Do-it-yourself honey extractor: how to make it at home from improvised means, drawings

After a period of active care for bee colonies and providing them with the necessary nutrition for reproduction, the moment comes for collecting honey. If the apiary is large, then it is desirable for the beekeeper to use special devices. Some of them are made at home. A do-it-yourself honey extractor is an indispensable device that is used when collecting a product.

What is this

Honey extractor - a small unit that is used to pump out honey. Of course, you can do without it if the apiary is small, but for a large farm it is necessary.A honey extractor is often purchased at a specialized store, but some beekeepers make it on their own, using improvised materials and drawings.

The design of the device is represented by a cylindrical container, inside which vertical cassettes with honeycombs rotate. Below is a tray where honey is collected.

The advantages of the aggregate are obvious: with its help, honey is collected much faster, in addition, the combs remain intact, so they can be reused.

Working principle

The honey extractor is made from various materials, but the principle of operation is always the same. The operation of the device is based on centrifugal force, which is provided by a cylindrical container. Honeycombs are printed with a knife and placed in cassettes. When the drum moves with acceleration, centrifugal force arises, honey flies off to the walls of the unit, and then flows down. For this, special holes and a container for collecting honey are provided.

Inside the honey extractor is a drive that rotates the rotor, frames and cassettes. The drive is electric, manual and foot. The number of frames inside the honey extractor is different. It depends on the volume of production. Some designs are designed for several frames, but there are units that can hold up to 50 pieces.

After the honey is completely pumped out, the frames are returned to their place in the hives, where the insects again begin to pump them with the product. If there is no bribe, then it will take time for the bees to grow the comb again. Under such conditions, the beekeeper loses not only time, but also money.

Production options

There are two types of device - radial and chordal honey extractor. In the radial frame with honeycombs is placed along the radius, and the chordal one is distinguished by the fastening of the frames, which are located along the inner surface of the container.

One of the criteria that determines the type of construction is the drive. If the apiary is small, then a manual drive is quite suitable. It is important to consider that when installing an electric motor, you will need a device that can control the number of revolutions. Sometimes at too high speeds the device breaks the frame, and this leads to losses. Manual drive allows you to independently control the speed and speed.

Powered

In designs where an electric drive is provided, the rotation of the container occurs due to the mains or battery, which is convenient when pumping honey into the field. Electric honey extractors are ideal for apiaries that produce tons of products. The speed and direction of rotation can be controlled, but there is a drawback - the device is quite difficult to maintain.

No motor drive

If the design is made without an electric drive, then the rotation of the drum occurs manually. This option is considered traditional, since it is used by many beekeepers. The honey extractor does not depend on the power supply, it can be used in any conditions. Another advantage of the design is the low cost. Among the shortcomings, users note a low pumping speed. However, this is not so important if the beekeeper has only a few hives.

Sizing

When making a honey extractor, you need to focus on the drawings. The dimensions of the device depend on the total number of frames. For a small apiary, a device designed for two frames is enough. Accordingly, if honey is produced on a large scale, an aggregate containing several dozen frames will be required.

Which materials can be used

Making a honey extractor with your own hands from improvised means involves a careful selection of materials. Important resistance to moisture, the admissibility of contact with food. Most often, wood or plywood, plastic, aluminum or stainless steel are taken as the basis. The most expensive material in terms of cost is stainless steel, however, along with this, it is also the highest quality.

Every material has its merits. Plywood is lightweight, which makes it easier to transport, and wood is environmentally friendly. Plastic is light in weight, in addition, it requires special care. Aluminum has the same characteristics, and stainless steel attracts with a long period of operation.

Regardless of what material will be taken as a basis, additional elements will need to be prepared:

• rebar;
• axis;
• bearing;
• belt;
• pulley;
• silicone sealant;
• mesh or wire for cassettes;
• faucet to drain the product and a nut to fix it;
• bracket;
• rotor;
• rheostat;
• electric motor to drive.

From the tools you need to prepare a jigsaw, a circular saw, a screwdriver or a drill, self-tapping screws, as well as nails, a hammer. These tools are essential for working with wood. If plastic or aluminum is used as the main material, you will need a grinder, a hacksaw, a soldering iron.

How to make a honey extractor with your own hands

The device execution algorithm and features depend on the selected material.

From the washing machine

The drum from the washing machine is universal. In combination with a body made of similar material, it makes it possible to make a durable, high-quality honey extractor. Two drums can be used - the larger one is recommended to be used as the body of the appliance.

The execution algorithm is as follows:

1. Cut off the bottom of the smaller drum.
2. Install it in the body.
3. Weld several metal rods to the lower part from the inside. Weld their ends to the bearing.
4. Insert an axle of suitable size and diameter into the bearing. Secure with screws.
5. In the upper part of the axle, fix the pulley, attach the handle and secure the connection with a belt.

The final stage of work is to make a hole for draining the products and install a faucet.

From wood

For the manufacture of a wooden honey extractor at home, any wood is suitable, the main condition is that it should not contain resin. The material must be dry only.

It is recommended to make the drum in the shape of an octagon. A rotor should be installed inside it, as well as fastenings for frames. A solid board is required for the side wall. A hole with a diameter of 20 mm is required in the lower part of the structure. You can attach a faucet or make a stopper with a seal.

The material must be carefully aligned, the thickness should be no more than 20 mm. The most suitable width of sheathing material is 190 mm. Wooden blocks of the same size are useful as a stand. They should be fixed at an angle, connected with crossbars and lubricated with glue. The height of the bars-legs must correspond to the container for collecting the product.

Plywood

From plywood you can make a homemade small device that is suitable for a small household. The honey extractor will be light, but durable. This option is ideal for frequent transportation. In addition, the manufacturing process of the device is simple.

The thickness of plywood should be no more than 10 mm. Otherwise, the manufacturing process does not differ from a wooden honey extractor. The inner surface must be carefully treated with wax, it is advisable to apply 2-3 layers. Fasten the structure with nails or glue that is suitable for wood. Tighten the side panels with a metal hoop to ensure strength at the final stage.

From a plastic barrel

The plastic barrel construction is a good option for beginners. The plastic chosen for the design must be food grade. It does not corrode, does not absorb odors, and is resistant to mechanical stress.Another advantage of plastic is that care is easy and will not cause difficulties.

Of course, some additional elements will be required during the manufacture, such as metal rods, boards and a rotational structure. For a rotational element, pedals from a bicycle or a sewing machine are used. Spinning the pedals causes the honey to flow down the sides of the device.

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