How to Use an 8 Frame Honey Extractor to Easily Remove Honey From Honeycomb Frames

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Everything You Need to Know About the 8 Frame Honey Extractor

If you’re searching for information on the 8 frame honey extractor, you’ve come to the right place. As a beekeeper with over 10 years of experience, I’ve used multiple sizes of extractors to process honey from my hives. In this detailed guide, I’ll answer all your questions about the 8 frame model and help you determine if it’s the right choice for your needs.

What is a Honey Extractor?

To begin, it’s helpful to explain what a honey extractor does. A honey extractor is a piece of equipment that spins honeycomb frames to separate honey from the wax cells. When bees fill the comb with nectar, it’s quite thick and sticky. Extractors use centrifugal force to fling the honey out of the comb and into an extracti on chamber below while leaving the wax intact in the frames. This allows beekeepers to easily remove honey without damaging the precious beeswax.

Why Consider an 8 Frame Size?

The 8 frame extractor is a popular intermediate size that’s ideal for hobbiest and backyard beekeepers. Here are some of the primary benefits of this model:

  1. It can process honey from 2-3 standard Langstroth hives at a time, which is sufficient for most hobby operations.
  2. At about 65 pounds, the 8 frame is lightweight enough for one person to easily assemble, operate, and store when not in use.
  3. Individual frames fit easily into the unloading gate for draining excess honey.
  4. With a crank-style drive, it’s relatively affordable compared to larger electric models.

In other words, the 8 frame strikes a nice balance of capacity and portability that works well for part-time beekeepers without too many hives. It gives you enough throughput without being overly cumbersome to manage.

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Choosing Accessories

When shopping for an 8 frame extractor, consider these popular add-ons:

  • Uncapping tank: To ease uncapping, many like a separate tank below the uncapping area for wax cappings to drain into.
  • Extraction honey gate: An gate or spigot on the bottom chamber makes filling buckets of extracted honey easier.
  • Protective cover: A fitted cover shields the spinning extractor from debris and helps contain any flung honey.

Such accessories add convenience without driving up the base price too much. They basically make for a more polished extraction station.

Set Up and Maintenance

Assembling an 8 frame extractor is pretty straightforward. Most come well-labeled for easy construction. The key is leveling it on a sturdy, clean surface away from foot traffic. Place a catching basin below the honey gate for filling buckets. Proper cleaning after each use prevents mold growth or residue buildup. A light coat of food-grade oil on moving parts every season ensures smooth operation for years.

Is It For You?

In deciding if an 8 frame honey extractor suits your needs, consider the following:

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  1. How many hives do you currently have or plan to expand to? 3-4 hives is ideal for the 8 frame capacity.
  2. Do you have adequate space to assemble and store the extractor when not in use? It doesn’t take up too much room folded up.
  3. Are you comfortable cranking the handle by hand or prefer an electric model? Electric versions have higher initial costs.
  4. Are you on a budget? The 8 frame offers decent capability at an affordable price point.

From my experience, an 8 frame honey extractor has been a reliable workhorse. With proper care, it will serve you well for many honey seasons to come. Just remember that propping open the extractor lid before cranking prevents dangerous suction that could pinch fingers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some additional questions beekeepers commonly have:

  1. How long does extraction take? Expect 30-45 minutes per batch of 8 frames, depending on moisture content.
  2. Should I extract right away or let honey sit? For best quality, allow new honey to mature in the hive 2-4 weeks before extracting.
  3. What’s the best extractor rpm? 120-150 rpm is the accepted speed range to avoid flinging honey out of the comb.
  4. How can I tell when extraction is complete? Frames will be mostly honey-free right after spinning, with just traces clinging to cell edges.

I hope this guide has been helpful for any beekeeper weighing the 8 frame extractor option. Feel free to reach out if you need any other advice on selecting honey processing equipment. Now get out there and enjoy the sweet rewards of your beekeeping hobby!

Choosing the Right 8 Frame Honey Extractor

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Capacity Frame Type Motor Speed Price
4 Frame Standard National Frames 1/3 HP 1,000 RPM $400
6 Frame Dadant Frames 1/2 HP 1,200 RPM $550
8 Frame Langstroth Frames 3/4 HP 1,500 RPM $700
12 Frame Commercial Frames 1 HP 1,800 RPM $950

FAQ

  1. What is an 8 frame honey extractor?

    An 8 frame honey extractor is basically a spinning device that separates honey from the wax combs of honeybee hives. It has room for 8 wooden frames that hold the honeycomb.

  2. How does an 8 frame honey extractor work?

    An 8 frame extractor works by using centrifugal force. You put the full honeycombs in the basket and spin it around fast. The spinning tosses the honey out towards the sides while leaving the wax in the comb cells behind. The honey collects in the outer catch basin.

  3. Are 8 frame extractors easy to use?

    8 frame extractors are relatively simple to operate. You just load the combs, secure the basket lid, and spin the handle. However, you do need some upper body strength to turn the crank, so it can feel a bit tiring after a while. My grandpa always used to complain his arms were sore afterwards!

  4. What are the pros of an 8 frame extractor?

    The pros of an 8 frame extractor include its compact size, which makes it portable and easy to store. It’s also fairly inexpensive compared to larger extractors. Another pro is that it works well for hobby beekeepers with just a few hives.

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  5. What are the cons of an 8 frame extractor?

    One drawback of the 8 frame model is it only processes a small amount of honeycombs at once. You have to work in batches, which can get kind of slow. Another con is that spinning a full 8 frame load puts some serious strain on your muscles.

  6. Should I get an 8 frame extractor?

    An 8 frame may be a good option if you’re just starting out beekeeping or only have a couple hives. Its compact size is a major bonus. However, if you see your operation expanding, you’ll likely want to upgrade to a larger capacity extractor to boost efficiency. In the end, an 8 frame is a solid extractor to start with.

  7. What features should I look for in an 8 frame extractor?

    Some important factors include smooth spinning with balanced weight distribution, sturdy construction that won’t wobble, and clear instructions. An extractor with angle adjustment allows you to control the wax/honey separation process. Drain valves and collection buckets aid clean up too. Definitely take those things into account when shopping around.