My Thorne 25 Gallon Tank is made in Wisconsin (USA) thornemfg.com/ This is the 1st Prototype model. The Thorne's that are sold have immaculate welding and shaping. Big thanks to David Davenport with goodjobbees.com/ for helping with the screen design. Check out his Rare White Hawaiian Honey! Thanks to Ian Steppler for his tips and his inspirational videos on wax processing. Kamon Reynolds did not receive any pay, free/discounted product, or incentives for his honest review and the above comments.

@bomchickawahwaaaaah

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this great video. I've been saving my burr comb for a few years waiting for an efficient way to render. This looks great!

@td4190

2 жыл бұрын

It's official I'm going to the hive Life conference. I'll see you there. Put away money already for event and for boxes I want to buy. Can't wait

@user-mx8op7gi1p

Жыл бұрын

Lĺĺ

@kamonreynolds

Жыл бұрын

@@bomchickawahwaaaaah they have a little model now. Same design just smaller

@bomchickawahwaaaaah

Жыл бұрын

@@kamonreynolds thanks Kamon. I appreciate your advice. Cheers, Mufti

How come no one is mentioning how funny Kamon is in this video? I'm dying laughing at all these little jokes sprinkled throughout LOL

@theliltwirp

Ай бұрын

Agreed !! He has a great sense of humor ! 😁😄 I love his channel. Beekeepers/farmers usually have an amazing spirit, always willing to learn and share what they've learned to help us 💪🏾💪🏾💯

I never see beekeepers using the comb twice to extract or "reclaim" all that extra wax. I'm an armchair quarterback with zero beekeeping experience, but man it is so nice that you actually ran that comb and essentially "junk" material twice. I haven't finished the video yet, but I imagine there's gotta be a decent amount left that you managed to get on the second extraction.

That screen for extracting the last of the wax from the slum gum is pure genius 👏

No camera on earth can capture the lovely smell in that shed...🐝

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

You said it!

I thought you were holding a giant cookie on your thumbnail

Kamon, your instructional videos are becoming the industry standard. Your excellent presentation, practical application and lack of nonsense / hype is refreshing! Thank you for your help to the industry!!

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mr .Vanderpool. I really don't deserve that much praise. Just doing my best to serve our great industry of beekeeping, and much of what I know has been past down and shared from one beekeeper to the next. I am just continuing that tradition. I plan on doing a video on your queen introduction advice if you are cool with that. Hope to do that soon. No monkey motions queen intros haha!

I just rendered down the most wax I ever had. Once I was done I only had a 2 inch disc about 10 inches across. I can't imagine how much comb you melted to get those bricks!! I can imagine Laural's face when you said "get out of the way Women!" 🤣 Happy Mother's Day Laural! God bless

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah was like walking into a lions den!

American small business manufacturing (Wausau Wisconsin), brilliant! This is what happens when a good company listens to the customers. I see Thorne is looking into extractors too.

My compost pile sure does love that slum.

Nice to have option to press out that slum, good reclaim of the wax

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks Ian your videos inspired this!

@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog

2 жыл бұрын

I like your effort towards helping beekeepers become successful. I wish I had a source of information readily available like your channel when I just started out. A health beekeeper makes for a healthy industry, Champion agriculture

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

@@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog Thanks for that Ian. I feel the same and was glad when I came across yours. Now I got to try some of that Canadian Rocket Fuel for bees

@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog

2 жыл бұрын

Sweet!

Couldn't believe the wax that came out of the slum! What kind of screen do you use for the final filtration process?

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

I know! I couldn't believe how much was in the slum gum either! When I filter the wax the rest of the way I will show that too. The filters I am going to try are a 50 micron sock filter

@mmb_MeAndMyBees

2 жыл бұрын

FlowerStreet... Here in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 a few Beeks, go to Paint Stores, and buy several "Bucket Paint Sieves." aka Large Mesh Bags, with Draw String Tops. Tip:. Do a 1st Pour in Bag "1". Keep "1" for this purpose only. Then, another, Bag "2" for 2nd Pour. And, if needed, Bag "3", with, a "old pillowcase" inside it... Never to be on your Bed ever again ! 🤭 Label each Bag, for same use, then nano particles get taken out, effectively and, completely. ✔ 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 Happy Beekeeping 2022. 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

You with all that wax, I get excited with just a few pounds. Looks like a win on the melter. Good video.

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve! I remember back when 2-3 pounds of wax was a big deal to me too!

