extractor destroyed foundation

[Buzzo]

Hi,
Used the extractor-sort of successfully- but on all the supers the wired foundation bowed and split during extraction -is this expected?

is it straightforward to replace with foundation ? on most of them the wire appears to be in place.

Thanks

B.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Hi,
Used the extractor-sort of successfully- but on all the supers the wired foundation bowed and split during extraction -is this expected?

is it straightforward to replace with foundation ? on most of them the wire appears to be in place.

Thanks

B.

Not normal
You spun too fast
You'll just have to disassemble the frame, take the wires out and re wax
Next time go slower

 

[Beefriendly]

You using a radial or tangential extractor?
Tangential can do that if you Don't turn the frames over.

 

[pargyle]

Start very slowly and build speed up, if tangential do one side gently, turn the frames over, do the other side gently at first then increase the speed - don't go mad, it's more about time spinning than the speed of the spinning. Turn the frames over do the other side at a faster spin.

If it is fresh comb .. go even more gently.

You can cut out what is left of the foundation and replace with fresh wired foundation after removing one of the bottom bars and the wedge at the top. .. or you could just leave what's left and let the bees resbuild it next season .. I run my colonies foundationless and they will fill out a super without any foundation in no time at all when they need it.