Quick crush and strain question...

[wharfrat]

I think I may finally harvest just a couple of frames from my single hive in the coming weeks.

My question is on the efficiency of utilizing a spatula to remove the comb from wax foundation prior to the crushing process...
Would it perhaps be as good or better to cut through the foundation and remove everything prior to crushing?(instead of using a spatula)
That way, I would have a couple of frames with foundation strip starter, and I could see how my bees embrace foundationless work....

Also, what reccomendation do you guys have for straining such a small quantity?

Thanks in advance.

[tillie]

I always cut the comb out of the frame to crush and strain it.  With wax foundation, the comb incorporates the wax in the center of the comb.  It only takes a second to cut it out and then crushing it is really easy.  Put the frames back into the hive for the bees to clean up.  At some times of year (probably not now) they will also immediately draw new wax.

I've got a video on how to crush and strain on my blog.

If you are only doing a couple of frames, you can either strain through a fine mesh strainer into a bucket and then bottle it or do a bottle to bottle method - only works dependably if you use a tea strainer between the two bottles.  Here's a post on that as well.


Linda T in Atlanta

[Michael Bush]

The only people I know of using a spatula to remove the comb from the mid rib have plastic foundation.  Otherwise you cut out the whole comb, as Linda says.

[mathispollenators]

strain it through panity hose depending on the type foundation that spatula maybe a good idea letting you save it instead of buying more foundation.  Like posted if it gave me headaches just cut it all out

[wharfrat]

Thanks!

[SlickMick]

When I cut the comb out of the frames, I hold the knife at an angle when I cut against the top of the frame and cut from both sides. This leaves a small strip of beveled comb at the top of the frame that gives the bees a guide to start their new comb on.

I use a nylon mesh that fits over a bucket for my strain. I crush and  leave settle overnight with the container on an angle and most of the resulting honey is comb free in the morning

Mick