From: Erik Osterlund <honeybee@elgon.se>
Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 11:32:12 +0200
To: BiologicalBeekeeping@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: Wax sheets and mill from Sweden

Hi John and all

>... I never thought of insulating the part of the dipping vat out of
>the heat. What did you use Erik?

Kind of thin pressed stonewool sheets 1/2" thick and taped it around.

>Temperatures are important I think, I work
>as cool as possible all the time. I don't know where I read not to overheat
>wax, but it stuck.

Don't know how important. But I think my temp has been higher. Wax boils at about 190°F I think. Keep it below that. Maybe 170°F is a good aim.

>Did the envelope system make sense to you? Aimed at smaller quantities
>really.

That's what I use I follow you here, my experiences too. I use a plank like
Lusby, but I know those that have use ply and it seems okey.

Also got a phonecall from a man here in Sweden who is waiting for a couple
of 4.8 foundation from me. He has prepared everything else to make hiw own mill about 14" wide, silicon coated mills with the impressions in silicon,
like mine mill from Tom. He will be able to sell such for about $390 +
shipping he told me.

Also I checked my 4.8-colonies yesterday after winter. First time with
about 50°F. Very very satisfying! Strong colonies, almost as strong as when
they went into winter, mostly with a lot of food left. At least as good
overwintering as my other colonies. I would say a little better.

Erik