In a message dated 3/3/02 10:17:42 AM GMT Standard Time, [log in to unmask]
writes:


> Maybe the units you describe are different, but if they are the same as a
> Kelley Melter -- a coffin shaped thing with a hinged lid and radiant heaters
> in it  -- I've had several of these in various sizes over the years and sold
> all of them.
>

They are indeed broadly similar to the device you mention, and even the
Thomas manager who visited us last autumn to see how his new extractor was
working described them as obsolescent, but still sell readily. In their range
they consider them to have been largely replaced by a machine called a
'Spinomel' which does not aeriate the honey. Not everyone wants a spinner
though, no matter how gentle and effective.

The link below contains a simple picture of the wax press we use to seperate
everything without heat, and it even crushes down old combs etc, squeezing
almost everything out. Wire, metal, little bits of wood, everything is
crushed together and comes out just like dog biscuits. The machine even works
on crystallised old honey in combs, but this stuff may need you to put the
output at the wax end through again. It leaves a lot of tiny brash in the
honey which you can then melt and skim.

http://www.apiservices.com/limousin-apiculture/index.htm

I'll see if I can take some photos of it in operation next season and post
them up for folk to see. Another relatively expensive option at around USD
8/9 K.  The more wax and chunks there is in the input mix the better, if
mainly honey the machine can cavitate, and thus if the input is pulped honey
and cappings there can from time to time be a slight problem. If there is you
just through a heap of the wax from the output end back in at the start to
give it something solid to work on.

Unfortunately with regard to your original question it does not render wax
and you still have all this stuff to deal with although with the honey now
salvaged.

Murray