On Thu, 3 Aug 1995, Dave Einhorn wrote:
 
> Is it acceptable to reuse apple juice
> barrels for honey?
 
Juice drums are popular with beekeepers.  No special cleaning is
required.
 
They are usually lighter weight - about 42 pounds compared with real
honey drums at 50 pounds or so, and will not stand as much dropping and
banging around.
 
When the honey becomes solid, though, the drums have good strength.  Any
drum may burst like a bag of water if dropped when full of liquid honey,
so be careful.
 
Because juice drums are 45 gallon Imperial (55 gallon US or 110 litres)
they are a standard size andf contain typically 630 pounds when filled to
within 2 inches of the top.  Don't overfill.
 
Because they are open-top type (usually) they are easy to inspect for
junk, damage etc. and to empty and clean.
 
The lid should be closed with a seal.
 
Closed top types are acceptable with many buyers, but not as easy to
inspect, clean or empty and should be avoided if the other are available.
 
> What are people paying for barrels and are there
> preferred suppliers for barrels?
 
Orchards or juice packers in Washington State have huge supplies at
prices from $5 and up.
 
Your yellow pages should list drums and reputable reconditioners will
sell you very nice drums for $10 and up in any city.
 
New drums run about $35 and up.
 
But remember - Drums previously used for purposes other than food are a
definite no-no.
 
Allen
 
 
W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper                        VE6CFK
Rural Route One   Swalwell   Alberta   Canada  T0M 1Y0
Email:   [log in to unmask]    or   [log in to unmask]
Futures, Art & Honey:http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~dicka