Video posted on How to Use the Wax Tube Fastener

[tillie]

After all the difficulties I had with the wax tube fastener, I've made a rough video on how to use it.  If anyone would like to see it, here is the link:

http://beekeeperlinda.blogspot.com/2007/04/how-to-use-wax-tube-fastener_26.html

Maybe I'm the only confused person, but if you are also challenged by this tool, this video may help.

Linda T no longer confused by the $^* in Atlanta

[ZuniBee]

Great video! the wax tube fastener is nothing like I pictured. This video will help a lot of people understand the concept. Thanks for sharing!

[tillie]

Thanks, Zunibee, - I think of you as the video expert, so I'm complimented.  I felt awkward trying to keep my arm out of the camera eye, but it wasn't easy, as you can see!!!  It's so ridiculous that it doesn't come with instructions - it looks like something with a top on it - so I took the top off of my first one and broke it - or at least made it unusable until I reglue it.

Linda T in humid Atlanta

[reinbeau]

Linda, awesome video, I sent the link to my hubby.  We've got small cell but had no idea how to fasten it into the frames (it's falling out because the wood strip doesn't hold it).  Now we've got some clues! 

[Kirk-o]

Ok Linda what a fantastic video you are just a fantastic person and beekeeper
kirko

[tillie]

Reinbeau,

You don't have to have a wax tube fastener to wax the foundation in to the frame. 

Personally I like using the corner of the bread pan that I poured the remainder of the wax into at the end.  It acts like a spoon with a deep valley in the center and I can pour the wax more easily into the groove.  Although I probably waste wax when I use the bread pan because I use a little more than with the wax tube fastener, I do find it easier.....maybe I'll also make a video on alternative ways to wax the foundation into the frame!!!

Kirk-o,  Thanks for your always supportive compliments.

Linda T in Atlanta

[Michael Bush]

I like a lot of what you did.  I have never heard of anyone running the was in the groove and then adding the strip.  I do as you do and put it in and then run the bead.  But I tip the frame a little in the other direction and run all the wax at the same place and let the wax run all the way to the other end on it's own.

I like your pan for the jig to hold the frames at an angle.  I've seen pictures in the Walter T. Kelley catalog with a jig that spins around, if I remember right.

I like the chop sticks.

I use a can in an old saucepan as it takes less wax to fill it (it's taller and skinnier) but it also tips over more easily.

[tillie]

I'm honored that you went and looked at it! 

I tried the tin can which you told me about before, but had to put an empty Coke can in the pan with it to keep it from tipping over, so I didn't want to give Coke any free advertising so I didn't do that in the video!!

Thanks, Michael,

Linda T trying to be a good beekeeper in Atlanta

[Understudy]

Great video.
I am amazed how clean your kitchen stayed through the whole process. If I did that there would be wax to clean up for a week.

Maybe Dadant will give you a commision.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

[DayValleyDahlias]

Very interesting video, and helpful.  Since I am very new at this, why only have a small strip of foundation on some frames?  Why did one have more of the foundation, and are these avaiable with the foundation already in place??

Sorry for all the questions...

[Bee1]

Linda T -- cool video's and blog!  I'm inspired.    I enjoyed seeing & meeting your hives, your dog, and you. 

Thanks, Bee1

[randydrivesabus]

that was an excellent video. i think in the future i will wax the foundation or strips in rather than nail.
how long does it take for the wax to solidify? a few seconds?

[tillie]

The wax hardens really quickly - that's why I put the strips in the groove and then put in the wax bead.  I think the other way around, the wax would harden too fast for the strip to make use of it.  I do leave them top side down (as they are in the pan) for a while to cool - especially the ones with full sized foundation because the weight of the foundation can pull the new wax out of the groove. 

Usually I wax the strips and leave them until the next day when I turn everything right side up and put the frames in the box and put the box on the hive.

Linda T in Atlanta -

[tillie]

DayValleyDahlias,

Let's see.  There are all kinds of ways to do foundation.  I am using starter strips this year for several reasons:

1.  I'm trying to regress my bees to natural cell size and by using a strip of small cell foundation, hopefully they will build the rest of the comb to suit their own size needs rather than a size I presume they need and that I provide.

2.  Small cell is expensive and it's easy to cut with a quilter's rotary cutter and I save money by making one piece of foundation purchased fill 8 boxes or so

3.  Waxed foundation that one purchases is inevitably made with wax from chemically treated hives and by minimizing that I hope my bees are healthier.

The reason I put about 2 almost fully filled foundations in each super is that I had the bad experience of fitting one hive with a super with only starter strips in the frames and the bees got really creative on me and in my mind made a mess (for me) Obviously it would have been fine for them.  With a couple of drawn out frames or a couple fully filled with foundation, the bees have a guide to draw the comb straight, like I want them to for management of the boxes.

Hope that addresses your questions,

Linda T in Atlanta

[DayValleyDahlias]

Yes, Linda that was very helpful.  I will take heed to your lead...

Sharon

[UtahBees]

Awesome video! Thanks for the clear instructions.

I've never seen starter strips before. I'll have to look those up, but I guess you just cut your own! Great idea!

[tillie]

I buy foundation and cut it into 3/4 inch strips with a rotary cutter on a quilting cutting board - I'm sure others use scissors.

Linda T

[Jerrymac]

Pizza cutter here.

[randydrivesabus]

I was inspired by your video Linda to try the melting wax installing starter strips thing. I don't have the applicator but for some reason we have all these syringes that seem suitable. it worked really well after i developed a routine. thanks!

[Mici]

nice video, very educational-for those who are in doubts and need a guide!
cutting starter strips--oh com' on, it's not that big of a deal, i just use my hive tool-an all-purpose-beekeeping-knife .