Extractor Modifications

[Hill's Hivery]

I have an old 2 frame tangial extractor and was wondering if I can modify it, or buy a new basket to make it a radial? Has anyone tried this and if you have, WHERE DID YOU GET THE PARTS?

I see that Kelley's has replacement baskets to convert their 2 framers to radial, but I don't know if it would work in my extractor.

Also, Where does one purchase a motor and controller inexpensively for their extractor. Mine is hand crank, but I think it would be easy to modify it to a motorized one. I have enough spare parts for stuff that I can rig up a pulley system to run off the right motor.

Thank you in advance for the info! :-)

[kc in wv]

The Dadant Little Wonder and Ranger extractors have the same size tub. They sell a conversion kit to convert the Little Wonder to a 6 frame radial. I made the conversion last fall for around $140.00.

If you can't find the brand name, check the diamater of the tub and see who sells one the same size.

I figure that now I can extract 18 frames of honey in the same time it took to do 4 before.

[Ben Brewcat]

Hey Hills, do you have a link to that basket conversion at Kelly's? Can't find my paper catalog...

[drobbins]

here's Kelly's conversion

http://go.netgrab.com/secure/kelleystore/asp/product.asp?product=130

I just installed one
I put it in a Kelly 2 framer that it was supposed to fit in so it was easy
don't know about putting it in a different can

Dave

[Ben Brewcat]

Hunh! 9 frames where two fit before... have to go measure the old sticky-slinger (and see if SWMBO has some $$ laying around :D). Thanks!

[tecumseh]

hills hivery first ask:
I have an old 2 frame tangial extractor and was wondering if I can modify it, or buy a new basket to make it a radial? Has anyone tried this and if you have, WHERE DID YOU GET THE PARTS?

tecumseh responds:
I had a SS reel made up at a local metal fabrication shop and converted my four frame tangential to a ten frame radial. I think maybe??? the old tub was a little wonder (no ID tag or label) but I knew the kelley reel listed in their catalog would not work (wrong diameter).

then hills hivery adds:
Also, Where does one purchase a motor and controller inexpensively for their extractor.

tecumseh replies:
mine is powered by an old variable speed geared drill motor (max 600 rpm) directly chucked to the shaft (you need the top of the shaft turned down to 1/2 inch diameter) and wired to a variable voltage unit (in essence a large heavy duty rheostat that use to be fairly common in electronic and physic labs).