> >When harvesting honey, what percentage of uncapped cells can be
> >tolerated without spoilage of the honey?  Do the frames need to be
> >almost totally capped?
 
Unfortunately, there is absolutely no direct  relationship  -- in
spite of popular belief to the contrary -- between percentage of
capped cells, and moisture content.
 
There *is* a relationship, but it is not direct or consistent.
 
We try to extract before any significant amount of capping takes
place unless ambient moisture is high (Rainy weather, etc.)
 
Chances are greater of accidentally extracting nectar during a flow
if cells are uncapped - - especially if honey is pulled  late in the
day, however uncapped honey *can* be quite ripe and ready to extract.
 
If we waited until all the cells were capped here, we would be
dealing with honey at 14 - 15% moisture.  Far too dry.
 
Like everything in beekeeping, this is an question where rules are a poor
substitute for experience and observation.
 
A lot depends on your area and beekeeping style.  The old bee people
in your own area can best advise -- but be sure to ask several.
 
And try the honey (with a spoon) before extracting.  And if you can
shake it out of frames, it is definitely too wet.  Remember, the
moisture will be an average, so if one frame has dry honey, and
another wet, the result will be something between.
 
Regards
 
Allen
 
W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper                                         VE6CFK
RR#1, Swalwell, Alberta  Canada T0M 1Y0
Internet:[log in to unmask] & [log in to unmask]
Honey. Bees, & Art <http://www.internode.net/~allend/>