oxalic vaporizor

[rickh]

I just made one out of pipe with a stainless plug. I am going to treat 1 hive with 3 deeps and 1 shallow super (I combined 2 hives). My question is how much acid do I put in the plug to be heated with the torch. And do I just do it 1 time?

[Sundance]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/orioleln/Oxalic_Acid.htm

[rickh]

That site does not really answer my question.Was hoping someone with experience with homemade version could answer

[Sundance]

You asked for dosing.......... there is a pretty darn
good chart with important dose info. Regardless
of the method of sublimation.

[rickh]

Not sure how to measure in grams

[tecumseh]

you need a fairly accurate scale which you can (after measuring one sample) convert into a volume if you are doing multiple treatments. I use a very small measuring spoon for the latter part of this process.

[mikesfarm]

I also made one, but have not used it yet. When I researched and asked the same question I was told that a 1/2 inch copper pipe cap full was about the correct amount.
Regards
Mike

[rickh]

Thanks to all that replied I appreciate all the help. I will do this tomarrow morning with gloves and respirator. I will use a little over 1/4th of a teaspoon for 3 deeps and a shallow super. I could not do it today, the girls were ticked off when I removed the top feeder, they werent taking much anyway. one of them nailed me in the hind end!

[Ishi]

I was told that a 1/2 inch copper pipe cap full was about the correct amount.

That is what came with mine they put a handle on it.

[danno]

Try calling your local waste water treatment plant and ask if they would be willing to weigh it for you. You could take the copper pipe cap and a teaspoon with you and measure then pour it out on to there scale.

[RAST]

An unworn penny minted after 1982 is 2.5 grams. Using a gram balance beam scale I have, just over 1/2 tsp = the penny. This was DAP wood bleach. A real pain to measure due to the sesitivity of the scale. 2 grams is recomended for 2 deeps. With that many hive body's, I think I would use a little more than a 1/4 tsp.
Incidently, mine is all copper 1/2". Using MAPP gas and a swirl head torch. Bench tests show it starting to gas in 15 seconds and complete at 1 min. 10 secs. using appx. 2 grams.

[bobbb]

I have had good succes with the vaporizer method. It seems to be gentle on bees. THis year mites got away on me so had to start treating early. This week was rhe 5th time I treated. Mites are pretty well had it now. Far as amount of oxalic acid i use it really depends on how tiight hive and how tall. The three shallow boxes get 2 vaporizers at same time. I always fill the tray on the vaporizers. Has anyone had some bad effects with large amounts of oxalic use on hives over time.

[clyderoad]

I'm preparing to treat with OA later this month. I have used my homemade stainless steel 3/8" pipe vaporizer but it takes a while to heat up to vaporization temperature.
I figure it will take even longer with the lower temps in January.
Does anyone know if black iron pipe (gas line pipe) will react with OA in an adverse way. I want to try using 1/4" black iron as it's cheaper and readily available. Probably heat up to temp. faster as well.
Any help appreciated.