Once the frames were constructed and some closed frames put together, I could begin with the melting-in of the wax foundations for brood and honey. The first thing was to cut the corners of the sheets of foundation so that they would slide into the splits in the frames. Once that has been done, then there is this little homemade thing. I do not know what you would call it, but you shall see how it is to be used in the ensuing foto's. This device spreads the split so that I can pass the custom-cut wax foundation sheets into the split. I first fit the frames with the stainless steel wires onto the device. I fit the frame onto the board with one of the nails passing through the middle of the split. You can see that the toggle is parallel with the bottom of the fraame. This is how you begin. Then you just push the toggle clockwise 90°, and the split opens. Can you see that it is now wide enough to accomodate the foundation sheet? I carefully slide the sheet into the frame from the side. ...and right down to the widened split. ...then gently work it into the split and then I turn the toggle back and the split closes onto the wax sheet, holding it in place. Almost finished now. This then, is where the stainless steel wires that I strung come into play. ...and here is what I need to finish off the frame. I that the frame with wax and place it over that rectangular piece of plywood, so that it presses the wax against the wires from below. I then use the points of the wires coming from the little transformer, and the wires become hot and the wax melts-in. This procedure one has to be careful with and only allow the current to flow in short bursts, or the wires will cut through the wax like it was soft butter. That was how you do it. Here you can see some of the frames melted in and ready to go. I was a little more than half-way through the evenings' work at this point. I did the spring inspection yesterday and right away I had to use some of the frames that I made.
This is very interesting but sad to say some of the photos are missing . Incidentally did you get my PM?
Yes now I can see all the pictures ... lots of hardwork there. I like the simple rig that opened the the split and running electricity to heat up the wire to melt the wax, very clever. Wish I can keep bees in my place...BIG SIGH!!!
This is very clever and interesting Sjoerd. I like the split procedure, it's very logical! Thanks for sharing your tutorials with us.
Absolutely wonderful work I must say! Way better (and for sure longer lasting) then anything commercially built! A full 10 out of 10 for our Sjoerd!!!
S, You have learned a lot in the last year and are getting quite efficient at the construction of all the parts. Great job!
Hi Sjoerd,..great post,..and easy to follow instructions,..i just wish seeing this demo that i could keep bees.
Thank you, KK-- Ach mate, it was a bit of work, but perhaps not as much as it appeared. Once you have a system and are on a roll, it goes quickly. Pluuuus, my bride helps me, and that makes everything go quicker too. I am well pleased that she takes an interest in the bees and sometimes comes up with some capital ideas. Thank you FRANK-- for your complimentary comments. I appreciate them. Thanks S-H--I appreciate your very nice compliments. I believe that there was once such an impliment available comercially, but I find that this home-made model probably works just as well....and quite a bit less expensive, as it was made from scarps of wood. Thanks so much CAROLYN--I appreciate your words, but I also appreciate all the advice that you have given over the past few months. The learning continues. Thanks PHILIP-- I wish that you could too. The bees certainly need every assistance that they can get these days.
Glad that you liked this posting, Bunkie. I wonder if you have bees out at your place. BTW--how is the willow work coming along?
We haven't done any cutting/trimming...yet. The trees are starting to bud out, so, we may have to delay our plans. Just waiting for the ''boss' to make up his mind!
