# of frames needed to make extractor use worthwhile?

Why the rush to extract honey? We're not even talking a full box... are you that starved for space/spare honey supers? Move the 5 capped frames towards the outside of the honey super and move the unfinished frames to the middle to get them drawn out.

You *might* make a bit more honey by extracting those frames right away and letting them refill (instead of waiting for them to draw new comb and miss a strong honey flow). But is it worth the hassle of cleaning the extractor?

not sure, this hive swarmed 3 times this spring so I was thinking that they might not fill the rest of the frames and selfishly I want something out of all the work put into these bees!

Most bee clubs rent them out. I think one of my clubs charge $25 and you must return it clean. This way you can decide if it is worth the investment

gman: You still have a few weeks of decent flow I would think close to 3 surely the bees will fill the remaining 5 frames by them. If you just want to get the honey go for it. I don't think I loose any more honey to the extractor than by crush and strain.

The bad part of using an extractor for five frames of honey is the cleanup and prep of the extractor. If you have a small extractor like I've seen in some of the catalogs it probably isn't too bad, but you are going to have to do something to keep it balanced when you get to the last frame since it wouldn't have a counter balanced frame.

extractor vs. crush and strain? That's not a hard question at all. Find one to rent or use. That drawn comb is nearly priceless if you need it, because NO ONE will sell you any or theirs unless they just want to get out of the business.

Yes, the extractor is a pain, but it's less of a pain than not having drawn comb when you need it.

If you want to start maximizing your honey production, you'll need that drawn comb.

I'd probably put it in a nuc box, wrap in a heavy duty garbage bag, and freeze until you have more. I agree the set up and clean up is best done for larger amounts, unless you can access a small 2 or 4 frame unit. And enjoy the one you strained -- I would have kept a section or two of comb honey if it was suitable--looks lovely on the table.

shannonswyatt said:

If you have a small extractor like I've seen in some of the catalogs it probably isn't too bad, but you are going to have to do something to keep it balanced when you get to the last frame since it wouldn't have a counter balanced frame.

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No problem. When you need to extract 5 frames and only have a four frame extractor, extract the 4, take 1 out leaving the remaining 3. Not perfect, but not bad either.