Beekeeping

[Torvy]

I came here to ask about extracting, but the workbench aside is very timely. I just bought lumber yesterday. 3/4 MDF for the top, on a layer of 2x6 and 2x4. I don't do fancy woodworking, just a basic shop bench. 4x4 legs with some steel braces designed for that purpose. I am no expert, so any advice is welcome. Circular saw, jigsaw, reciprocating...no table saw or fancy planers, etc. I've got more time than money.

 

[Torvy]

So, my beekeeping question.

Wife has a frame or two she wants to extract (1st year). Only part of what they've made.

She was looking at an extractor. Any thoughts, recommendations, etc.?

Not just on what to get, but cleaning, upkeep, whatever you care to share.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

So, my beekeeping question.

Wife has a frame or two she wants to extract (1st year). Only part of what they've made.

She was looking at an extractor. Any thoughts, recommendations, etc.?

Not just on what to get, but cleaning, upkeep, whatever you care to share.

Many companies make manual extractors (spinners). We typically just pressure wash ours and dry with a clean towel. It should be stainless steel, so corrosion isnt an issue.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

As for bench building. A miter saw on a stand would be awesome for the dimensional lumber cuts. Circular will do it, just not as repeatable.
My MDF I cut to size with a circular saw and a long straight edge clamped to the surface. That is how I break down all of my plywood too. I wanted to make sure the top was square, because I use it to lay out sheet aluminum for rooftops

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Traps are done. Aluminum work went faster than expected. Three roofs wrapped in 45 minutes!

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Had a friend over today to play with the bees. Pulled about 60 pounds of honey and sold him some bee equipment! Here is a shot of the inside of a new trap, with foundation on the frames and the scent ampules installed near the opening.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Enclosed a couple hives today! 10 more to go

 

[BackRoad]

First, Mr. CloverKnoll, that looks like some thoughtful, and detailed construction taking place...retirement is great!

1. Enlighten us armchair beekeepers on the 60# of honey...Is that your harvest for the season?

2. Looks like IN is mostly Zone 5, similar to us in PA. We're seeing frost at night and 70 degree days. How do the bees act with that kind of temp swing in this mid-fall season?

3. Have you tucked in all your bees and hives for winter yet?

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Due to the drought and some new colonies struggling with that, I think we will harvest about 75-90 pounds. We had three late swarms and a split who will not be harvested from. I'll keep 10 pounds for us and sell the rest.

We have had a few frosts, but during the day it's so warm, the bees are quite active. Most colonies have already began to shrink and prepare for winter.

We will close them up for winter, by Halloween... Due to the early temps, I'm not in a hurry. I probably won't extract honey until about Halloween!

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Arguably all bee equipment is just a wooden box for an insect to live in. However I decided this week to make it my goal to build the best traps I've ever built. Planed the panels to smooth them and true them. If something is misaligned, I cut it and true it. This is the nicest trap I've ever built. Still needs the roof installed, but she sure is pretty. I'd love to wax dip or linseed oil this thing.