Do-it-yourself paar wax melter: drawings, dimensions, production

A steam wax melter made from steam is one of the main tools of beekeepers. This method of raw material conversion has the following advantages:

the percentage of wax released depends on the time spent on processing;
there is no wax emulsion, since there is no contact with hot water;
the procedure is carried out in compliance with the cleanliness of the working area;
the resulting product does not contain additional mixtures;
the quality is at the highest level.

The high-temperature wax melter has various designs. For a small apiary, a steam juicer, a factory device made using the same method, is suitable.

The majority of models intended for beekeepers involve immersing various crushed raw materials. But there is a frame steam wax melter, into which everything is placed entirely. For the product, they make a steam generator with their own hands.

Handmade production

Due to the high cost of the finished device, beekeepers usually make a steam wax melter with their own hands. Its production from scrap materials and used household appliances is not difficult. Savvy beekeepers adapt metal containers of any size as a base for melting wax:

old barrel;
large tank;
large saucepan;
waste steel gas cylinder;
housing from an old washing machine or refrigerator.

The main condition is that the frame must withstand high temperatures.

The simplest design

An elementary steam structure, the manufacture of which is accessible even to a novice beekeeper, is a metal container in the shape of a cylinder, into the middle of which water is poured. A mesh container is placed on top of it, secured with hooks to the edges of the tank. Raw materials to be processed are placed there. The vessel is placed on a heat source and brought to a boil. Rising, the steam melts the wax, which flows down and, after cooling the water, solidifies on top of it without mixing with it.

Frame steam wax melter

The unit itself consists of two metal containers placed one inside the other. Through holes are drilled in the lower part of the internal tank, and frames made of wood with honeycombs are attached to the upper edge with hooks. Under the bottom there is a tray for draining melted wax. In an outer vessel with a lid that ensures a constant temperature, steam is formed and distributed under the influence of heat using a heat-insulating material.

The advantage of a homemade steam frame wax melter is the ability to process honeycombs without crushing and removing them from the frames.

From the washing machine

Used household appliances intended for washing clothes are an excellent option for creating a homemade steam wax melter. A 40-liter stainless steel tank is the best type of container for raw materials.

The bottom is removed and replaced with a welded steel grate. An aluminum tray is installed at the top of the tank to collect raw materials. Its edges are precisely aligned with the sides of the tank so that the vessel fits tightly on top of the device. Experienced craftsmen use a special support for this. For easy steam access to the raw materials, small holes are drilled along the edges of the tray.

The finished tank is immersed 2 cm in a large pan filled with water and placed on the stove. Place dry food in the tray and cover with a lid. This device can simultaneously process up to 25 frames. After heating is completed, high-quality melted wax is removed from the aluminum bowl.

Step-by-step instruction

The manufacturing process depends on the final model chosen and the materials available. It would be a good idea to look at the drawings of the future device, which are offered in an assortment by skilled beekeepers. If you have an old piece of evidence, and a steam wax melter will be produced based on it, then the process requires the following steps:

Clean the bottom of the hive. 4 holes are drilled for fastening under the grilles. Steam supply devices are also located here.
They cut out the slope on the side walls according to the principle of the pediment on houses; on one wall it is made larger to form a slope and a drain is formed there for the future product.
A galvanized sheet of iron is cut according to pre-established measurements for upholstering the inside of the hive body. When fixing the galvanization, do not forget to make a flag for draining the wax.
The body is reassembled and insulated with some material. It is worth remembering that the lid must fit tightly to the container to prevent loss of steam.
The steam generator is made from any container described above and connected using a hose.
A homemade steam wax melter for frames is ready for use.

The operation scheme of such a device is simple and based on steam heating. A special feature is the use of an old hive rather than a ready-made metal tank.

How to make a wax melter from a washing machine

Old activator machines are popular when making homemade steam wax melters. The basis is a stainless steel tank, which is converted into a container for reheated raw materials. But in the process of work, you will need a specific tool: an angle grinder and an electric welding machine. To obtain the required structure from the tank, its lower part is cut off and a grate is welded there.

The process of working a homemade wax melter from a washing machine is as follows:

A 40-liter pan is filled with water;
install an aluminum collection bowl;
holes for steam are drilled along its edges;
A tank with drying material on a frame is placed on the bowl and covered with a lid made of a sheet of metal or other materials.

The device is easy to use, spacious and does not require special preparation.

A method for making a wax melter from an old refrigerator

Another way is to make a wax melter from an old refrigerator. It is very relevant if you have a large apiary and considerable volumes of wax for the firebox. A case with an internal aluminum or iron layer, which was in older models, is ideal. The design allows you to install the dryer together with the frames. To obtain a wax melter from the refrigerator, you must perform the following steps:

the body, cleared of all parts, is installed on bricks;
a hole is made in the back wall and a tin groove for drainage is secured with sealant;
connect the hose from the steam generator in place of the motor;
a filtration mesh is installed inside;
Place a collection container under the drain.

This wax melter is effective and does not require any special manufacturing costs.

Whatever manufacturing method you choose, follow safety rules to prevent negative consequences.

