Screen on veils

[brooksbeefarm]

Is it just me or do some of you have trouble with you veil rusting out around the nose and mouth area? I have to buy a new zipper veil every year sometimes twice a year,my 84 year old bee buddy said he's had the same veil for at least 12yrs. (it's the tie around the waist type). Does any bee supply company make a stainless steel screen veil? Would appreciate any help, Thanks. Jack

[Cedar Hill]

Haven't needed to try it but you might check out the new plyscreen folding veil (Rossman's). Although in your situation, finding a more durable zipper veil to fit your suit would seem to indicate that you are locked in to the manufacturer of the bee suit. OMTCW

[beedeetee]

I have 4-5 different veils of various types. One that I got in 1986 and just replaced the elastic that holds it tight to a helmet. I have never seen any rusting or damage to the screen material.

I only drink high quality stuff though, no rotgut or white lightning.;)

[Beeslave]

Haven't needed to try it but you might check out the new plyscreen folding veil (Rossman's).

I got one of those plastic screen veils from dadant because I was sick of my metal screen rusting and breaking. I wore the plastic screened one for 15 min and had such a headache because the screen is bigger and the holes are smaller making it difficult to see through. Long story short, I've got a 20 dollar bill stashed behind my truck seat now just in case I am in need for another headache!

[reneal]

I solved the rust problem by replacing the metal mesh with a scrap piece of black fiberglass flyscreen. Been using it a three or four years now with no problem, but as a hobbyist, I don't spend near as much time in it as some.

[notaclue]

I have had the same veil (round tie down) that came with the starter kit a little over four years ago. I used it once a week for most of each year and, like beedeetee, not had any problems other than elastic replacement that fits on the hat. My kids and wife use it now with a tyvek paint suit in the cooler weather or if we are doing something quick and dirty. My other veil/helmet is older, from an older quitting beekeeper, I've had two years and the same.

[rmthurman]

modern science has come up with a material impervious to almost anything. it is used extensivly by the military, nasa, most major airlines, medical professionals, etc. it's fairly cheap and available at most hardware stores. my current bee veil consists mostly of this amazing product. what is it? duct tape my man, duct tape.:lpf:

[brooksbeefarm]

I solved the rust problem by replacing the metal mesh with a scrap piece of black fiberglass flyscreen. Been using it a three or four years now with no problem, but as a hobbyist, I don't spend near as much time in it as some.
Thanks reneal i'll try that. The first time i had one rust out i had 6 bees get inside my veil crawl across my eyelids,lips and ears and finally stung me behind the neck (all six of them in the same spot) couldn't figure out where they got in till i seen the hole in the screen.I've been spraying WD40 on the screen after each use, it help a little but still rusted out and i don't like smell of it while working bees. Jack

[magnet-man]

I solved the rust problem by replacing the metal mesh with a scrap piece of black fiberglass flyscreen. Been using it a three or four years now with no problem, but as a hobbyist, I don't spend near as much time in it as some.

I used the fiberglass screen in my suits until recently. The material is very transparent but it is not all that tough and holes can develop. I have repaired a number of veils because of this. I did find a knitted polyester material that is tough and is almost as easy to see through. Everything I have shipped since September 2nd uses the new material. Finding a good material for a veil is tough. Metal screening works fine for square veils with hats but not for English style hoods. One good thing about metal is you can spray paint the outside white and still see out.:thumbsup: