> I do not know time and temperature, but I'm sure they're in the manual > (don't recall the exact title and don't recall if it was from Austrailia or New > Zealand). Ref: Goodwin, R.M., Haine, H.M. 1998: Using paraffin wax and steam chests to sterilise hive parts that have been in contact with colonies with American foulbrood disease. New Zealand Beekeeper 5(4): 21. 160 deg C for 10 minutes - I think that would be 320 deg F? - very hot, and as Aaron says, very close to the flash point of wax. But with due care and concern, it is a very effective means of salvaging equipment that has been used effectively in New Zealand for many years. For a description of the process, etc, see: http://www.beekeeping.co.nz/disease/man08.htm Nick Wallingford Tauranga, New Zealand [log in to unmask] http://www.beekeeping.co.nz