20 Frame Extractor by Plans on BeeSource Question

[Scott Griffith]

Has anyone built and used this extractor? There are some questions that the plans don't address.
1) how is the basket turned?
2) how many revolutions per minute is used for extractors?
3) Any one used some type of pvc container or galvanized steel trash can?
4) Would a galvanized trash can be safe for honey?
5) Where do you get food grade poly to coat the inside of the wooden box?

Thanks ahead of time.

[The Honey House]

1) The basket is turned by the axle that sticks out the top of the box. The plans do not detail any drive/pulley arrangement.

2) I used a Zero-max drive unit which produced 400 RPM from a general purpose 1725 motor.
(http://www.zero-max.com/)

3+4) Safe while extracting but I would not let honey sit in a galvanized container.

5) Food grade poly is available at Lowes, Home Depot etc. Any water based poly will be fine after
it has dried completely.

[Scott Griffith]

Thanks for the reply - where can you get the bearings and anything else pre-made that you used to sell in you kit? I'm going to try to build this thing over the next couple of weeks. I really appricate the plans - they look really good. I only have 4 stands, but getting the honey is already such a big job that I've got to do something.