Ron Bogansky asked about a method for removing wax from used cut comb
frames. I have had reasonable success in cleaning up frames in a steam
chest. Cut combs are easier than brood combs.
 
The chest is a rectangular sheet metal box about 30"long, 24" wide and 30"
high. An expanded metal grid is suspended about 6" above the bottom. The
chest is insulated on all sides with styrofoam. A heating element is
located near the bottom and a fitting to introduce steam is located an
inch or two above the grid.
 
 In operation, a few inches of hot water is put in the bottom, the grid is
covered with a layer of burlap and about 30 frames are laid in on top. I
find it best to lay the frames on the end bars so that the wax runs out of
the grooves.  The lid is put on, the heating element is energized and
the steamer is turned on.
 
The frames come out clean in about 15 minutes. The wax collects in the
bottom and is recovered by leaving it to cool overnight and breaking it
out. No effort is made to recover the small amount of honey.
 
 
Donald Aitken
11710-129 Street
Edmonton Alberta Canada
T5M 0Y7