uncapping machines

[the buzz]

would someone tell what is the best type of uncapping machine out there? I would like to upgrade mine ,don't know the make but I feed the top with the frames and the knifes are horizontal (HEATED WITH STEAM) and they come out the other end . This year I've been having problems with adjustements, breaking alot of top-bars , when I open the knives more they don't uncap .I must use the forks on all frames. I have 9 frames per super, so not always supper thick. So what kind of uncapper is recommended by you guys? keep in mind for small operation (40000lb annual )thanks

[livetrappingbymatt]

dakota gunnis makes a good machine.might be more than you need? but they work good.
bob

[Mitch]

Not sure what you machine have,and i do not have an uncapper.But i have looked at used Cowen machines and called cowen about parts and conversion kits.So from what little i have looked into it the person i talked to at cowen was very helpfull.He said most of the parts are still avalable and they will rebuild or convert any machine they have made.I would think if you find out what you have the manufacturer of the machine would be glad to help you for a rebuild.Or maybe send a pic to The Cowen people and they could help you out.From what i have been told the problems you are haveing are from normmal wear and it just needs some tlc.

Ok found the info for Cowen
Phone 1 800 257 2894
http://www.cowenmfg.com/

[ September 13, 2006, 09:20 AM: Message edited by: Mitch ]

[DRJCKB]

Does anyone have pictures of an uncapper in use? I am interested in the Maxant. I have never seen one in use- I assume it would help move things along in the extracting process smile.gif

[Mitch]

I know what you are saying DRJKB.I have never seen an uncapper in action.Just not may beeks around here that have one.With my trade who knows if i ever see one working might just build something.Guess ill just have to take a road trip and see it in action.The deal here is there are 3 of us in a group and one extractor,and it will not be long befor the old bucket and uncapping knife just won't do.

[AstroZomBEE]

Well, if anyone wants to see a unique cowan system let me know maybe you can check mine out.

I say unique becuase i believe it has been a long while since the have manufactured the style i have.

I use a cowen uncapper that slide left and right about 8 feet, so that it can attach to one of two horizantal extractors. The frames are pushed strait out of the uncapper into the extractor reel.

It is an effective system. With a good crop and 3 people operating the equopment it would be easy to extract 12,000 lb a day.

Aaron

[Mitch]

Wow that is interesting Aaron never did think of running extraxtors horizantal.It seems it would be better.

[Mitch]

Wow that is interesting Aaron never did think of running extraxtors horizantal.It seems it would be better.Now if i were on the east side of Oh hum.

[Ian]

Ya, I run a dual real 120 frame Cowen myself, and like it. 12,000 lbs on a days work is pushing it, it is what I do, but we will run a 15hour extraction day. Mind you our frame usually come in 2/3 capped, and the after work from the uncapper require a bit of time.

the buzz, this is just the nature of the uncapper machine. They will break all your ununiform frames until you have left a uniform lot. The trick to uncapping them, is run a hot knife, not get to picky on getting all the wax cut. That is what your second man with the scraper is for. Too shallow cut will pull off all your wax, and to wide will leave too much work for your second man. Cut over 2/3 of the wax, happy medium, and push those frames through as fast as you can debox them, keep your scrapper man busy to make his time worth while. Then you will need a third to run your extractor.

Well that is what I do. It is just the nature of the machined process. Some producers up here take the honey off sooner to avoid the excessive wax requirement. But a good dring system must be ready to implement

[livetrappingbymatt]

hey guys what do you mean? dose your uncapper break frames? the dakota ginnis just cuts the cappings and the only frames it breaks are rotten ones?
bob

[jlyon]

I currently run the automatic feed Cowen with a de-boxer in front of it onto a Cook-Beals auto loading extractor. Three of us have run a lot of 15,000 pound days this summer but it requires full boxes and a hard days work. We scrape bottom bars before they go in the uncapper and top bars and a quick frame check after they uncap. The Cowen tends to tear the newer softer combs a bit even with hot blades. As far as frame breakage yeah it does happen occasionally even with new frames particularly if they are lighter but you can minimize that with a vigilant eye and a proper clutch adjustment. Most of the breakage involves frames that need to be culled anyway. I have an excellent Cowen Silver Queen for sale that I used for 3 seasons before I decided to get more automated. They sell for about 5,000 new I am asking 4,000 for mine.