Scorching hives

[JC47]

Could the Members of the Forum please advise me, as I am a new Beekeeper, which is the best method and tool to use when scorching, wooden hives ?

 

[wightbees]

Try one of those gas blow torch that plumber use, B&Q sell them.

 

[JC47]

I have tried the gas torches that screw on to cartridges and find them slow and easily extinguished. Is it a matter of ' the bigger the better ' and a hand held propane torch and a Calor Gas bottle should be used ?

 

[madasafish]

Is it a matter of ' the bigger the better ' and a hand held propane torch and a Calor Gas bottle should be used ?

That's what Bee Inspectors use.

Any bigger and scorching corners = burning boxes.

 

[MuswellMetro]

I have tried the gas torches that screw on to cartridges and find them slow and easily extinguished. Is it a matter of ' the bigger the better ' and a hand held propane torch and a Calor Gas bottle should be used ?

you need to keep the gas cartridge up right otherwise the propane in the caertridge flood the torch and the flame goes out, but with practice they work well

 

[JC47]

Thank you for pointing me in the right direction.

 

[Little John]

Consider using an electrical heat gun - the sort used to burn paint off. Will easily scorch wood if you don't keep the gun moving. No need to worry about gas canisters then - just worry about having a long enough extension lead instead ...
LJ

 

[JC47]

I know they can be used for uncapping but never considered their use for scorching, many thanks.

 

[wightbees]

I'm sure carting a 2 k generator around would work lol

 

[JC47]

Or even plugging into a local street light !

 

[MartinL]

you need to keep the gas cartridge up right otherwise the propane in the caertridge flood the torch and the flame goes out, but with practice they work well

Pay the money for a good quality Plumbers (Propane NOT Butane) Torch and it won't go out.

Mine has a very accurate flame, almost needle point on the flame.
Great for corners it has a flame spreader for the sides, great in the kitchen for Creambrules too!

 

[Cussword]

Or even plugging into a local street light !

It could be plugged into a nearby current bush.

 

[Little John]

I'm sure carting a 2 k generator around would work lol

Just use the same generator that you would use for your multi-dose VOA kit. I have one that fits easily into the car boot - not an issue.

But then again, some of us have even run power points around the apiary acreage ...

/smug

LJ

 

[REDWOOD]

I have tried all the toys and now use https://www.amazon.co.uk/Burner-Roo...&qid=1487419933&sr=8-7&keywords=roofers+torch
boxes and bits or done in seconds