Richard Yarnell,
I’ve found the only time I have trouble is when I put in material with a
lot of moisture, such as masonite inner covers.  I use the cover while
heating, and have a good fire.  When I start to put in material for waxing,
I use just a small fire, to maintain the 250 F./121 C. temp.  Usually one
log will do it.
Once when I put in inner covers the steam raised the wax level perilously
close to the top.  I removed the inner covers and let the wax cool a bit and
put in less masonite.  It’s a good idea to keep the hose handy to cool the
fire or barrel exterior, but never allow water inside the barrel!  Light
rain is not a problem, but heavy rain is.
A cover that would hold down material would be a good idea.  Of course the
problem is different sizes of material, so I don’t use a cover over the
barrel.  Bottom boards are the longest pieces I put in the barrel, with the
exception of the occasional post or garden tool.  I maintain the wax depth
accordingly.  The paraffin is a good rust-proofer, too!
I use leather mitts,a mist breather mask, and a stick with a nail driven
through the end to pull material from the barrel.
Charles F. Andros
NH/VT Apiary Inspector '78-’89
Linden Apiaries
1 McLean Road
POB 165
Walpole, NH
03608-0165 USA/EUA
603-756-9056 phone/fax if notified by phone
email: [log in to unmask]
Residence: Latitude: 43° 05’ North, Longitude: 72° 21’ 15" West
Keeper of 41 two-queen colonies for honey, pollen, propolis, pollination,
nuclei, beeswax, apitherapy, and education.