Do-it-yourself wax refiner: device and purpose

Every beekeeper in his business has been faced with the need to remove wax adhering to honeycombs and frames. The best option to simplify such a labor-intensive process is to use wax melters.

The device speeds up the wax melting process, resulting in good raw materials. The design can be varied.

Depending on what energy is used for melting, the type of wax melter is determined:

solar;
steam;
centrifugal;
electric.

Any apiary can be equipped with such a device yourself. It is worth making a housing and thinking through a mechanism for increasing the temperature.

The purpose of the device is to facilitate and speed up the process of removing and removing wax from frames, so that the raw material itself can be used in the future.

Practical recommendations for choosing

To make a choice, it is worth comparing the listed models:

Comparison of advantages . The solar design will be cheaper, the steam one will produce higher-quality raw materials at the output, the electric one can work regardless of the time of day, and the centrifugal one allows you to obtain wax in a short period of time.
Comparison of cons . There is no way to regulate the heating temperature in a solar wax furnace, since it only heats up under the influence of sunlight. It is very difficult to make centrifugal and electric wax melters with your own hands, and if you buy a factory device, it will cost an order of magnitude higher. In this regard, a steam installation is the best option compared to other designs.

When choosing a wax melter, in addition to analyzing the pros and cons, you should also rely on the characteristics of your apiary. For example, if there are few sunny days in the region where the apiary is located, then the solar wax grinder will be completely useless.

DIY making

At home, it is possible to assemble the following types of wax melters:

a simple apparatus made from an old pan or barrel;
installation of a frame sample;
unit from the inner shell of a broken washing machine.

The simplest design

A standard wax melter is assembled using a steel liquefied gas cylinder or an old metal barrel. The container is placed over an open fire or mounted on the surface of a cast iron stove. Water is poured inside the tank and a wire stand for a metal bowl is placed. The mesh with crushed honeycomb is hung on hooks at the top of the tank, hot steam flows around the bowl, melts the wax, and then escapes through a hole in the lid. While working, you need to monitor the level of wax in the bowl and change the container in a timely manner.

From the washing machine

To assemble equipment from a washing machine, you will need an internal tank from an activator-type device made of stainless steel (it is not recommended to use carbon steel units). The bottom part should be carefully cut off with metal scissors or an abrasive tool, and the resulting hole should be covered with a stainless steel grill. The parts are connected to each other by contact welding (using special electrodes for stainless steels) or rivets.

To store a supply of water, use an aluminum pan with a capacity of up to 50 liters, in the upper part of which a metal bowl is attached to hooks. Holes with a diameter of 10-12 mm are drilled along the edges of the container, allowing hot steam to be supplied. After loading the tank with chopped honeycomb, fill the pan with water and then place the tank over the pan. The melted wax flows into a bowl; the capacity of the installation allows you to simultaneously process material removed from 22-25 frames.

Frame steam wax melter

Frame type equipment has the following advantages:

no need to extract and grind honeycombs (sushi);
heating wooden frames allows you to remove dirt and disinfect surfaces.

The homemade unit consists of a double-walled tank made of stainless steel. The internal element has a perforated lower part, the upper end surface allows you to secure wooden frames with honeycombs inside.

Under the bottom there is a steel sheet for draining the melted wax into a previously prepared container. The outer metal shell with a lid distributes steam flows and ensures a constant temperature (the use of synthetic or natural heat-insulating material is allowed).

Homemade wax melter

I designed a wax melter (Fig.), which can be used as a basis for an old Oka or Riga washing machine.
To do this, we remove all the units from it (motor, relay, etc.). All that remains is the washing tub and frame. In the frame, at a distance of 20 cm from the lower edge, we cut out a window for the firebox measuring 15 - 20 cm. Stepping back from the upper edge of the tank frame by 5 - 7 cm, we cut out three holes (5x10 cm) for smoke exit, evenly spaced around the entire circumference. The frame is ready for work. When starting to reconstruct the tank, first of all we knead and then bend the fitting to drain the water. We place two aluminum or stainless steel washers with asbestos gaskets on the hole from the removed activator and tighten them with a bolt with a diameter of 12 mm. It is also possible to connect with rivets around the circumference. We insert the tank into the frame.

We install the entire structure on four to five bricks, laid out in a circle with small intervals. We place a bracket made of a metal strip 40 - 50 mm wide and 5 - 8 mm thick on the top of the tank and secure it to the sides. We drill a hole in the center of the bracket, cut an M 16 thread and screw in a 400 mm long screw with an L-shaped handle at the end. The wax melter is ready.

Load the soaked dry into a canvas bag (50x80 cm) to the top and tie it tightly. We put it in the tank of our wax refiner. We fill the tank with clean rainwater, without adding 10 cm to the edge. We light a fire in the firebox. First, we heat the stove intensively. As the wax melts, we begin to periodically knead the bag. At the end of melting, we lower the enamel grill into the tank (which is used for boiling laundry), put on the bracket, tighten the screw and begin to squeeze out the wax. Then we cover everything with a felt or old cloak and leave it like that until it cools completely. Next, remove the bracket and take out a wheel of wax weighing 5 - 6 kg. We take the waste out of the bag and spread it in a thin layer on a film or tarpaulin under the car of a mobile apiary. After 2-3 days they are dry.

