Extractors

[HelenBee]

I have a 2nd hand metal extractor which is a bit rusty inside. I have scrubbed it out with eco washing up liquid and a scrubbing pad. Looks and smells clean, but, is there a 'no taint' coating I could put on the inside? I was thinking to smear it with melted bees wax, in order to prevent any rust tainting the honey.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Not really.
Extractors for honey have to be either food grade plastic or stainless steel.....especially if you are selling/giving honey to other people.

 

[pargyle]

If it's just honey for your consumption I wouldn't worry too much - it was probably galvanised originally but the amount of Zinc that would dissolve in a honey extraction is so infinitessimal it's not going to harm you. If you are selling it then you will fall foul of the current hygiene regs as Erica says.

If you are a bit handy and the mechanism is still good then you might be able to replace the drum with either food grade plastic or stainless steel and keep the mechanism - which would save the cost of a new extractor.

 

[Sean.]

One option to look at would be food grade enamel paint. But the metal would need to be cleaned to a much higher level, to remove possible bits of metal or other contaminates. This would could be with a power hose, or sand blasting kit to get a very smooth finish.

 

[biglongdarren]

One option to look at would be food grade enamel paint. But the metal would need to be cleaned to a much higher level, to remove possible bits of metal or other contaminates. This would could be with a power hose, or sand blasting kit to get a very smooth finish.

just what i was about to suggest.

Darren

 

[Dishmop]

Powder coating.

 

[YorkshireBees]

I have a 2nd hand metal extractor which is a bit rusty inside. I have scrubbed it out with eco washing up liquid and a scrubbing pad. Looks and smells clean, but, is there a 'no taint' coating I could put on the inside? I was thinking to smear it with melted bees wax, in order to prevent any rust tainting the honey.

Personally with 4 hives (the OP's profile) I would invest in new. If you think you may expand at all or just get a decent crop from 4 then the money spent on a new extractor will be worth it!