honey extracting

[pattyc]

I have kept 3-4 hives for the past three years here in Montana. I have a Little Wonder power extractor and an electric knife (old) for uncapping. My problem is that even though I make sure the frames are warm before they go into the extractor, it takes forever for the honey to extract and even so they don't look clean. The extractor is turning at the desired RPMs. Could the knife be old and sloppy? Is there anything else I should be doing? If anyone can recommend a good description or how-to about honey extraction, I'd appreciate it!! Thanks very much!!!

[peggjam]

How long are you running them in the extractor? And what rpm are you running them at. This a radial or tangical extractor. My guess is your just not spinning them long enough. As long as your getting all the cappings off, the knife shouldn't be the problem, but a good excuse to buy a new one!!!!LOL.

[Velbert]

Hi patty

I find some time the honey is really thick and dont seem to come out very easy. It also may be that it is not turning fast enough to sling it out,also if your electric knife is real hot I have seen the comb melt and seal the cells over once you have un capped.Hope this may be of some help.

[peggjam]

"your electric knife is real hot I have seen the comb melt and seal the cells over once you have un capped."

Yup, seen this too, that could be part of the problem your having. If your knife has an adjustable themostat, try setting it down a bit.

[ June 29, 2006, 09:54 PM: Message edited by: peggjam ]

[power napper]

I believe that you have a tangical extractor. When spinning in tangical extractors there is a right and a wrong way to place the frames inside the extractor. smile.gif Place the frames so that the bottom of the frames are facing the same direction (both clockwise) and rotate your extractor in that same direction (clockwise) until clean. Hope this helps!

[tecumseh]

how long and by what method are you using to warm up the honey prior to extracting?

[pattyc]

Thanks to all who replied! The idea that the knife is too hot makes sense because the cells really do look sealed over. I think the extractor runs at about 350 RPM. This knife does have a set screw to adjust the themostat so I'll try that. I really do want to make sure all is well because for the first time ina few years, we do not have a drought and my bees are very healthy and doing great. We do warm up the frames by putting them under a heat lamp but I don't really know for how long. Any suggestions?Thanks again, very much !!! PattyC in MT.

[pattyc]

Also...tje info about the placement of the frames in the extractor makes sense.. I have not been doing this because I was not aware. This extractor is indeed tangical. Thanks!

[Velbert]

Patty is the honey seem to be real thick

most of our honey here usally runs about 17-18% moisture and if you have some with lower moisture say like 12-14% it is real thick and real hard to sling out of the comb

[ July 01, 2006, 11:21 AM: Message edited by: Velbert ]