We spend only an hour of working time in fits and starts on melting a wheel of wax.

Features of the wax refiner model

The operating principle of a wax melter, which anyone can make with their own hands, is based on the low melting point of wax. This design, unlike solar, has the main advantage - it allows you to process a large amount of raw materials. Therefore, it is extremely important for beekeepers with large apiaries. As a rule, the design consists of two elements:

a steam generator, which, as its name suggests, serves to generate steam;
wax refinery body, where the process itself takes place.

Operating principle of the wax refiner

Under the influence of steam coming from the steam generator, the wax slowly melts and flows first onto the mesh with large cells, and then onto the one with smaller cells. Their purpose is to clean wax from debris. Having overcome the mesh, the product falls onto an inclined tray heated by steam. Melted wax flows along its surface through the drain hole into the container. Here it cools and the finished product is obtained.

Main types of wax melters for beekeeping

We have already noted that raw materials are processed at high temperatures. Water and even electricity can serve as sources. Depending on them, the following types of devices are distinguished:

A significant advantage of the listed types is that they are easy to make yourself.

Its design is significant in that the wax is melted from the frames. This mechanism can be made independently, but you can also buy it.

And its price will depend on the manufacturer and material (stainless steel is more expensive than aluminum).

Water is poured into the lower compartment of the tank through an extension tube (it is located in the funnel). The amount of water depends on the volume of the structure. Did you know? It is advisable to use purified water. Then the quality of the original product will be higher.

A container with raw materials is placed in the tank. When the water boils, steam escapes through the tube.

Melting under the influence of steam, the wax flows through the mesh and ends up on the upper bottom of the structure. It will be useful for a novice beekeeper to find out what role drones play in a bee colony.

The solar wax furnace is a box in which the front wall (20 cm) is located lower than the back wall (10 cm). The boards for making the structure should have a thickness of 2-2.5 cm.

The lid is made of two parts. The wooden part serves to cover the wax melter when it is not in use.

The second is a glazed frame (usually with one glass, less often with two). To ensure that the frame fits tightly to the body, you need to use hooks. Two parts are mounted in the box: a “trough” and a metal pan coated with tin. This is where the wax will be placed. The structure itself is installed on a wooden pole.

It is recommended to make a cross to make it easier to turn the wax grinder. Sometimes the structure can be installed at an angle to increase the penetration of sunlight.

The wax raw materials to be melted are placed on a mesh, which is located between the frame and a metal baking sheet. The mesh prevents the entry of various impurities, larvae, etc. At the same time, the raw materials should not touch the glazed frame. Honeycomb honey is a natural product that can be eaten directly from the honeycomb, so you may be interested in learning how to extract honey from honeycombs at home. Thanks to the sun's rays, the air under the glass heats up, the wax melts and falls in small portions onto a baking sheet, from which it flows into a “trough”.

Important! The heat will be better retained if the glazed frame is upholstered with cloth. Only in those places where it comes into contact with the box

In general terms, the solar wax melter can be upgraded in different ways by you to improve its performance. For example, if you paint it black, the absorption of sunlight will increase.

On average, in clear weather and an air temperature of +19 degrees Celsius, the wax furnace can be heated to 120 degrees. It cannot be left in the same place; it must be turned towards the sun's rays so that they pass through the glass. Do not forget to clean the mesh from dirt.

Centrifugal wax mill

The mechanism works using a centrifuge and a steam generator. The raw materials are placed in a bag and when the rotor rotates, the steam heats the raw materials. During the kindling process, the wax flows through an extension tube.

Electric wax grinder

This is an improved version of solar. The disadvantages of the latter are that it is impossible to constantly control the angle of inclination, there are restrictions on the time of day, and there is no possibility of constantly monitoring the melting temperature. Therefore, to improve performance, heaters are added to replace the sun's rays.

What it is

Beekeepers use a wax melter for maximum melting of raw materials from honeycombs (frames), thanks to high temperatures (140 - 150 ° C), which exceeds the melting point of the wax product (55 - 60 ° C). The operating mode of the wax melter does not allow the wax to overheat to the point of decomposition.

The process consists of several stages:

The honeycombs are soaked and then placed in the unit.
The wax furnace is heated to the melting temperature.
The molten substance flows into a collection container and is then packaged.

Compliance with operating degrees allows the wax to get rid of moisture and gain water-repellent properties, so that in the future the material can be used, for example, in mastic for rubbing floors, or serve as a lubricant for sensitive electrical devices.

Principle of operation

Almost every high-temperature wax furnace is designed in such a way that in the chamber containing the wax raw material, heating occurs due to water vapor. Melting begins at a temperature of sixty-five degrees.

The temperature of water vapor reaches one hundred degrees. It easily penetrates the wax raw material and heats it to the required temperature and higher. After the wax has melted, it flows into a special tray. The strained timber is placed in bags or on a grid. After melting out the wax, what remains is merva.

Should I buy an industrial steam wax melter or make it myself?

