Cheap, homemade foundation?

[aberreef]

I've just melted a good few lbs of wax from my dead TBH and was wondering if anyone knows of a cheap way to make foundation ie without having to pay almost £350 for a press?

I'm a bit bored atm so thinking if I could make a press by making a cast of a sheet of foundation with something like plaster os paris then coat this with epoxy to give a smooth finish?

Some of you industrious beeks must have had a go at something similar in the past. Please share

 

[drstitson]

wander over to the BBKA convention and exchange it.

 

[aberreef]

Thats just too easy

 

[Anduril]

Try this link http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2006/february/beeswaxmould.htm

 

[Russel]

I've just melted a good few lbs of wax from my dead TBH and was wondering if anyone knows of a cheap way to make foundation ie without having to pay almost £350 for a press?

I'm a bit bored atm so thinking if I could make a press by making a cast of a sheet of foundation with something like plaster os paris then coat this with epoxy to give a smooth finish?

Some of you industrious beeks must have had a go at something similar in the past. Please share

Wasn't HP doing something along these lines.
Need a mangle too.

If you're really that bored and fancy trying it, I have some moulds that you can borrow but have to dig out of shed.

Russ

 

[aberreef]

Try this link http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2006/february/beeswaxmould.htm

Cracking link, just the idea I was looking for

Wasn't HP doing something along these lines.
Need a mangle too.

If you're really that bored and fancy trying it, I have some moulds that you can borrow but have to dig out of shed.

Russ

Thanks for the offer, much appreciated

 

[For want of a better word]

There is a foundation press on flebye at the moment... Launceston?

 

[aberreef]

There is a foundation press on flebye at the moment... Launceston?

Savedto my watch list

 

[andytaylor]

hi
this is my first post on the forum and this is someting i,m in the process of building at the moment , i bought some plastic brood foundation , to use as the mold negative , then cast front and back of the plastic foundation in rtv silicone , follow the instructions on the science in africa website , just remember to use food grade sillicone for the mold .

 

[Midland Beek]

Constructive Beekeeping by Norman Chapman shows you how to do it.

 

[Madge]

Beecraft booklet: Foundation press and wiring board.

 

[Tom Bick]

I've just melted a good few lbs of wax from my dead TBH and was wondering if anyone knows of a cheap way to make foundation ie without having to pay almost £350 for a press?

I'm a bit bored atm so thinking if I could make a press by making a cast of a sheet of foundation with something like plaster os paris then coat this with epoxy to give a smooth finish?

Some of you industrious beeks must have had a go at something similar in the past. Please share

The cheapest way is not to use foundation.

If the foundation is for your National hives then simply wire the frames and give them a central starter strip of sorts and the bees will do the rest just like your TBH.

You can then if you are happy with that take it a step further and save more money within the National set up and look to make a simplified frame.

 

[REDWOOD]

Dave Cushman has an web page on it