So far I've gotten about about 9 gallons (US) of honey and the associated
beeswax off my top bars hives this year.  I had split heavily and really
didn't expect to get much this year if any, but the sourwood flow has
been unusually good around the Canton area.  I will probably have some
more at Ellijay, further north, where I have 7 tbh's...if the bears
haven't gotten them.
 
I'm pressing the honey out of the combs by putting the combs in a mesh
bag, suspending the bag between two vertical plates, then applying much
pressure with a scissor-type automobile jack.  I tried squeezing some out
by hand last year, and I had tried using the hinged, grooved paddles in
years past, but I wasn't happy with those.
 
The press I built works like a charm, and pressing the honey out has led
to an interesting observation.  I had a small amount of uncapped honey in
the first batch I pressed, but the uncapped honey wasn't watery.  I
pressed it all then noted over the next several days that *very* fine
bubbles were rising to the top of the honey jars.  I was fearful that the
honey was fermenting though the taste didn't indicate that it was taking
place.  After a few days the bubbles stopped, and there is now no foam on
the top and the honey is clear.  I have concluded that what I have been
observing is air "dissolved" into the honey due to the high pressures
exerted by the press, then gradually coming "out of solution" over
several days.
 
I wonder if those on BEE-L who have pressed honey would agree with my
observation?  I'm sure that some of you have pressed a great deal of
honey, especially heather if I understand correctly.  I would look
forward to hearing from you directly, or post to all if you feel it's
desirable.
 
Cordially yours,
 
Jim
 
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  |  James D. Satterfield        |  E-Mail: [log in to unmask]       |
  |                              --------------------------------
  |  258 Ridge Pine Drive         Canton is about 40 mi/64 km   |
  |  Canton, GA 30114, USA        north of Atlanta, Georgia USA |
  |  Telephone (770) 479-4784                                   |
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