Today there is no shortage of industrial steam wax furnaces. In every beekeeping store you can purchase such a device of various types and configurations. Their main advantage will be saving time on making your own wax melter. If you are limited in this temporary resource, then go to the store. But if you have free time in the apiary during the off-season, then it is better to make such a unit yourself. There are many diagrams on the Internet with which you can easily assemble a honey heating device yourself.

Many beekeepers believe that modern steam industrial wax flows have disadvantages in the quality of the wax output and in the speed of this process. But many modern models of such devices do not have the disadvantages of previous generations of wax melters. With their help, you can melt large batches of wax and even disinfect beekeeping equipment.

Electrical Appliance Application

Modern industry produces many different models of electric wax melters. Such equipment uses electricity rather than steam or solar energy as a heating element.

Beekeepers rarely make their own wax melters that run on electricity. Despite the fact that they work with high speed and efficiency, their use is still limited by the rather high cost of operation.

The use of infrared elements as heaters contributes to high energy consumption, which is expensive when the system is operating at full power.

The use of equipment for obtaining wax is an important means of high-quality use of bee products. Of course, each farm owner decides independently which type of device operation to choose for use in an apiary, but still, it is better for a novice beekeeper to first discuss this issue with a more experienced friend.

How to do it yourself

You can make drawings of a solar wax furnace with your own hands and build it yourself.

DIY solar wax melter

To do this, you need to first prepare the following materials:

plywood or chipboard sheet from which the bottom of the base will be made
container for wax, which will be installed inside
wood for frames (beams)
metal pan (tin)
glass
nails, screws
loops to attach the top cover of the structure
mesh that will act as a filter

When all materials are prepared, you can begin installation work. Let's consider the algorithm of actions:

It is necessary to cut out the sides from boards or beams, for example, measuring 60 and 20 centimeters
from chipboard or plywood you need to cut a bottom that will correspond to the dimensions of the side frames, in this case 60x20 cm
fasten the frames and bottom with self-tapping screws
the next step is to cut out the top cover (slightly larger in size to protect the wax melter from precipitation) and attach it to the overall structure with hinges
a metal baking tray is placed on the bottom and a filter mesh is placed on top
It is recommended to paint the outside of the structure black so that it attracts heat and retains it

This way you can make a wax melter of any size. You can also make the body not from wood, but from iron. In order for the sun to warm more, you need to install the structure correctly so that the rays fall perpendicular to the cover.

How to make a solar wax grinder - on video:

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Beeswax is a valuable beekeeping product that can be obtained using a special device - a wax grinder. It can be bought at a specialty store. A homemade design is in no way inferior to a store-bought one, so you can make it yourself. There are several varieties of such devices, for example, steam wax furnace, solar and others. They all have their pros and cons. In modern beekeeping there are several varieties of this device. One of the most popular is the solar wax melter.

Steam wax furnace: do-it-yourself device | Beekeeping

A steam wax melter made from steam is one of the main tools of beekeepers. This method of raw material conversion has the following advantages:

the percentage of wax released depends on the time spent on processing;
there is no wax emulsion, since there is no contact with hot water;
the procedure is carried out in compliance with the cleanliness of the working area;
the resulting product does not contain additional mixtures;
the quality is at the highest level.

The high-temperature wax melter has various designs. For a small apiary, a steam juicer, a factory device made using the same method, is suitable.

Types and types of wax melters

There are several types of wax melters, differing in the type of heating device:

steam;
solar;
electric.

Design

Beekeeping is a complex process. A high-temperature wax melter serves as the main tool. This type is divided into two types of design.

The first is a water reservoir and a heating element located separately from the vessel in which the wax receiver and raw materials are located. Steam is supplied to the loading chamber thanks to a hose and pipes. They are able to withstand high temperatures.

The second is that product collection, steam supply, and heating occur in one device. The product includes several containers inserted into one another. The last one, located at the bottom, is licked off to pour water.

There is a loading chamber at the top. Steam enters through a cone-shaped hole located in the middle. When a high-temperature wax melter has double walls, water leaks between them.

Designs and varieties

There are two types of modern steam wax furnaces: pressure and non-pressure. The principle of operation of the second was described above. Structurally, such apiary equipment looks like this. A funnel is inserted into the cylindrical tank (in its lower part), narrowing towards the top.

A container with a mesh bottom is placed on top of it. The tube from the funnel passes through the basket. Through it, steam enters the container with wax raw materials. To operate this design, water is poured into its special compartment, and the steam wax furnace itself is placed on the stove or oven.

The further process is described above. A steam pressure wax melter helps to obtain a higher percentage of wax without the use of additional presses. It creates pressure above atmospheric. Which helps to get more wax out of the product. In fact, its design already includes a press.

Which reduces the volume of the chamber where the wax is heated.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSs4L4PB61M

In addition to the varieties of steam wax melters, the following can be used in apiaries:

Solar
Electro-water
Stove

Manufacturing

A high-temperature wax melter is overpriced. Therefore, its production is often done by hand. For example, a steam wax melter from a washing machine or dryer.

The homemade model has a simple design. It is very easy to do at home. It looks like a tall pan or barrel filled with water. It is installed on a source that serves as a heating element. Place a stand on the bottom and a dish with high edges on top.

