Project Description
The Uncapper Uncapping Roller Machine
The UNCAPPER is a brand new uncapping machine which offers a simple, fast and far superior method (vs. knives or planes) for the hobby/sideline beekeeper to harvest honey.
The beekeeper has only to push/pull the frame through the UNCAPPER to extract both sides at the same time! Many other methods require positioning the frame multiple movements to remove the cappings. That is both tiring and SLOW!
he UNCAPPER is designed to work with all sizes of Langstroth frames, including shallows, mediums and deeps.
The advantages besides being fast:
- There is no heat, electricity or sharp edges.
- Wax waste is minimal, saving your bees the time it takes to rebuild the comb. It does not remove the cappings, rather it SLITS them open.
- The UNCAPPER body is made from high density polyethylene. The rollers are cut on a CNC lathe from a solid piece of 2″ aluminum bar stock. It is incredibly durable. The polyethylene body protects the rollers from damage even if dropped. If ever needed, replacing the O-rings (the only part that may break) is a simple task.
- No need for a separate uncapping tank to hold frames that you’re uncapping while waiting for the extractor to “spin out.” With the Uncapper, the extractor is fully loaded with frames within minutes after removal from the super! Your hand never leaves the frame until it’s placed in the extractor! Pull the frame from the super, push/pull through the Uncapper then place in the extractor. It’s THAT simple!
1. How many frames would you say you have run through it?
We’ve used the UNCAPPER for at least three years, possibly four. In that time we have had between 25 and 40 hives per season. We harvest at least twice a year.
2. How well does it uncap darker comb?
Darker comb is not as easy as newer comb, no matter what uncapping process you use. We do use it on old brood comb that has been filled. In stubborn/dark/old/skinny frames, we have found that holding the frame at an angle during the uncapping process helps by applying more pressure to the comb than normally exerted by the devise alone. Sometimes a second pass thru the UNCAPPER is needed.
3. Do we need to bolt it to a tank to keep it from moving around?
Yes. The UNCAPPER is fastened to the tank of your choice by as few as two screws or with “straps” on both ends. We use drywall screws but the type will depend on your specific application. It sits perfectly on the Mann Lake uncapping tank. You can also mount it on a deep hive body.
4. Can we use the UNCAPPER on natural wax foundation?
YES!
5. What about low spots?
No UNCAPPER will hit all the low spots. We simply leave them uncapped. When we return the frames to the bee yard for cleanup, the bees will uncap them and we’ll get the honey, “the next time.” Or you can use an uncapping fork to get those few low spots.
6. Is there a warranty?
We warrant this UNCAPPER to be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and conditions, for a period of one (1) year from the original invoice date.
