Wiktor Wise
If you're a beekeeper, you'll know that a honey extractor is one of the last pieces of equipment you'll need to buy. However, if you're looking to save money, you can build your own electric honey extractor from simple, inexpensive materials. The process is not too cumbersome, and the supplies are easy to find at your local hardware store. The cost of the parts is about $70, and you can use a variety of materials, such as a metal paint-stirring device, wire mesh, zip strips, and a food-safe garbage can. You can also use an antique washing machine hull to give your extractor a unique look. The most important thing to remember is to ensure your extractor meets food-grade requirements and that you wear safety gear during the building process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of materials | $28-$70 |
| Time to build | 1 day |
| Tools required | Electric drill, wire mesh, zip strips, metal paint-stirring device, oven racks, bucket, colander |
| Food safety | Use food-grade materials, e.g. stainless bolts, food-grade paint, food-grade bearing grease |
| Safety | Wear safety glasses and other protective gear |
| Function | Spin the frames of honey, flinging the honey out while leaving the wax intact |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a drum
Size and Capacity:
Select a drum that is appropriately sized for your honey extraction needs. Consider the volume of honey you typically harvest and choose a drum with sufficient capacity. A 20-gallon drum, as suggested by some beekeepers, offers a generous capacity and allows for efficient honey extraction.
Material:
The material of the drum is important to ensure the safety and quality of the honey. Choose a food-grade stainless steel or plastic drum to prevent contamination. Stainless steel drums are durable and easy to clean, while plastic drums can be a more cost-effective option. Ensure that any non-food-grade materials that come into contact with honey are coated with food-grade paint or replaced with food-grade alternatives.
Sturdiness and Stability:
Opt for a sturdy and stable drum to withstand the weight of the honey and the extraction process. A durable drum will also ensure that it can be securely fastened to a heavy-duty stand or base, preventing it from moving or tipping over during operation.
Accessibility and Ease of Use:
Consider a drum with a wide opening or a removable lid to facilitate easy access for loading and unloading honeycombs. Additionally, look for features such as a valve or spout at the bottom of the drum to allow for controlled honey extraction and minimize mess.
Cost and Availability:
Take into account the cost and availability of the drum. While food-grade drums may be more expensive, they are crucial for food safety. Shop around for the best deals, and consider using second-hand or repurposed drums, such as those from old washing machines, to reduce costs.
In summary, when choosing a drum for your electric honey extractor, prioritize food safety, durability, and functionality. Select a drum that is made of food-grade materials, has sufficient capacity for your honey harvest, and is stable and easy to work with. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the right drum for your honey extraction needs.
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Building a rotor
Firstly, gather the necessary materials and tools. The rotor consists of two plates, a threaded rod, bolts, lock washers, and fender washers. You will also need a bucket that is large enough to fit the rotor and frames, as well as any power tools required for assembly.
Next, cut the plates to the appropriate size, ensuring that the spacing between them is slightly longer than the length of the frame minus any tabs. This will allow the frames to fit securely in the rotor. Drill holes in the plates to accommodate the threaded rod and bolts, following the order specified: bolt, lock washer, fender washer, plate, fender washer, lock washer, and bolt.
When assembling the rotor, it is crucial to maintain a secure and stable structure. Tighten the bolts securely, ensuring that the plates are firmly held in place on the threaded rod. Test the stability by gently trying to move the plates back and forth; they should not wobble or shift.
Once the rotor is assembled, it's important to consider food safety, especially since honey is a food product. Ensure that all parts of the rotor that will come into contact with honey are made of food-grade materials or are coated with food-grade paint. This includes the plates, threaded rod, and any washers or bolts.
Finally, attach the rotor to your chosen power source, such as a drill, ensuring that it can spin freely and securely. Test the rotor by spinning it slowly at first, then increasing the speed gradually. Ensure that the assembly remains balanced and stable during operation.
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Preparing the comb
Firstly, it is important to wear protective gear when handling the honey frames. The boxes can be heavy, so remove the frames from the hives one at a time. Gently brush the bees off the comb and place them in a safe area, such as a cart or table. If the honey is too thick, you may need to use a space heater to warm it up and make it more fluid.
The next step is uncapping the honey cells. You can use a simple tool like a comb or a heated uncapping knife to remove the wax cappings. Be careful not to damage the comb during this process. Once the cells are uncapped, you can start the extraction process.
For manual extraction, place the uncapped frames into the extractor, ensuring they are secure and balanced. Start spinning the handle at a steady pace, being careful not to go too fast, as it may cause the comb to blow out. Spin for a couple of minutes and then stop to flip the frames. Repeat the process for the other side of the frame.
If using an electric extractor, place the uncapped frames inside and close the lid. Turn on the machine and let it run for a short time before stopping to flip the frames. This ensures honey is extracted from both sides of the comb.
During the extraction process, be mindful of the honey's appearance. As you fill the jars, stop bottling when you notice beeswax or foamy residue on top of the honey. This residue will affect the quality and appearance of the honey. Move the remaining honey to a smaller settling tank or a narrow-diameter vessel and leave it to settle for a few days. Finally, skim off the foam and beeswax to ensure pure honey.
After extraction, the frames and wax can be cleaned. Put the frames back into the hives, allowing the bees to clean up any remaining honey. For wax cleaning, slowly heat the wax in a pot until it melts and floats to the top. Be careful not to heat above 185 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid discolouration. Once cooled, remove the wax, and it can be remelted and filtered for further use.
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Spinning the honey
The rotor should hold two to four frames of honey and spin inside a food-safe garbage can. The spacing between the plates is just longer than the length of the frame minus the tabs. You can place the frames in a line, one on each side of the threaded rod, or fit three frames in a triangle formation.
To spin the honey, you can turn the rotor by hand, sliding your hands past one another with the threaded rod between them. You can also use a drill to spin the rotor at a low speed for 1-2 minutes. Flip the frame and repeat the process.
It is important to ensure that your extractor meets food-grade requirements and that all parts that come into contact with honey are made of food-grade materials, such as stainless bolts or food-grade paint.
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Filtering and bottling
After filtering, the honey is ready for bottling. A plastic bucket with a honey gate that uses gravity to fill honey containers is a good option for beginners. For larger operations, a heated bottling tank and an automatic filler can save time and effort. Bottling your own honey is one of the best rewards of beekeeping, as it can be eaten, gifted, or sold.
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Frequently asked questions
You can source simple materials from your local hardware store, such as a metal paint-stirring device, wire mesh, zip strips, a 20-gallon garbage can, a motor, and a heavy-duty stand.
An electric honey extractor separates honey from the comb. It spins the frames of honey, flinging the honey out while leaving the wax intact.
The cost of building an electric honey extractor can vary, but it is generally inexpensive. The cost of parts can range from USD 28 to around USD 70.
It is important to ensure your extractor meets food-grade requirements. Use food-grade stainless bolts or coat parts in food-grade paint. Always wear safety gear, especially safety glasses, to protect yourself from contaminants and spinning drills.
First, choose a drum, such as a garbage can, and cut a hole in the bottom for honey to run out freely. Then, assemble the motor, gears, and pulley-and-belt arrangement. Finally, build a stand and firmly fasten the extractor to it to prevent it from moving during operation.