A basket is made from a metal mesh, designed to load the raw materials that will be made from wax. Using hooks, it is fixed above the dish inside the container. Place a lid on top.

When boiling occurs, the water turns into steam, the wax melts and begins to flow down. I recommend making sure that the mixture does not spill out.

Below is a video on how to make a steam generator with your own hands.

Materials and tools

To make your own wax melter you will need the following materials:

old hive;
standard size galvanized iron sheet;
a can with a capacity of twenty liters;
hose, insulation, nails, screws of different lengths;
a mesh made of metal with a cell radius of no more than half a millimeter;
metal pawn, the diameter of the cells should not exceed one and a half millimeters.

The process of producing a steam wax melter with your own hands will require the following tools:

Operating principle and types of steam devices

Heating in the chamber of this type of wax furnace occurs due to the temperature of water vapor (about 100 ℃). Such steam easily penetrates between the elements of the raw material and melts it. The wax is filtered and placed in special containers.

By design, steam devices are divided into single devices, where all technological operations take place in one container. Heating, steam supply and selection of the resulting product are carried out in separate chambers inserted into each other. Hot steam from heated water, which is poured into the lower container, enters the upper loading chamber, where the raw materials are located. The wax is melted and enters the receiving container.

Separate type devices are distinguished by the presence of two functional devices. The steam generator is located separately from the container with raw materials and the receiver of the finished product. Steam from the liquid heated in the heating tank enters through pipes into the working device, where the entire technological process of wax melting is carried out.

Methods for melting wax without a wax melter

If there are several hives in the apiary, then you can heat the honeycombs using a steam pan. During the process of heating the wax, control the liquid level in the container, since due to the active foaming of the solution, water may leak out. The resulting mixture is filtered through several layers of gauze stretched over an additional container of smaller volume. The gauze traps foreign impurities, and the wax collects inside the reservoir. After crystallization, the product is removed from the pan.

To ensure improved wax quality, it is recommended to assemble a homemade water bath using various kitchen utensils (for example, an old juicer or a pan for making manti). It is possible to reheat a small volume in a glass or plastic container placed in a microwave oven. Depending on the chosen technique, the wax is cleaned with a mesh or additionally filtered through gauze or a nylon stocking.

Wax melters. DIY making and tricks. Photo and video

Do you have your own small or even very large apiary? Are you faced with the fact that you constantly need to melt wax? Then a do-it-yourself wax melter, the video of which is presented at the end of the article, will definitely come in handy. Read all about this miracle of self-produced technology further in our article.

This method is perfect for those who have a fairly large apiary, and an old, useless refrigerator lying around in the barn. Making a wax melter at home from the refrigerator is quite easy.

The main requirement is to use a refrigerator with an iron or aluminum coating inside. Plastic is absolutely not suitable for such purposes. But if the refrigerator is quite old and has been lying around since time immemorial, then there is no need to worry.

Previously, all refrigerators were made with a metal coating.

You can put the wax in it directly with the frames, about 25 to 30 frames will fit in there, it all depends on what kind of refrigeration unit you have.

It is also worth remembering that before heating the bee product, you need to sort the frames.

Light wax melts first. Frames with a dark product are pre-soaked overnight, and only then the firing procedure is carried out. If you do everything correctly, the wax will be of good quality and can be sold at a good price.

old refrigerator;
metal scissors;
a mesh with a fine mesh according to the size of the refrigerator;
bolts or screws;
a small piece of tin;
heat-resistant sealant;
steam hose;
a metal container from which steam will be supplied (barrel, can, etc.);
bucket for collecting products;
other tools and materials as needed (including drawings).

We remove all unnecessary parts from the old refrigerator. Only the body should remain.
We make a small hole in the back wall, about 5 cm in diameter.
We make something like a watering can from a piece of tin and insert it into the hole we made. Afterwards we fix the watering can and seal all the seams around it with sealant. Water and wax will drain from this hole.
At the bottom of the refrigerator, where the motor was, a small hole is also made for a hose through which steam will be supplied to the installation.
We attach a hose. The other side of the hose should be connected to the lid of a metal barrel or can or pan. In short, what you will find at home. Water will be poured into such a container, and then, when heated, hot steam will flow from it through the hose.
We place the refrigerator body lying on the stands. You can use anything as a stand, bricks, pallets, etc.
Now you need to install a mesh with a small cell inside the structure, which will play the role of food. The beebread should remain on it and be dead. We mount the mesh so that the frames fit completely into the body and there is a small space between them and the mesh.
All that remains is to place a container for it under the hole from which the wax will flow. Now you can load the frames into the installation and set the container with water to heat up. To heat it, you can use gas, firewood, or you can install electric heating elements inside. It all depends on your imagination and the means at hand.

Manufacturing

How to quickly make a home wax melter from scrap materials yourself? It's quite simple when you study the drawings and master the basic operating mechanism. Basically, everything is based on the couple, so that's what you need to start from.

From the refrigerator

Here it is worth talking about the fact that the wax melter will come from an old refrigerator, and not from newfangled models, where everything inside is made of plastic.

