Rendering lots of comb

[Stedic]

As I’m switching from 14x12s to nationals I find I’ve got a steady supply of old brood combs to deal with. I plan to melt them down and use the wax as I get a could profit on it.

But...

It isn’t yet solar extractor weather and I have too much for my slow cooker method.

Is there a relatively cheap way for rendering down quite a lot? Ideally without attracting a cloud of bees to the garden!

 

[enrico]

Steam box in a sealed room is about the only way. You can get a lot done in a solar box in this weather though.
E

 

[markjadams]

I use a wall paper steamer set in an old crown board or roof over a brood box of frames. put a sheet of mesh on an old solid floor to filter the wax at the bottom.

Lots of youtube videos of this method if you dont understand my instructions.

 

[Stedic]

I was really surprised I didn’t get more through the solar yesterday. Perhaps didn’t keep it lined up with the sun well dnough. I’ll give it another run through today. Would certainly make life easier!

 

[Popparand]

But how do you separate wax from propolis? I melted down a batch and it all stuck together. Made wonderful firelighters though.