>>         I'm curious about the various techniques used when decapping
frames with
>> a decapping fork. I had always assummed that one just scratched the
cappings
>> with the points to the fork. However the first person I saw using one was
>> "shoveling" the capping by sliding the fork tines under the cappings and
>> lifting.
>
>I have tried the shoveling method and I don't like it. You have to be
>careful to get the angle just right or it digs in. If you drag the fork
>across the comb it works just as well and the operation is completely
>mindless.
>
>
>Donald Aitken
 
 
While it does take a bit of practice, the "shovelling" method is less
damaging on the combs.  The scratching method cuts slices in the cappings
 and may not let all the honey out also) , but rips the walls of the comb
apart and just wastes the bees time and energy.
 
Regards,
 
Ian Watson    [log in to unmask]
real estate agent     gardener    baritone
beekeeper---> 11 colonies and counting