Take an old refrigerator with a metal casing and remove its parts;
You need to drill a hole in the back wall and insert a silicone tube;
Turn the refrigerator upside down, drill a similar hole from one and insert a metal tube;
Connect the high pressure hose to allow steam to flow inside;
Attach a mesh with small holes just above the bottom of the refrigerator;
Above the mesh you can drill a place for hooks for a basket or frames;
The second end of the hose to the steam generator.

This mechanism can be made in a couple of hours and used all year round.

From the juicer

Beekeepers who have an aluminum juice cooker can consider themselves lucky because nothing about it needs to be altered. Inside it there is already a mechanism for heating water and a juice collector-wax collector with a tube. It is enough to put honeycombs there, after a while pure wax will start to drip.

From the frying pan

It is better to use cast iron models that will no longer be used in the kitchen. What do you need to prepare?

Drill a hole in the middle of the frying pan and insert a hose;
Drill a hole in the metal collector and insert the second end of the hose;
Place foil on the bottom of the pan;
Secure a fine mesh in the frying pan (weld it or attach it to fasteners).

The prepared device cannot be placed on a tile; the wax will burn, so it is exposed to the sun. To maintain the temperature, the pan must be covered with a lid.

The process of creating a solar wax melter

A homemade solar wax melter is based on a certain operating principle, namely the use of solar energy. The device comes with a baking tray, a special housing, and a trough for collecting wax. It is made with your own hands, using tinplate, and in other cases - plywood with a glass or wooden lid.

Features of the use of this equipment:

the sun's rays penetrate the glass; the wax temperature exceeds seventy degrees; as a result, the wax melts, gradually flowing into the prepared trough; the mesh plays the role of a filter, which is installed on the edge of the baking sheet; It is important to remember that ultraviolet rays must hit perpendicularly.

The DIY solar design yields over five kilograms of natural beeswax.

The manufacturing process of a solar wax melter is quite simple, and use is fast, efficient and convenient.

Many beekeepers use this structure in their activities. It is made using glass and a wooden box. First, the box is constructed, then the frame, which is made of self-tapping screws and wood. A special holder is attached to the baking sheet and frame, and glass is inserted. The top of the equipment needs to be painted. You may also be interested in another type of creating a solar wax refiner, more details here.

Advantages of a solar device with a drinking bowl

The rays of the sun in a properly designed device heat the wax to a temperature of 100 degrees. The wax must be heated at high temperatures; it will begin to drain into the trough. You need to melt the wax, then wait until it hardens; in the morning, when the device is completely filled, the raw material is pulled out.

The advantage of a solar wax refiner with a bee drinker

Environmentally friendly quality. Saving. There is no need to specifically burn fuel. The wax is of high quality. If there is no wax damaged by moths, you can use wax waste. Please note that if you melt beeswax without a mirror, it will come out yellow; with a mirror, it will turn out dark. If the heating temperature is high, propolis begins to burn

The quality of the product does not change.

Valuable beeswax

Beeswax is a product of the wax glands of bees. Individuals use it to build honeycombs in hives. Everyone knows that hives are equipped with honeycombs in which larvae are deposited and beebread and honey are stored. Wax is used to seal the cells in the hives.

This product contains the following valuable substances:

micro- and macroelements;
vitamins;
acids;
water;
plant pigment and hydrocarbon.

Beekeepers must remember that the condition of the bee hive affects the quality and quantity of future products, so it must be kept completely clean and tidy. To make work in the apiary easier, it is recommended to equip it with a structure such as a wax melter, which will significantly facilitate the beekeeper’s work.

Features of the device

This wax grinder is quite simple. It will come in handy both for an experienced beekeeper and for a novice specialist who is faced with the question of melting wax. Many people prefer a solar wax melter - and there are a number of reasons for this:

Solar wax refiner at work

Saving. You save effort and money both on creating and maintaining the device. This feature is ensured by the fact that the wax melter runs on solar energy and does not require additional costs. This is where the solar model is significantly superior to, for example, the steam model. Simplicity. The basis of the structure is a box, in the upper part of which a glass plane is installed. Honeycombs with raw materials are placed inside, and a container for collecting wax is placed in the lower part. This wax melter is especially convenient for those who melt wax in small quantities. Due to the simplicity of the design and the low cost of its manufacture, beekeepers are happy to make such wax melters themselves. Purity. The melted raw materials are considered environmentally friendly; they are not polluted and are not exposed to the negative effects of the external environment. Plus, the wax that remains in the honeycombs can be reused and is absolutely safe.

What it is

The process consists of several stages:

The honeycombs are soaked and then placed in the unit.
The wax furnace is heated to the melting temperature.
The molten substance flows into a collection container and is then packaged.

DIY steam wax refiner

To build a steam-based structure, any available means can be used. When choosing metal parts, you should prefer stainless steel or aluminum - they do not oxidize. The design principle can be twofold: with the steam source located inside the device or outside it. The first one resembles the work of a juicer:

Pour water into a large container and place a stand for dishes with the final product (wide bowl);
A grid is attached to the edges of the container, on which the raw materials are placed. Sometimes 2 gratings are installed: a thinner one on top;
When the water is heated, the wax melts and flows through the grates into the bowl.

