Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
The honey-filled frames are then put into a machine, called an extractor, which is
powered by an electric motor or muscle power. The extractor spins the frames at a fairly
high speed, so the liquid honey runs out of the cells and is collected in the bottom of
the extractor. It works just like a salad spinner, except that you drain the honey into jars
or pails. The frames are given back to the bees for a time, so that they can clean up the
sticky bits left in the box.
Extraction can be done whenever there is ripe honey to be removed. Most people
who extract honey tend to bunch their activity so that the setup, extraction, and cleanup
time is efficient. Also, larger extractors need a minimum number of frames to be full
and to run.
One way to handle this task is to take your supers to another beekeeper who extracts
honey at the same time you do and combine your frames to fill the extractor. All man-
ner of negotiations occur for this service, because that's what it is—a service. Assisting
with the work is a good way to learn the task without buying the equipment first, and
two always work faster than one.
Uncapping knives range from heat-controlled units to heated units without controls to
unheated uncapping knives (uncapping knives have offset handles so you don't bump
your knuckles on the frame as you remove the wax) to simple serrated kitchen knives,
which work well for processing twenty to fifty frames.
Cut the cappings off using a knife, and let the cappings fall into the tub.
