On Tue, 28 Oct 1997, Stan Sandler wrote:
 
> I would appreciate some comments on the various types of automatic uncappers
> that available (Gunness, Cowan, Maxant...)
 
I used a steam heated jiggle knife uncapper for several years. It works
quite well but cuts a lot of comb off and produces a lot of wax cappings
which are a nuisance to process. The bees must then rebuild the comb,
which I believe is a detriment to honey production. We also found it
necessary to scratch the low spots in the combs which the knife missed.
The steam generator is another item which is expensive and a nuisance
to operate.
 
We quit using the jiggle knife some years ago and just use a scratcher to
uncap. It is definitely slower than the power uncappers but two people can
easily keep ahead of a 20 frame extractor. One person alone can do about 6
supers an hour, two persons probably about 15. The simplicity of the
system is worth a lot. Since our honey house is quite small, the less
equipment we have (consistent with reasonable efficiency) the better.
 
Another consideration is the capital involved. It is the bees that make
the money and capital is probably better invested in them until you are
really overpowered with the honey pouring in!
 
 
Donald Aitken
11710-129 Street
Edmonton Alberta Canada
T5M 0Y7