Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => EQUIPMENT USAGE, EXPERIMENTATION, HIVE PLANS, CONSTRUCTION TIPS AND TOOLS => Topic started by: Kona Bob on January 03, 2017, 08:44:25 pm

Title: Plastic frame uncapping
Post by: Kona Bob on January 03, 2017, 08:44:25 pm

Hi all
I have bought some 1 piece plastic frame / foundation sets to give a go in some honey supers. I thought they may hold up better with tangible extractor I use.
Question is will an electronic uncapping knife be to hot and melt the plastic frames. I didn't think about this before I ordered the plastic frames and I'm thinking for sure it will melt the plastic

Title: Re: Plastic frame uncapping
Post by: Michael Bush on January 04, 2017, 10:30:39 am

If you don't push the knife tight against the plastic it should be fine.  The honey will be cooling it if it's past boiling (100 C or 212 F).

Title: Re: Plastic frame uncapping
Post by: Kona Bob on January 04, 2017, 05:32:36 pm

Thanks mate

Title: Re: Plastic frame uncapping
Post by: Acebird on January 05, 2017, 10:15:40 am

I would try to avoid getting the sharp edge into the plastic.  I only had a few plastic combs when we got our first nuc and at that time I didn't have an uncapping knife.  I used a serrated carving knife and had no problem.  The bees should extend the cells a little so it should be easier than you think.  I am sure the heat will have no effect on the plastic.  You can always use a hive tool or scratcher.