> Every scrap of waste wax, cappings, scrapings, damaged and black >combs, all go into the solar. As a result I always have a surplus, making >my own foundation and a sideline in candles. > I have never made any weight tests, percentage of wax recovered. >Never found the necessity. However, later this year I will try to do so and >report back. Meanwhile I am satisfied that this is the cheapest and labour >free method of dealing with old combs for the small beekeeper. > Incidentally, to all those who do not yet have a solar and >contemplate making one, make it big enough to take excluders, as it makes an >excellent job of cleaning and sterilising them. Sid P. >_________________________________________________________________ >Sid Pullinger Email : [log in to unmask] >36, Grange Rd Compuserve: [log in to unmask] >Alresford >Hants SO24 9HF >England Just as a matter of curiosity you mentioned that you made your own foundation? Do you use the mould that you can buy? I had seem one advertised years ago in Gleaning In Bee Culture. It was made in England. Ivan