20 frame extractor plans

[kenboonejr]

Hello,
Has anyone tried making the 20 frame extractor that is posted in the beesource plans? I need to make an extractor but I really don't have any metal shop type skills so I thought I might give that one a try. I thought perhaps I could modify the size of the cage down to say 12 - 16 frames and cut down on the size of the basket in order to possibly fit it into a 55 gallon plastic drum. Does this sound feasible to you guys? Also, the author of those plans sold a bearings kit for the plans but the email on the author is no good anymore. Anyone know if he is still available and has these kits available?
Thanks in advance.
Ken

[gds]

not a 20 frame but looks easy.

http://www.beekeeping.com/articles/us/small_beekeeping/equipment_plans.htm

[Henry]

I made one from beesource plans. The four frame one.I use a cordless drill on low speed to spin the basket and it works pretty good.

[Lew Best]

Hey Ken

I'm sending Dave V's new email addy to you by pm.

Lew

[magnet-man]

Ken, did you build the extractor?

[kenboonejr]

Well I am almost done with it. I didn't exactly go with those plans. The only part of his plans I used was the part where you make the wheel that the frames sit on and the cage. I think I will have it finished this week. Here is what I have so far.

55 gallon plastic drum. I cut the wheel so it will only hold 10 small or medium supers. I used the same idea in those plans for the mesh cage. I used a stainless steel rod for the axle. Everything fits nicely so far. I bought this belt-disc sander from a tool show years ago. When I got home the base was busted up so I called them and they shipped me a new one. They let me keep the busted one so I kept it buried away for years. Turns out it has a 1/2 hp moter with a pulley on it. So that is really the last piece to work out. This week I am going to try and put a rheostat on it to give me some speed control and if all works I will be extracting honey next week.

[B&N Bees]

Hi Ken,

I am about 2/3's of the way done with the 20 frame extractor. Where you able to get your version finished? If so, how does it work?

Chris