Uncapping tool

[Brewer24]

Any suggestions on the most efficient and easiest to use uncapping tool.
Only 6 hives (on average) and usually demaree a 50 to75% of them depending on strength of colony.
I make my own foundation less frames and have been taking cut comb up till now but I received a four frame spinner for Christmas and now need to experiment with uncapping tools an produced new super frames with supporting rods as well as upgrading existing frames to reduce blow outs!
Cheers.

 

[Swarm]

All my super frames are thin, cut comb foundation and I've not had any blow so you may be OK there. Uncapping forks do a lovely job and would be my choice.

 

[drex]

I use an old serrated carving knife and then an uncapping fork in any valleys . With good spacing of frames the knife does most of the frame.

 

[Norton Caff]

Black and Decker hot air gun plus uncapping fork for where the capping don't quite melt in the corners. No messy cappings to deal with.

 

[blackcloud]

Pair of carving knives alternated, one in a tall vase of hot water ready for when the other gets gummed up.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

serrated uncapping knife
A lot of my shallow frames have unwired thin foundation and I treat them just the same as any other frame - never had an issue. I think the need for wired frames/foundation in frames for extraction is another one for the apocrypha

 

[Ian123]

Forget cheap purpose made uncapping knifes from suppliers, try commercial bread knives. Longer and better grips plus cheaper! If the wax is only slightly past the frame edges you won’t find a quicker easier method.
https://www.nisbets.co.uk/hygiplas-...MI3o_V6Mur_AIVB7rtCh2_wwAGEAQYEyABEgJ6KfD_BwE

 

[JamezF]

I'll be the one to say "electric carving knife" then. Used one for the first time last year. It was wonderful. I'm going to have to buy another to keep as a spare.

James

 

[Erichalfbee]

I'll be the one to say "electric carving knife" then. Used one for the first time last year. It was wonderful. I'm going to have to buy another to keep as a spare.

James

Yes I’ve seen one used and used one for the first time last year Ian’s point about having the wax drawn just past the frame edges is a good one. I’m determined to trim all mine down at next harvest

 

[ericbeaumont]

supporting rods ... to reduce blow outs

Extract at 25% speed for the bulk and accelerate to max only for the last couple of minutes. Shouldn't need to reinforce combs.

I extract a lot of unwired cut comb and have yet to blow one. In fact, I've given up using wired SN foundation: saves money, gives options.

 

[fian]

I use a ham knife to uncover the seal in the honey frames, I really cut flush with the frame and if there is any operculum with a toothed comb to uncap.
https://www.latiendadelapicultor.com/material/peine-de-puas.htmlRegarding the nest, I never meddle in their work, they know more than me, beyond removing some frames.

 

[peterbees]

Forget cheap purpose made uncapping knifes from suppliers, try commercial bread knives. Longer and better grips plus cheaper! If the wax is only slightly past the frame edges you won’t find a quicker easier method.
https://www.nisbets.co.uk/hygiplas-...MI3o_V6Mur_AIVB7rtCh2_wwAGEAQYEyABEgJ6KfD_BwE

Thanks, good suggestion.

 

[Amari]

I'll be the one to say "electric carving knife" then. Used one for the first time last year. It was wonderful. I'm going to have to buy another to keep as a spare.

James

The ones on Amazon all seem to be corded - shame there's no cordless versions.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

The ones on Amazon all seem to be corded - shame there's no cordless versions

 

[JamezF]

View attachment 34823

Ah, yes, the cordless, electricless, environmentally friendly electric carving knife

James

 

[Rob H]

I'll be the one to say "electric carving knife" then. Used one for the first time last year. It was wonderful. I'm going to have to buy another to keep as a spare.

James

Ha ha James, Im glad you got that one in! Having used one on foam for upholstery a few years back I thought about trying it when the time comes, my wife wouldn't let me use hers out of the kitchen (strangely) and so I bought a nearly new one at a car boot for about 2 quid. Worked a treat on foam so also thought for un capping.

 

[Nannysbees]

We have a heated knife which has never box or of the box. We use the uncapping fork, but we only have four hives

 

[madasafish]

Hot air gun backed up by rotating cylinder with s/steel prongs for any difficult combs (plastic bends)