midlouth, Steam stripper setup sounds excellent. Instead of muslin you could use an old pillow case suspended in the bin to hold the wax and the hot wax should drain through. Seen similar with a steamer used with a diy timber box used in place of your bin. As a newbie to beekeeping I have to face the task of cleaning frames so one of these maybe the answer. An alternative solution I have heard is to use a boil washing for brood frames with washing soda, rinsing and drying etc and advised that for supers one should not use washing soda but use a boil wash only without it as I think it may taint the honey. Anyone any advice on issues on cleaning frames etc.