In this episode, Kim and Jim discuss the process of processing and melting beeswax cappings for candles or selling as pure blocks. They recommend using a Kelly wax melter, which is an economical and easy way to melt wax in 30-90 minutes. The wax melter includes an attached valve for easy removal of wax and is recommended for small-scale beekeepers.
To manage wax cappings, cut and collect the wax using a scrape and drain method. A wax melter is an economical and easy way to melt wax in 30-90 minutes, with an attached valve for easy removal. Strainer cloth (Polyester Strainer Cloth) or another semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi-semi.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Wax Melter? | The melter is also an uncapper and the bucket separates the wax from the honey. Heating to less than 150 F. for a minute or less isn’t going to affect the … | beekeepingforums.com |
| cappings melter | I have been given a cappings melter made by Kelly’s. I am not familiar with its usage. Does anyone use one of these? Could you give me some advice on how to use … | beemaster.com |
📹 Logar Insulated Cappings And wax Melter Clarifier Review. Filtering and cleaning Beeswax fast!
In this video I test and review the Logar Cappings and Wax Melter Clarifier. Here at Gwenyn Gruffydd we melt and render a lot of …
Why Is My Capping Wax Bright Yellow?
When melting wax cappings in the oven on low heat for extended periods, the resulting wax appeared bright yellow, clean, and aromatic. This prompted an inquiry into the reason for the yellow hue, leading to the discovery that overheating wax causes discoloration. Candle wax can turn yellow due to sunlight exposure, high heat during the melting process, or high vanillin and citrus content. Now, I melt cappings using gentle heat methods over many hours, producing beautiful yellow/orange wax.
Regarding sales, when I incorporate capping wax, I obtain lighter yellows; mixing dark comb with capping yields darker shades. Pure wax ideally appears white, but its color varies with the bees' nectar sources. During a recent inspection of my hives, I observed bright yellow capping wax alongside white and brownish cappings—where white signifies honey. Initially white when secreted, beeswax adopts orange and yellow tones as bees walk over comb filled with nectar and pollen.
In a previous harvest, the wax was strikingly bright yellow, potentially influenced by weather conditions impacting nectar availability. Discoloration in candles can occur through light exposure, fragrance additives, and overheating, leading to fading akin to sun-bleached fabrics.
The bright yellow is also linked to the bees' diet; dark nectar sources, such as redbud and goldenrod, produce yellow wax. Additionally, the wax's yellow tint may stem from larval feces in older brood combs. Overheating not only alters color but also diminishes wax aroma. Proper filtering is crucial, as incomplete processing can lead to multi-colored wax due to residual debris. Ultimately, beeswax is celebrated for its light, pollen-like scent and vibrant yellow shade, particularly from cappings.
How Do I Know If My Honey Is Uncapping?
The process of uncapping honey frames during processing is crucial for beekeepers. Brace comb collected in the apiary is typically clean and light-colored, while wax from brood frames may appear darker and more contaminated. Uncapped honey, which has a moisture content too high for capping, indicates the bees have left cells open to prevent fermentation. The bees only cap honey once moisture levels drop below 18%, making it suitable for long-term storage. Though uncapped honey can be harvested, it may ferment if moisture levels remain high.
Beekeepers often encounter frames with many open cells due to insufficient drying. New beekeepers can benefit from guidance on uncapping and extracting honey, including necessary tools and techniques. A crucial aspect of this process is determining when honey is ready for harvest, often conveyed through the moisture content and general appearance of the frames. Techniques such as holding frames upright to observe honey droplets help assess ripeness. If honey visibly flows or if nectar spills from the cells, the moisture content is likely too high.
To successfully extract honey, one must uncap the frames using a heated knife, ensuring an efficient flow of honey. After uncapping, shaking frames can further determine the readiness of honey. If frames are mostly capped, they are ready for extraction. Drying uncapped honey can be simplified by ensuring proper airflow beneath stacked supers, allowing excess moisture to escape. This comprehensive approach ensures that efforts culminate in quality honey harvest.
How Do You Filter Beeswax?
Filtering beeswax varies with its age and source. For capping wax with honey, you can gently melt it in water, enabling the wax to float and cool separately from the honey. Eco-friendly coffee filters are effective for this process. Essential tools include clean glass jars, coffee filters, clothespins or rubber bands, and melted beeswax. Beekeepers render beeswax from honeycomb and brood frames, involving melting and filtering impurities to achieve cleaned wax, often using double boilers or solar melters.