The hotter the wax when poring, the better the separation will be. The impurities have more time to sink to the very bottom before the wax can solidify on the bottom. I aid that problem with a thick carboard sheet under the forms as well. Edit: also cover the forms up with a big cardboard sheet.

That is one slick wax melter....

Fascinating...

See Thorne Mfg. and 60+ other vendors at the Hive Life Conference Jan. 6th and 7th 2023 in Sevierville TN

Did I miss the part where you explain how much water to put in when you start? Thanks for bringing Thorne to the public's attention!

@kamonreynolds

10 ай бұрын

Yes you fill it to right above the second valve!

Wow i ise bees wax to style my hair for years 🙏🏾💚😊

Good equipment that functions well makes jobs so much easier 😃

this is one of the coolest things ive ever seen. i'm shocked that it doesn't have at least 30million views!

Ian Steppler's Finlay wax melter uses a screen as well, lets you reclaim a LOT of wax from the slumgim

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah his videos inspired this

You are very refreshing and knowledgeable. I love watching you and think your wife. She must be a good gal

That's a great piece of equipment, I'm still using the crock pot method , lol but hope to grow enough to purchase something of a bigger scale, Thanks Kamon great video.

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kajun! We started off using the crock pot method also!

You could make compost tea afterwards with the dirty honey water used in this process.

Thank you for sharing your expertise with us. That is still labor-intensive and is time consuming. With Pluto in Aquarius over the next 20 years we will witness the birth and death of technological advancements. Beekeeping processes and procedures will be one of many!

Wonderful video Kamon & Laurel! Love that beeswax!

That is a very slick unit. Love that screen setup also Kamon👍🤙

Very nice video! Ive been looking for beeswax. Lolol

I wish I processed enough wax to make an investment like that worth it... Maybe one day.

Could you change the water keeping the wax molton? Like Drain the bottom then add hot water . Seems like a waste to let it cool and remelt. It would be like water washing "herbal" infused butter.

Playing catch up here, but if you started with a course screen in the floor before loading the wax, you could then add the scum press on top to salvage the wax from the scum. Then just drain the water, pull upper screen with the salvaged wax cake, and then lift out most of the scum as a solid brick with the lower screen. Less scooping and scraping to save cleaning time.

Nice melter. With my shoulders getting worn down and the boxes of honey getting to be too much, I may see if there's a market for processing wax for hobby beekeepers. I keep half the wax for payment and give the other half to the beekeeper. Next is to find the price to one of these things and look into it.

I think I found my new interest

Nice!

A second screen that would sit on the bottom throughout the process until you remove the slum would make the clean out a lot easier! Just lift it out to pull the slum up and out making clean up quick? Just my 2 cents

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

That is an interesting thought!

I just subscribed 😍 I would love to see the process where you refine the wax from the blocks of beeswax with bits of debris to really pristine wax used for candles. Just beautiful ! 🌸🐝🌸

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for subbing K M! I definitely will! I am in the process of melting more cappings down into blocks but when I am finished we will film the final refinement!

Wow. That thing is amazing. I will never have that much wax but that is cool!

K&L, great video and looks like a great product! I took the slum, dark water and put it in my wife’s flower bed without telling her and the flowers are fine and looks great. There has to be something beneficial left in that to return back to Mother Earth instead of putting it in the garbage can. You definitely have some good looking wax.

Great product! I can’t wait to see what Thorn is bringing to next Hive Life Conference.

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Jeremy! Yeah it sounds like it could be not only extractors and wax melting tanks, but also uncapping tanks, clarifiers/sumps and more

@lindseyhomesteadfarm2653

2 жыл бұрын

@@kamonreynolds That’s awesome! I will be looking to buy a bottling tank and the next conference.

Those arms sir 🔥

Hello Kamon I just found your video on your new wax melter . What a great add to your Bee equipment. I have a idea that I think would help on the cleaning up part of it . The screen that goes down in it if you could talk to them about making another one like that one but does not have the legs on this one so it will lay right down flat on the very bottom. It does not have to have the holes in it or it could have the holes in it but after you drain all the water out an it drys out then you could just lift it out an it would lift out all the dry trash so you would not have to lean over an dip out all that trash . It could be put in at the very beginning before you start but have it made so your screen could still fit on top like you used it . Just a thought. As always thanks for all your great information you share with us all. THANKS

Love it! Great video!! Definitely something to purchase. Thank youuu Exceeding Abundant Blessings to both of you.

@kamonreynolds

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! They are coming out with a smaller model too!

