Grafting tip

[jeff33]

I removed some excess comb with drone brood from a hive and thought I would use this as grafting practice as the larvae was the right size. I used a Chinese grafting tool but found the tip to be catching the bottom of the cell and not sliding under the larvae. I assume this is due to the wax being freshly done and cell too deep to angle the tool easily? If not, how do you go about avoiding this?

 

[Poly Hive]

Use a decent grafting tool. I've mislaid my good one so until it turns up I ordered today this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07NC3C363/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

PH

 

[Walrus]

I removed some excess comb with drone brood from a hive and thought I would use this as grafting practice as the larvae was the right size. I used a Chinese grafting tool but found the tip to be catching the bottom of the cell and not sliding under the larvae. I assume this is due to the wax being freshly done and cell too deep to angle the tool easily? If not, how do you go about avoiding this?

You can cut the comb down a bit so it's shallower which makes it easier to get at the larvae. I lift them out with a 000 paintbrush - you just have to find what you like

 

[Poly Hive]

Just so. I tried the oriental thingy and the paint brush and couldn't get on with either.

PH

 

[jeff33]

I have a paint brush, haven't tried it yet.

 

[protheroe]

Use a decent grafting tool. I've mislaid my good one so until it turns up I ordered today this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07NC3C363/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

PH

That's the tool I use.out of the many types I've tried this is my favourite

 

[Stiffy]

I bought these (flea bay no. 401749931658) and grafted first batch yesterday. Worked a treat.
S

 

[drex]

Jeff, you are right. The problem is the comb is too fresh and soft. I use Chinese grafting tool and put a frame of old dark comb into my chosen hive 4 days prior to grafting.

 

[SDM]

You can sort even the least flexible grafting tool reeds with a bit of 1200 wet n dry sandpaper