smallest number of frames worth extracting?

[BrianO]

Because it's fun I don't want to crush and strain 'cos I'll loose drawn comb for next year but I am doing a super for cut comb - largely because I ran out of foundation

Fair play to you... dont lose sight of the enjoyment

I would say , use it , the extractor, make sure in warm conditions and frames stored in warm room for day before extraction for maximum viscosity.

Then you will have frames already drawn to give to them for next years flow.... when you are bound to increase your stocks !!!

 

[TryingToLetThemBee]

regarding crush and straining and the merit of having an extractor with just a few hives...

My extractor cost just under £100.

Where?!

 

[wessexmario]

the price did go up to £135 just after I bought it!

The seller on ebay was tiptopmaker-eu

Dexter's shed & I have the same one, details here:
http://www.beekeepingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=33454
Note posts 44-46 in the thread about it's capacity.

Found a very similar one here but the 3-sided basket is not as good as the 4-sided one.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honey-Ext...987?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item25989c312b

 

[Nakedapiarist]

I found another approach inspired by dropping a frame whilst showing kiddies and discovering it leaks, - uncap 2 frames and leave standing upsidedown for a day - 2lb of honey to brew with and a couple of very sticky frames that hive 1 could make good use of.