Nice

Nice setup there Kamon! I'm still doing mine old school on a propane burner in a 6 gallon stainless pot. I need to drill some holes in the pot and add some ball valves similiar to your setup. That's very nice! (I'm not ready to ruin my 18 gallon brewing pot for rendering wax just yet😀) Appreciate you taking the time to share this with us.

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Texas beekeeper!

Kamon, thanks for the great video again! I love your philosophy on buying good equipment. Buy once, cry once. In my line of work I have learned the same thing. If we decide to go aluminum or carbon steel over stainless we end up paying twice and getting the stainless anyway. In this day and age we have to support American made products as much as possible. Anyway keep up the great work. Hopefully I will be able to attend the conference this year it sounded like a blast!

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Yessir. I have learned thru my business cheap costs and time is money. Hopefully I will see you there! We will have just about everything a beekeeper would like to see there! That's the plan anyways!

Thank you

I save all of the capping. I use it to during the winter for the bees. For food. Thye recycle it.

ever thought of putting heating wire that is temperature controlled at the gate valve? It would keep the wax from solidifying and allow you to pour at any speed or stop and go.

Lol. Too funny. Awesome

1st time I came across your videos. Great going most innovative and informative. Enjoy the way you explain and describe the process and lastly great piece of equipment. Though not available in India and prohibitive to import because of size and custom duties and taxes. Will sure try to fabricate locally.

Save your cappings to help feed your bees in the winter. .

Hi Kamon, Thank you for contribution to provide the youtube videos. I have certainly picked up ideas from your beekeeping. I have a question on what do you do with the plastic brood frames, how do you recycle them e.g. clean them up for re-use, Would love to learn what you do as I am very conscious on environment and would like find best way to re-use the frames.

@kamonreynolds

Жыл бұрын

Hey Paras, we scrape them down to the plastic and then power wash the foundations off. Once dry we coat with wax and reuse. If we break one they are always placed in the plastic recycling bin at the rubbish station.

After seeing that screen towards the end I can help but think it would be easier once the wax is liquid to drop a multi stage filter in and let it filter out the fine particles as it sinks below the spigot level. I was thinking something with a soft V seal around the edges to make sure nothing slips past. Let gravity do the filtering work as the weight of the filter sinks in.

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting idea! Wish I had the time and skill to try it out! Thanks for watching Timmy

Looks great. Please show the clean up. May buy one for a melter/bottle tank but just want to see clean up process.

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Like pulling out the slum? Or cleaning the whole tank for honey bottling?

@burleybeeyard

2 жыл бұрын

Cleaning for bottling

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

@@burleybeeyard I will do one but it may be a bit before I finish rendering wax. Plan to do one though

Love your videos.

I was waiting for the video to cut off right before the blood shed after your comment. Lol Looks like a great idea that works! Could you put it in the vat before melting the wax and then lift it up, getting the majority of it out, before draining the wax?

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Possibly Scott I will look into that. Yes! I lived life a little too close to the edge with that comment

Hey Kamon watch those fingers! Lol

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Right!

Some day, Ty for sharing.

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watch DC

@dcsblessedbees

2 жыл бұрын

@@kamonreynolds Was watching again, it's like the GREAT Mike Rowe says, "Safety Second." :-) Put all that nasty black gold water on your shrubs and trees or compost pile. Yep just like when ya was in Hawaii :-) minus the Hawaii part.

Looks like good equipment, I like the screen. Now I’m thinking I’m losing 8 pounds of wax in my slum 🤦‍♂️

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I couldn't believe there was that much wax in the slum!

Did you ever do the follow up video on the second filtering of the the wax you processed in this video?

So I think this could be much better with a few tweaks. Think French press coffee maker. Add some smaller mesh and press it down after the wax is melted.

Il a l'air bien délicieux ce miel 👍

Will they be at the HLC?

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

They are planning to be there with extractors, uncapping tanks, bottling tanks and clarifiers!

Hi, thank you for the interesting Video. I am already planning such a screen for my own system. So far i have been skimming the floating parts with a sieve and extracted the wax with a press. But your efficiency looks great. I am trying to understand why you did not insert the screen before the first wax draining? Like right after all the wax melted and pushed the dirt down with it? Greetings from Germany, Harry

If you rinse the excess sugar out of the slum I bet that stuff makes good compost too!🤔😁✌️

The scientific term for that dark particulate on the bottom of the was, Kamon, is ‘SHMUTZ’….in case you need to write a white paper about the process someday…(at least that’s what my grandmother said). ‘Kamon’: “That’s why you wear pants!” Me: ‘oh…..I think there’s other reasons too’

can smaller holes in the screen make a better reclaimed wax? or do you need them to be big for it to pass well?