To process large volumes of raw materials in large apiaries, it is more effective to use structures where heating can be carried out directly from the frames. After processing, the beekeeper only needs to tighten the wire - after all, the frames are already disinfected and ready to be returned to the hive.

To construct such a structure, the steam source is placed separately from the main device. To build a steam wax furnace of this type, an old refrigerator or a non-working hive will do:

Inside the box (refrigerator) they make fastenings for the frames, insulate them from the inside and check the tightness;
A grate is installed under the frames, and under it is a wax tray with a groove that goes out;
A hole is drilled in the lid for a hose through which steam is supplied. The other end of the hose is hermetically connected to a source of steam - a closed barrel or flask of water placed on the fire;

When steam begins to flow through the drain hole, this marks the end of the process. Then the lid is opened, the frames are taken out and the dead stuff is cleaned. Then the next batch is loaded.

A homemade wax melter is a fairly simple structure and, if desired, can be made from any available materials: an old refrigerator, a non-working beehive, a juice cooker, a large aluminum pan, etc. There is also an old fashioned method - using ordinary heating in water and then filtering through cheesecloth. To destroy any lesions present in the raw material, you should cook it for at least 2 hours.

Whether to build the device yourself or buy it in a store depends on the desires and abilities of the beekeeper. However, in any form, it is a necessary tool in any apiary.

Necessary materials

To make a wax melter, you will need to completely disassemble the washing machine and leave the following parts:

frame,
drum,
tank,
sealing cuff of the hatch,
drain pipe,
hose for water intake.

In addition to the parts of the washing machine, for a homemade wax melter you need to prepare:

volumetric flask with a capacity of 15 to 20 liters,
metal trough,
rubber plug,
silicone based sealant,
a metal cover with a diameter larger than the loading hatch of the washing machine,
gas or electric stove for heating, or make a fire.

Pros and cons of this design

The solar wax melter has the following advantages:
It is not difficult to make it yourself. The work to implement this design is quite simple and does not require any special professionalism.
Such a device does not require connection to a source of electricity, since it is powered by heating from the sun's rays.
This is a fairly reliable and strong device.
With its help, pure wax without impurities is obtained, and the process of obtaining the product does not require control and constant attention.
The wax melter is suitable for a variety of wax, including old wax.

The disadvantages include the following:
It takes a decent amount of time for the raw material to melt completely, especially if you need to process a large amount.
In rainy or cloudy weather, the wax will not be heated. Such a device cannot always be used, but only in summer on sunny days.
The amount of kindling material is limited, so it should not be used for large production volumes.

Did you know? Wax prevents infection and bacteria from getting inside the honeycomb; it perfectly protects honey from spoilage. They often process products for these purposes. So, the top of the cheese is treated with wax so that it can be stored longer.

Making a wax melter on your own will not take much time, but will save money. To make it you will need very few materials and ordinary tools.

Video: do-it-yourself wax melting

The raw material used by beekeepers to obtain wax is honeycombs that are unsuitable for further use. They may be rejected for various reasons. Wax is also extracted from the caps (caps) of sealed honey. From 10 kg of such raw materials you can get 3-5 kg of wax. Since a steam wax melter works on the principle of a steam bath, in order to melt the wax from unnecessary honeycombs, they need to be loaded into a special compartment and filled with water. Then everything is simple. We place the steam wax melter on the fireplace or turn it on (if you have an electric one) and wait for the melting to begin. If the design of your wax melter already includes a press, then you need to use it to create pressure by periodically turning the handle. When the liquid wax hardens, it can be removed from the container in which it is located.

Steam extraction is considered the most popular method of wax extraction today. It has the following advantages:

High percentage of finished product yield.
No contact with water. What improves the quality of wax
Keeping the workspace clean

The main disadvantage of steam apiary wax melters is their high energy consumption. If you use “free” raw materials for the heating process, then the minus can be leveled out. But if the steam generator is powered by electricity, then in order to achieve the required temperature, a significant amount of energy is required. The second disadvantage of such installations is that they cause overheating of the wax. Which can lead to the loss of its qualities.

Saving time on preparing wax raw materials for loading into the device
High wax melting speed
High wax yield (50% – 80%)
The frames used after this process are cleaned of fungus, moth eggs, etc.

Steam wax melter - how to make it yourself: design and description

Since the principle of operation of the described steam wax furnace is a steam bath, containers of any volume can be used for its production. Savvy beekeepers even use the casings of old washing machines or refrigerators for this device. By removing everything unnecessary, these household appliances do a good job of burning wax. The main thing is to provide access to hot steam. Wax melting in a water bath can be done as follows:

Features and differences

From the name it becomes clear that this unit is used to extract wax using high temperatures. The quality of the product and the operating principle of the device depend on the design used. It is possible to make a steam wax melter yourself.

Most often, steam or water wax refineries are used. The first one disinfects beekeeping equipment and reheats the honeycombs immediately within the framework. The second has a more complex design. The principle of operation is similar to that of a steam bath. For it, they use a washing machine and make the structure with their own hands.

Other types of device

The following types of wax mills can be found in apiaries:

heated by sunlight;
electric;
centrifugal.

