James,
My extractor is a used two-frame from the local univerity apiculture club.
It's a Root "L-10" which is galvanized.  My neighbors got a plan for
making an extractor and are using a recycled HDPE food grade drum.
 
About chrome--doesn't the process of chroming put out a load of toxics?
I'd guess that the resulting surface won't corrode but the solvents and
metals dissolved in acids need to be disposed of somewhere. +I'd guess that
you could buy a new one for what it'll cost you to have the insides polished
enough for chroming - unless you're going to take in that load of dust
yourself.
 
Also, you might think a bit about resident times for your processing.  I usually
allow the honey to settle in glass gallons - instead of being in contact
with metals.  The extractor gets propped up to drain out before the next
days' robbing bees appear.  You know, just heating up your well-cleaned
extractor and allowing a very thin beeswax to melt over the surface
seems a pretty convenient protection.  Seems like it's a level of
technology we can live with and let's hope it stays legal for food use.
 
On Sat, 22 Jun 1996, James Peterson wrote:
 
> I have only received two messages on my pleading for information on
> what materiel that the law ( what number ? ) allows to be used in an
> extractor.  I have only taken  " Bee Culture"  for about a year , but
> go to a University library ofter and peruse the other periodicals.  I
> have not seen any articles on this subject before.  If any of you can
> give me some ref.  on the above subjects , I would appreciate it.
>
> Could I please poll the bee list on what material their extractors
> are made of.  The material that contacts the honey.
>
> I have thought of having my extractor chromed by the local bumper
> chrome company.  I thought of this because it is the chrome content
> in stainless steel that gives it its corrosion resistance qualities.
>
> My bee equipment supplier (stainless equiptment) told me that there
> are a lot of bee keepers that are not using stainless.
>
> Please help me make a decision.
>
> James Peterson Ph.D.
>
> If it is to be, It is up to me.
>