Solid osr

[enrico]

I have found that when bees move rape honey for a second time to somewhere else it does not crystallise nearly as much. I have no idea why, but getting them to move at appears to be the key.

 

[Etton]

Heat Gun or Knife

So does using a heat gun to melt the cappings when extracting honey from the comb damage the honey in any way? Or is it always better to cut cappings off with a knife rather than using a heat gun?

I'm still confused, is there a problem using a heat gun to melt the cappings instead of a knife?

 

[Finman]

I'm still confused, is there a problem using a heat gun to melt the cappings instead of a knife?

Shoot with heat gun and taste how good is that honey.
.
You can scrab the cappings broken even with piece of wood.

 

[Gilberdyke John]

I'm still confused, is there a problem using a heat gun to melt the cappings instead of a knife?

It's a popular method and unless you seriously overdo the local heat to the extent of melting the comb as well as the cappings I don't see a problem. A number of my association members swear by the heat gun but I'm content with my grannies bread saw and practice.

 

[Poly Hive]

Honey which is set and heated to liquefy it esp OSR will in no way be suitable for making quality mead and I personally would not even think of labeling it as such.

Like everything the best ingredients make the best product.

PH

 

[enrico]

I use a heat gun all the time on dry cappings. If your cappings become bruised or damp by knocking the frames together they will NOT melt. It should take a second to pop the capping, no prolonged heat.
E

 

[Beefriendly]

Having an extraction day...and as this was topical decided to try the hot air gun....it works, but I don't like it. Honey is getting noticeably more fluid as the capping melt which can't be good for it. Also some cells seem to seal back over and don't extract. Mind it is a cold wet day so they may be "sealing" faster because of this.
Yes it's slightly faster than my usual uncapping method, but not by such a big margin that I'd worry about it but on a positive note for it...there is decidedly less mess.
Each to their own....I think I'll leave things as they are for the time being.

Right back to the extracting room...