Solar

The installation uses thermal energy from sunlight for heating and is compact and lightweight. The wax melter is designed for processing a small volume of raw materials and can be used in stationary or mobile apiaries. The body consists of a wooden base and vertical walls, which are coated on the inside with a layer of dark paint (it is possible to use reflective elements from an old photo gloss). A grate is installed inside, under which there is a metal tray to collect melted wax.

The mesh is laid on a wooden edging attached to the body. The upper part of the installation is covered with transparent (some designs are equipped with a tinted element) silicate glass 3-5 mm thick, fixed in a protective wooden frame. The sun's rays heat the internal volume of the case, hot air ensures the transition of the wax into a liquid mass, which subsequently flows down the metal sheet into the storage tank.

Electric

The equipment is equipped with a heating element (for example, from a kettle or other product), which boils water. There are also modifications with infrared devices that heat the liquid with heat rays. The design includes a rheostat that adjusts the current in the circuit and the operating temperature. It is possible to install a thermometer, which allows you to select the optimal operating mode of the device. The melted material flows down an inclined plane into a narrow channel that directs the liquid into a substitute reservoir.

Centrifugal

The installation is equipped with a rotating tank; heated steam is used to heat the wax. The centrifugal force generated during rotation allows the liquid to be separated from the honeycomb. The raw materials are placed in thick cellophane bags. An electric drive is used to rotate the tank (for example, a motor from an old washing machine or a drill). After the procedure is completed, the resulting material must be reprocessed to separate foreign impurities from the wax. Apiary owners assemble a wax melter with their own hands based on a drum from a washing machine.

Torque is transmitted from the engine by a V-belt. When using an electric drive, it is necessary to supply power to the work site and observe safety precautions. The equipment provides an increased yield of the finished product, but due to its complex design, the centrifugal unit is rarely used in private beekeeping.

Kinds

There are two main types of devices - solar and steam wax melters; you can also find other, less popular types. The steam model is much more efficient, as it allows you to get the largest amount of wax, while the solar model is used additionally.

Steam

A steam wax furnace consists of a tank, which is connected via a tube or hose to a body box. The body contains a lid and is made of wood. Its lower part contains a removable metal mesh, through which the wax flows. A hose is inserted into the side of the housing through which steam is supplied. The device is equipped with a tap to drain the wax. Inside there are hangers on which the frames are hung.

Usage

Water is filled halfway into the converter tank, and a fire is lit under the tank. The honeycombs are suspended into the housing. Steam is supplied through the pipe into the housing, as a result of which the honeycomb begins to melt and turn into wax. It flows through the mesh to the bottom and flows out through the tap. Sometimes the mesh is replaced with a tin pan. Such devices are convenient to use in small and medium-sized amateur apiaries.

DIY making

The best option for making a frame wax melter with your own hands is to use an electric heater or heating element. You need to make or find a rectangular or round metal container, preferably detachable. An old steamer works great. Using a thread, an electric heating element is fixed in its lower part. It would be great to make a window in the container to control the water level. A frame with a mesh is installed at the bottom, which becomes a kind of filter.

Blueprints

1. Wax melter. 2. Steam generator

In the drawings and photos you can familiarize yourself with the main aspects of production. Do-it-yourself steam wax melter - nothing could be easier for smart beekeeping!

Solar

As you can guess from the name, the solar model is powered by solar energy. Such a device consists of a body, a trough for collecting wax and a baking tray. Everything is made of tinplate. You can make a box with a glass lid from wood or plywood.

Application

The sun's rays passing through the glass heat the pan. Thanks to this, the wax raw material is heated to more than 70 degrees. As a result, the wax melts and flows into the trough. A mesh is placed on the edge of the baking sheet to filter the product from dead liquid. The sun's rays should fall perpendicularly onto the frame through the glass. As a result, after this process you can get about 5 kg of wax.

DIY making

Making such a wax melter with your own hands is as easy as shelling pears! You just need to find a suitable wooden box and cover it with pieces of glass. Let's improve this model a little. First, a box is made. A glass frame is being made. It is made of wood and screwed on with self-tapping screws. Holders for baking sheets and frames are attached. All that remains is to insert the glass and paint the device.

Blueprints

1. Body. 2. Trough. 3. Melted wax. 4. Glazed frame. 5. Baking tray. 6. Wax raw materials. 7. Boss. 8. Base

In these drawings and photos you can familiarize yourself with the main details and dimensions of the device.

Centrifugal

You can also melt the wax using a centrifuge. It also contains a steam generator. The product is loaded into plastic bags, they are tied and evenly placed over the entire surface. When the rotor rotates, steam is supplied to the centrifuge. The method, although simple, is very convenient.

Electric

This beekeeping device combines operation from the sun and electric heating. After all, sometimes simple sun rays are not enough, and the weather may not always allow it. The power source is guaranteed to continue its work without distracting you from your work.

How to make it yourself

To make an electrical model with your own hands, you can use prefabricated parts from various devices. A wooden board will serve perfectly as a base. A stove heater is used for heating. Thermal contact from the iron will be an excellent solution to avoid overheating. An aluminum sheet is placed under the heater and thermally insulated. A tin mesh is located above the heater. The wax furnace is covered with glass.