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Juvenal this would make for a great experiment. I don't really know what is best but this works pretty good!

वाह क्या बात है सर जी 🙏👍

Getting a bit of a bicep on Yu there mate!!

Hi Kamon, I purchased some beeswax but it turns out it has something fermented in it. I cannot return it. Have you had any experience with this before? Do you know if there is a way to get rid of the smell? maybe by melting it for a few hours or something?

Is the Thorne screen built the same as David’s? 1/4” holes on 3/8” center?

@kamonreynolds

Жыл бұрын

I am pretty sure it is but he would be the one to ask!

How long does it take the bees to produce that much wax?

What use is the slum? Is it useful at all?

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Not that I know of. Since the wax is out of it and it is crumbly like earth, I will put it in my garden and see what happen!

@thezfunk

2 жыл бұрын

Don't some people use it as a fire starter? For smokers and regular fires?

@lessismoregardening

2 жыл бұрын

@@thezfunk I think it has to have the wax left in it for that to work well if I am not mistaken.

a lower screen at the bottom would be nice to pull out the majority of the slum left over.

Kamon, do you have a link to Thorne? I found the UK site but not this wax melter. I have a Maxine with the double valves, but it is not water jacketed. I've been tying my wax capping and scrapings in paint strainers to make the processing easier, but that doesn't scale well!

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Edward hope you are doing well! Here is Thorne's website. thornemfg.com/ P.S. the double jacket is a nice feature. It holds Temp extremely good

@niceed00

2 жыл бұрын

@@kamonreynolds Awesome, thanks!

Great Video.... is there a wax melter for a much smaller operation? Mini Wax Melter?

@mmb_MeAndMyBees

2 жыл бұрын

ECP... Not for Food use*! A Charity Shop (Op Shop, Yard Sale) : Crock Pot*, with : Your Wax, and added Water. Heat up... the Wax floats up, and the Slumgum sinks. When Wax Disc is Hard, get an Ex Kitchen Spoon, and scrape the under matter on disc, off, and remelt it with next batch. You can also Pour Wax this Hot (liquid Wax) through an eg old T-shirt, or Pillowcase... all particles are removed, as it filters through the Fabric ! Best done not in the Kitchen.... or add lots of Parchmont Paper on your Counter Top, re any wax splashes etc ! 😖 Or, are you in a Sunny Place ? (Collect your Wax through the previous Year. And .... " Make a DIY Solar Wax Melter" : Metal / Heat attracting Box : A Black/Dark surface : 🌞 Attracts the Sun's Ray's, Nicely. 🌞 Win, win, and it's Free ! (Ex - Cooler Box, Painted Black.) A super large Foil Roasting Tray etc.. And a large piece of Glass (Small Window Frame, a Picture Frame, etc...) Something to hold the all that Sun's Heat in..... ! 👀 All Tilted towards the Sun's Ray's, over 20C 70F should melt your Wax nicely. TIP : Add a Board, Black Plastic / Metal Channel, and Tilt it, ..... to allow the Wax to melt and Trickle towards an internal Collection Tub..... ✔ Add Kitchen Paper, to allow Wax to Filter out as it Drips, through the kitchen paper into the collection tub, Get nice and clean Pure Bees Wax. Simples. 😎 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 Happy Beekeeping 2022. 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

@ECP

2 жыл бұрын

@@mmb_MeAndMyBees Thanks aware of all that just wondering if there was a smaller less expensive version of the one he has...

With all of that wax. I'm curious. How many colonies do you manage/have and how long a period was that wax collect over? And with the slum? Can you sell that to gardeners and the like as high mineral fertilizer or something possibly?

@kamonreynolds

Жыл бұрын

300+ I don't know if you can sell the slum but I use it for my peppers and tomatoes! They like it!

I love this product. It looks smaller than the one Ian S. has though.

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Walter I love it too. It's definitely smaller than Ian's. He does runs 5 times the bees I do though! Hopefully Ian's season will take a turn for the better. By the way Thorne told me they will make them bigger on custom orders.

@walterhiegel3020

2 жыл бұрын

@@kamonreynolds Thanks for the good word. Yes I hope Ian recovers from the terrible weather and flood. I may be in the market for a wax melter of that size as well. Very happy you featured it. I have a friend who is pushing me to go commercial with my bees.