Common filtering techniques include cheesecloth or muslin filtering, hot water bath filtering, and gravity filtering. While beeswax can dissolve in Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) for easier filtering, it's crucial to use safe methods, avoiding open flames due to fire hazards. A water bath is recommended; you can melt beeswax in a crockpot, then strain it through a mesh. Breaking wax into small blocks and using a large pan also facilitates sedimentary filtering.
This overview on filtering methods ensures purity, free from bee parts or debris, making the wax suitable for various DIY projects while discussing the simple techniques for processing unfiltered beeswax effectively.
Do Bees Lick Cappings?
I prefer having bees lick wet cappings, though I don't always manage that. Currently, I melt cappings in either the oven or a double boiler at low temperatures for extended periods, resulting in beautiful yellow-orange wax. When selling, one could remove cappings, allow the bees to lick a box overnight, then spray water to dilute crystals in the cells, making them clean. It's essential for bees to have free combs for honey storage. After extracting honey, it's often too late for me to return the drained cappings to the bees, so I store them sealed over winter.
The next year, these cappings are reused. Understanding capped honey in a hive and the relationship between wet and dry cappings is vital, along with recognizing the genetic factors in bees. Overheating wax can ruin its color and scent, so I prefer a slow melting process in an enclosed oven for safety. Capping wax, a thin layer of beeswax over honey, can create air pockets leading to dry cappings. Kim and Jim discuss how hobbyists can process these cappings into candles or blocks of beeswax for sale.
Bees do not reuse cappings, though they can cap cells that aren’t completely filled. They create new comb from flakes of wax from their glands. I’ve observed bees working, although I haven’t seen all their behaviors. Cappings are crucial for containing honey in Flow frames, directing flow into collection channels. With proper handling, even after a few bees may be lost, the leftovers can be repurposed. Some bee types primarily cap dry honey, while others cap wet. Returning cappings to hives can allow bees to clean them thoroughly for future use.
Can You Overheat Cappings Wax?
Overheating cappings wax adversely affects its color and aroma. It's recommended to use a slow melt oven process for safety, as it provides a controlled environment for melting wax. When melting wax, it's crucial to monitor the temperature, keeping it low to avoid combustion, as wax is highly flammable. Bring the water to a simmer, avoiding boiling, and stir frequently; never leave it unattended during melting. Prior to pouring melted beeswax into molds, allow it to cool, which may take overnight depending on the container's size.
Avoiding overheating is key, as excessive heat darkens the wax and diminishes its pleasant scent. Darkening can also occur from prolonged heating. Certain metals like copper, zinc, brass, or iron should be avoided, as they can darken beeswax. When processing wax, opt for a gentle method, such as using a solar melter, to prevent damaging its properties.
Be mindful of container weight when using water and wax, as a heavy pot can be difficult to manage. If beeswax reaches temperatures over 185°F (85°C), it can irreversibly change to a tan color. Never allow it to boil, as this could create additional issues, including decayed brood in the cappings.
For processing, utilize heat-resistant containers and avoid overheating beeswax to ensure a quality product. You can extract wax by heating soft water along with combs and cappings. Therefore, maintaining a consistent, low temperature is vital to preserving the quality of the beeswax while effectively separating impurities.
How Do You Melt Cappings?
To melt beeswax cappings, avoid open flames; opt for low temperatures over many hours. Methods include using an oven, a double boiler, or a ceramic crock pot. Cappings, which are the wax covers removed from honeycomb, should first have excess honey drained. This honey can be used in baking or mead-making. After draining, rinse the cappings in a bucket of water to remove any remaining honey, dry them, and then store in sealed bags or buckets.
For melting, consider the immersion method: place cleaned cappings in a secure muslin bag, immerse in soft water, then heat until the wax melts and floats. You can gently prod the bag to aid wax release, removing the bag once melted or allowing it to cool at the bottom. The scrape and drain method is another common approach where beekeepers use a hot knife to remove cappings, which are then processed similarly.
A dedicated wax melting pot is recommended. Alternatively, using a crock pot filled to the top with water and adding frozen cappings can also work for slow melting. Using sunlight is another simple way; the heat causes the wax to drip into a lower container filled with water, where it solidifies at night. This versatile beeswax can be used for various applications, including making hand and body lotions.
📹 a Canadian Beekeeper’s Blog – A Simple Wax Melter
This video shows a beekeeper’s simple wax melter setup. They use a water-jacketed sump with a heater to melt wax cappings, separating the honey from the wax. The process involves multiple stages, including straining and re-melting, to produce pure wax blocks.
All the different wax melters NEED a window – why they have not incorporated into their designs baffles me – after all they can send technology and men into the vast regions of the universe – anyone responding with the set wax would make it a moot point need only to remember that wax will melt in the next wax melt chore – sort of self-correcting or self-cleaning