DIY wax melter: how to make a homemade one at home, drawings and the principle of operation

Beekeeping is not just bees and beehives. For the production of by-products, additional tools must be used. For example, for the production of wax, you will need a wax melter, which you can make yourself. The mechanism has some features, but it is not difficult to make it. It is necessary to study the recommendations of beekeepers, types and methods of manufacture.

What is a wax melter and how it works

The purpose of the equipment is easy to see from the name - this is the mechanism by which the beekeeper receives wax by melting it out of frames and honeycombs.The material is exposed to high temperatures until it softens. After preparation, the wax is poured into a separate container, then packaged in a pre-prepared container.

The processing process consists of several stages:

• honeycombs and frames need to be soaked (time depends on the amount of material);
• move prepared items to aggregate;
• heat the wax melter to the right temperature so that the wax starts to melt.

The principle of action is simple, so often beekeepers do not buy ready-made equipment, but make it on their own. Learn more about how it works in the video.

Attention! Once melted, the wax needs time to dry. The time required depends on the type of honey produced by the insects.Average rates are two to three weeks. Manufacturers indicate the time - from 3 to 6 hours. But to speed up the process, some unscrupulous manufacturers use chemical thickeners.

Pros and cons

Devices work on a simple principle, there are positive and negative sides. Benefits of a DIY wax melter:

• significant percentage of material received;
• a small amount of water in the finished product;
• product size allows it to be moved easily;
• you can quickly clean the internal elements from melting products (garbage, impurities, residues).

There are few disadvantages - electrical devices consume a lot of energy. Store-bought or home-made versions often lack a thermostat, which leads to a deterioration in the quality of the wax.

Types and designs

There are several types of device, each of which has certain advantages and disadvantages. Often the simplest structures are used in apiaries, also frame, electric, solar and centrifugal. How to make your own hands is shown in the video.

The simplest

This option is easy to make yourself. The principles of operation and assembly of the simplest type of wax melter:

• a steel cylinder is used as the main element (for example, empty from liquefied gas or from a metal barrel);
• the base is installed above the source of fire (it can be a stove, gas burner, another option);
• water is poured inside and a grate is installed.

A mesh with crushed honeycombs is placed in the upper part of the structure, a bowl is placed on the grate. Thus, a mechanism is obtained that works on a pair. You can install a lid on top to speed up the process.

Attention! When using steam mechanisms, it is important to take into account the formation of condensate. Often the accumulated moisture gets into the finished product, which significantly reduces the quality.

Framework

This option usually consists of a rectangular tank. The material of manufacture is alloy steel, a steam generator is used as a working element. In the upper part, frames are installed through which melted wax flows. In industrial devices, filters and separate receiving containers are additionally installed.

Electric

Based on the principle of operation, this type of wax melter is similar to the solar one. The difference - as the name implies - an electric steam generator or heating device is included in the structure. In addition, temperature sensors and controllers are installed. Usually these are flat infrared elements, small in size.

Sunny

This type of construction is powered by solar energy, with the advantage of saving electricity. Great for southern regions where the weather is sunny most of the time. An additional positive side of using this type of mechanism is the clarification of the finished product. Building Features:

• glass box with lid (also made of glass);
• a canvas with holes is installed inside, where the wax material is placed (honeycombs and frames, sufficiently crushed);
• during the heating process, the box heats up to 120 degrees.

Clear weather is important for warming. Some beekeepers, in order to heat up the glass box faster, paint the walls of the device black.

Attention! A solar wax melter is considered the best option for wax production. The output is a product of sufficiently high quality, without watery impurities (which are inevitable in steam-type devices).

Centrifugal

This type is difficult to make at home. The main elements are a centrifuge and steam generators. Honeycombs and frames in this case are wrapped with plastic wrap, then distributed along the inner walls of the device. Then start manually or by means of an electric drive. After kindling, the finished liquid product enters the receiving tank through a separate tube.

Drawings and dimensions

To make a high-temperature wax melter with your own hands, use ready-made drawings or self-prepared schemes.

The main advantage of a device of any of the presented types is that you do not need to follow strict parameters, it is important to observe the principle of operation of the steam generator and the removal of the finished product.

How to make a wax melter with your own hands

A device for burning wax can be made from improvised means. Various materials and even broken electrical appliances are used.

From the refrigerator

This variant of a homemade wax melter is suitable for owners of large apiaries. An old, outdated refrigerator is suitable for assembling a suitable apparatus. Special Features:

• you can load up to 30 frames at the same time inside - together with honeycombs (the number depends on the size and parameters of the resulting steam);
• before assembling, you need to check the material from which the refrigerator is made - only aluminum or iron is allowed (so that the steam does not damage the surface and metal particles do not get into the finished product);
• you need to prepare tools and suitable materials - an empty frame, a wire mesh, hoses, containers through which hot air will be supplied, a suitable drawing or diagram.

Elements are assembled according to the general principle, according to the chosen scheme. It is important to check that there are no unnecessary holes left.

From pressure cooker

To convert old kitchen equipment into a working wax melter, you need to prepare additional materials - an 18 cm aluminum sieve, a hiking kettle (or something similar). Working process:

• soak the elements, boil a little and cool;
• pour a glass of water into the pot;
• put a piece of gauze on the sieve (secure with twine);
• set the sieve inside the pressure cooker, place the soaked honeycombs, close the lid.

The assembled structure is installed over an open fire. The maximum temperature that can be reached inside such a device is 120°C.

From the frying pan

If an old unusable frying pan is found on the site or in the country, you can make a wax melter. Honeycomb and frame processing method:

• pour 1.5-2 cm of water into the pan, put on an open fire;
• put crushed honeycombs in a glass container;
• set the jar in the pan with water.

The heated liquid will begin to melt the wax. Periodically, the material must be kneaded with a fork and mixed. Melted elements will need to be filtered through several layers of gauze.

From the washing machine

The principle of work assembly is similar to other designs. An internal tank is used - only stainless steel, carbon steel is not taken. The bottom is cut off, the resulting hole is covered with a grate (weld the edges by welding). As a container with water, take a pot (about 20 liters). At the same time, wax removed from about 22-25 frames can be melted.

From a 200 liter barrel

The manufacturing principle is identical to the previous paragraphs. At the barrel, it is necessary to cut off the bottom, replace it with a mesh grate. Honeycombs are crushed, placed in a container with heated water. It is important to mix the softened honeycombs in a timely manner so that lumps do not form.

Can I do without a wax melter?

To melt the wax without any additional equipment, follow these steps:

• prepare a container (deep, stainless steel or aluminum, it is unacceptable to use iron, brass, copper);
• collect raw materials (old honeycombs, foundation, zabrus will do), transfer to a glass container, leave for a few days;
• change the liquid to a clean one, move it to a bowl, then to the fire;
• bring to a boil, reduce heat.

Attention! The heat treatment time of the collected material depends on the condition of the raw material. For example, if mold was found on the honeycombs or zabrus, then the reheating time cannot be less than two hours.

Melting honeycomb, casting and frames is one of the stages of beekeeping. Wax is used for candles and decorative products, in the production of other items. You can use the purchased device, make the mechanism yourself or do without it - the choice is up to the beekeeper.

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