I am a retired beekeeper, if you ever actually retire, still keeping a few yard hives. I have rarely used foundation. Just flat starter strips, rolled, when warm, to orient the wax ( make it tougher), I have never had a hive that made foundation before filling it out so have never bothered to do it. It works fine and personally I believe that they build it out faster when they design it as they go. When I was much younger I thought long and hard about how bees were kept, I resolved to winter bees in a double deep, then at first sign of bud swell I add another box with starter strips to the bottom of the stack, the cluster will then move down and fill the top box with honey, as the spring progresses. There is no tendency to swarm as they have extra room in the early spring and because the extra box is below the existing ones they are not under pressure to maintain it, should the weather turn nasty. All the wax in the hive is less than 2 years old and isn't stained, so less disease.
This is our first year coming out of winter and our bees wanted to swarm. I had to rush to do a split and I'm still waiting to see if it worked or not. I really wish I had someone with your knowledge to help us along our way. Trying to find videos and books about all the things is hard considering everyone does it differently and we have already had unique situations, to where nothing was out there on the web.
I spent alot of money over years on foundation. But after my investment in making my own molds I've been extremely pleased. With my two molds I can cast 30 full size an hrs. I've found this to be a comfortable pace in producing my basicly free foundation.
Hi friend, I live in Brazil (google translator) could you make a video giving more details about the construction of this incredible template? You're a genius!
Hi, I made a beeswax foundation mat like yours, but need to ask how you control the thickness of the wax foundation. My foundation sheets are coming out to thick. Is it the temperature of the wax? or am I closing the mat too slowly after pouring the wax into the mat?
Hi Darren The sheets were always of a consistent thickness. The size of the sheet is regulated by the small lip around the edge of the bottom part of the mould. If that was too high, the sheets would be thicker. If the wax is too cool when the mould is closed, the sheets would also be thicker. Normally 10 or 11 pieces of foundation could be produced from one kilogram of wax.
Hi Phoenix, no I don’t have a video but the build is very simple. A strip of timber about 40x25mm and about 50mm long. The pressure points are all 13mm copper with one end squashed. 4 holes drilled and the pipes are pushed into place. The contact switch was also made from a piece of squashed copper tube.
Excellent, that's a great idea. We have a member of the local BKA who has the wired frames and she's been scratching her head at how to heat the wire and press it down nicely into the foundation. That tool fits the bill. Thank you for the reply sir much appreciated.
Hi The silicon was purchased on eBay. I constructed a wooden mould to hold a sheet of plastic foundation and pored silicon over the sheet. The following day I cast the second half of the mould. (I had to turn the sheet of foundation over and reposition it in the mould so that the cell alignment would be correct.) I hope this helps. Cheers Les
Hi, very very interesting.Thanks to have shared this. May you give more details about the silicon you ordered on ebay and the sheet of plastic foundation ? It appears that there is many type of silicon and many type of plastic foundation. Maybe you have used something to release the silicon from the sheet of plastic ? regards.
Goodday sir. You've said that you used a plastic sheet to make you're moulds from. It looks easy enough, I am going to make it myself. I pressume that silicon must be dureable to withstand the heated wax. How long does it take for that mould to settle? Cobus🐬
Goodday sir. I am in the process of making my own wax sheet mould. On the handling side of the mould I see a stainless handle. Is it just for handling purposes? What is the life expectance of such a mould? How/where do you store this mould I also see that you don't apply pressure! The pressure present,is it adequite because of the weight of the mould? If so what will the thickness bee of such a mould? Stay safe and Godspeed,Cobus🐬
Hi Cobus, A piece of aluminium angle was attached with two stainless bolts purely to act as a hinge. The mould is just stored in a dry place out of direct sunlight. Each section is about 6 to 8mm thick. I used it for about 3 years with no obvious signs of wear. I currently use a different system to produce foundation as I have a lot more hives.
@@lesgold2132 Goodday Les,thanks for you're response. The silicon I am going to use is the following: images.app.goo.gl/A8UZcAzqDuXpokKT8 It took me a while to find it but I think I am on the right track. I've got plastic sheets to work from, I will let it settle (12 hours) before I remove it from the plastic. I've got 44 hives going to 100, hopefully I will manage. When did you switch from the silicon mould? Have a safe day and Godspeed, Cobus🐬
The bees can and will make good comb on flat sheets but only when the timing is right. During the rapid spring build up or on a strong flow this can occur. At other times, foundation with the organised cell structure is a better option. Flat sheets can result in very little cell building or messy comb which can end up as a waste in time and resources. As with all ideas, trial and experimentation are worth the effort.
I've never had a problem yet as long as i utilize a properly wired frame. Its quicker than an empty sheet. I also live in a place that is warm 9 months a year with only a few cold snaps
I’m pleased to hear that. I think the other advantage is that wax used from your own hives has an advantage. The bees seem to like it over commercially manufactured foundation.
Not really. The detergent is a weak mix and does not seem to have any impact on the bees. I do rinse every sheet by dipping them into clean water and allowing sheets to dry before use. The bees love this foundation and draw it out quickly. If you were concerned about the detergent, you could always head towards foundationless frames. For me, this method is better than using commercially made foundation. I just prefer using my own wax as I know it is essentially chemical free.