I find this whole apiary process fascinating, although I don't like bees! 😃I wonder why you wouldn't install the screen insert that you used to reclaim the wax from the "dreggs" (sorry, haven't picked up the terminology yet) to render "all" of the wax out at the first tapping. It seems like it could save some time. Something I'm missing, I'm sure. Thanks for the video!

@kamonreynolds

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Curt! I will have to give that a try. This is newer technology in beekeeping and fresh ideas are always welcome! We need more innovation and it never hurts to try to learn new things!

Hi, Kamon. Can the slum be composted or does it still have too much sugar? I remember your Hawaiian friend said pigs liked to eat it but I don't plan on having any of those.

@kamonreynolds

Жыл бұрын

Hey Christopher, I had no problems throwing mine in the compost and then later in the garden!

How do you clean out the scumgum from the bottom? Just best as you can do by hand and move on?

@kamonreynolds

3 ай бұрын

A garden scoop or a concrete spade works pretty good

Could you make mead out of that water or would the slum make it unpalatable?

A short nipple about 2" long will stop most of the splashing.

This seems like a great piece of equipment. Is this 25 gallon? I am really liking the screen / strainer

@kamonreynolds

Жыл бұрын

Hi Ryan this is the first one of it's kind made by thornemfg.com My model was the first made and is 24.5 gallons. However, the new models are slightly over 25 gallons and are way more refined than my model. This wax melter is the bees knees and I love it. I reclaim 12+ lbs of wax per 2 loads with the screen.

@ryanpruneau4937

Жыл бұрын

I am considering getting the 8 gallon model. We use beeswax in one of our products and we want to bring the cost per pound down. I was wondering, would it make sense to get one if we provided a refining service for hobby farmers? Would like to get your thoughts on it if you are willing to share them. Let me know if there is a way I could get in contact with you

@ryanpruneau4937

Жыл бұрын

@@kamonreynolds I am assuming this works good on brood comb as well

@kamonreynolds

Жыл бұрын

@@ryanpruneau4937 It does! However, it will change the ratio of wax you glean per fill since there is more slum in brood combs. Buddy of mine runs 3000 for pollination and loves the 2 he has.

Is that a Grease splatter screen that you were first using? Thanks good health and God bless 👍

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Houston! Yeah just a cheap grease splatter screen!

@houstonsheltonbees814

2 жыл бұрын

@@kamonreynolds Thanks great idea 👍 Happy mother's day. God bless

Have you tried extracting the honey first like it does Ian Steppler?

Hey Kamon, what's the difference/innovation between that and a Finlay like Ian is using?

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Not really anything over a Finlay. These are smaller and more affordable for guys who don't produce semi loads of honey like Ian! This is way better than anything I can get here in the US. Definitely better than Mann lake, Maxant, Dadant, etc

@shaunsturby997

2 жыл бұрын

@@kamonreynolds how much is this melter, obviously more affordable than a commercial melter, but are we looking at like 2 grand or 4 grand? Can you give a ballpark price?

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

@@shaunsturby997 Hi Shaun. thornemfg.com/shop/ With the screen they are $1950

I really appreciate the informative videos. I have purchased items based on what I am seeing. I plan to purchase the Thorne wax melter. With the investment, I need to establish a market for the wax. Can you provide any sources? Thank you from VA.

Do they sell a smaller version for the small backyard beekeeper?

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

They don't right now maybe one day!

man i need one of these.....that screen you are holding while wax is going into mold....do you have a link Kamon? thanks!!

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Yes I do amzn.to/3wfg2eu However, you may be able to find them cheaper at a discount store

This look like a brew kettle for beer.

Can this double as a bottling tank?

I would like to purchase some wax to put on my foundations. Is there a link for that?

@kamonreynolds

Жыл бұрын

I don't have a link for beeswax and am not selling mine at the moment sorry

One day maybe I will have enough wax to justify it. Looks cool though.

why don't you run the wax thru the bag screen when you first drain the tank. this would keep you from having to reheat the wax?

How does the heating element work?

@kamonreynolds

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Gaylon! This Missouri made Watlow is awesome. I have some Watlow immersion heaters on other equipment from the 80's still strong and accurate. Keeps temp great and made to last. It has a dial on it and if I set it to 170f or whatever it is within a couple degrees. This model plugs into a 110 outlet

@gaylonmitsdarffer2890

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, thinking I might just make one for myself. Seems simple enough 😁

How many hive is this from, roughly?

So where does one buy this melter with screen? California dealer?

You compost that slum?

@kamonreynolds

Жыл бұрын

Yessir it will go to the garden