I think this other process is better because you can dip multiple times to make as thick as you want, by rolling it is more flexible, and you don’t have to make a silicon mold where it can flow out, not be even, have defects etc.one thing about this guy’s process is he didn’t show us how to make the silicon,mold. , it just seems this other video and way to do so is more consistent in the results. I have only seen a strip used not a whole frame covered with wax. SEE m.ruclips.net/video/T7VxZVSLm4E/видео.html The only other issue I have is silicon has a very distinct smell and I also wonder about the bees taking to the wax having been in touch with it. It is my understanding they really don’t care as much for plastic either and that plastic off glasses and leaves an off taste. It is my understanding the best is wood frames...preferably basswood but that is getting harder to get. Of course in nature - they build in tree crotches. Wood is more insulation than plastic too.
The bees love this foundation and draw it out quickly. I no longer use this method as I have too many hives and needed a process that would allow me to make foundation quickly. I now use the dipping method and run the flat sheets through an embossing roller. The disadvantage of this method is that the rollers are quite expensive. Just one other point on the off gassing and smell of the silicone. I didn’t notice any issues at all. The homemade foundation was drawn out quicker than commercial foundation. I can’t say why but the bees really liked this wax.
Great vid 👍 straight to the point, no terrible music or unnecessary talking
I am a retired beekeeper, if you ever actually retire, still keeping a few yard hives. I have rarely used foundation. Just flat starter strips, rolled, when warm, to orient the wax ( make it tougher), I have never had a hive that made foundation before filling it out so have never bothered to do it. It works fine and personally I believe that they build it out faster when they design it as they go.
When I was much younger I thought long and hard about how bees were kept, I resolved to winter bees in a double deep, then at first sign of bud swell I add another box with starter strips to the bottom of the stack, the cluster will then move down and fill the top box with honey, as the spring progresses. There is no tendency to swarm as they have extra room in the early spring and because the extra box is below the existing ones they are not under pressure to maintain it, should the weather turn nasty. All the wax in the hive is less than 2 years old and isn't stained, so less disease.
This is our first year coming out of winter and our bees wanted to swarm. I had to rush to do a split and I'm still waiting to see if it worked or not. I really wish I had someone with your knowledge to help us along our way. Trying to find videos and books about all the things is hard considering everyone does it differently and we have already had unique situations, to where nothing was out there on the web.
I spent alot of money over years on foundation. But after my investment in making my own molds I've been extremely pleased. With my two molds I can cast 30 full size an hrs. I've found this to be a comfortable pace in producing my basicly free foundation.
Using detergents for food ?
sir do you have any tutorial video on making the silicone mold?
Very helpful video. Thank you for your instruction. We certainly appreciate your time and effort.
really like the rubber mold. Great ideas.
Thanks for the video, where you buy the silicone mold?
Great video thanks. Does the detergent used to prep the mound not get into the foundation? Ever noticed the bees reacting or all good?
Excellent works!!!!Dear friend, could you post a video of how you produced the matrix? Thank you.
Awesome. Thank you. Im going to give it a try.
Which silicone product did you use to make your mold?
Les what did you use to make the mold in....ie a tin or wood mold !!!...and were did u get the silicone from !! CHEERS
LOVE THE VIDEO
Brilliant!
Wow that was awesome.
Where i can buy this silicone mold?
from where you got the silicon sheets?
This was so amazing but I dont what tools you are using?😁.. can you teach me Sir?😁
(لا إله إلا أنت سبحانك إني كنت من الظالمين)
الخميس ٢٠١٩/٦/٢٠ م.ب ٩:٢٢ مساءاً
Genius !
can you make a video on how you made the silicone mould
🙏Thanks for informative video🙏
how did you get that lip on bottom mold so wax dosent spill off sides? Love this video hoping for reply ;)
Just push it down the plastic foundation will create the lip
Any possibility that you could make and sell me one of these molds?? Please!
Hi friend, I live in Brazil (google translator) could you make a video giving more details about the construction of this incredible template? You're a genius!
vc consegue comprar esse silicone pra molde e usa uma cera alveolada de molde. faz um lado de cada vez.
Hi, I made a beeswax foundation mat like yours, but need to ask how you control the thickness of the wax foundation. My foundation sheets are coming out to thick. Is it the temperature of the wax? or am I closing the mat too slowly after pouring the wax into the mat?
Hi Darren
The sheets were always of a consistent thickness. The size of the sheet is regulated by the small lip around the edge of the bottom part of the mould. If that was too high, the sheets would be thicker. If the wax is too cool when the mould is closed, the sheets would also be thicker. Normally 10 or 11 pieces of foundation could be produced from one kilogram of wax.
Great Job
Donde venden esta estanpadora
How to make DENTAL moulding wax?
Hey mate, love the tool you use to embed the wax. Do you have a video on making one?
Cheers
Hi Phoenix, no I don’t have a video but the build is very simple. A strip of timber about 40x25mm and about 50mm long. The pressure points are all 13mm copper with one end squashed. 4 holes drilled and the pipes are pushed into place. The contact switch was also made from a piece of squashed copper tube.
Cheers@@lesgold2132. I'll give it a go. It does look simple enough
now thats my kinda style! thanks for sharing!
can you estimate how much wax (weight) is required for each mold?
Thanks Matt. I normally get about a dozen sheets per kilo of wax.
Thank you!!
@@BigWillSD 👍
Love your embedding tool, are the copper pipes on the wooden frame acting like 2 open switches that close when pressed down?
Flippy2k6 That is correct. The two inner pins just push the wax down onto the hot wire and hold the foundation in place as the wax cools.
Excellent, that's a great idea. We have a member of the local BKA who has the wired frames and she's been scratching her head at how to heat the wire and press it down nicely into the foundation. That tool fits the bill. Thank you for the reply sir much appreciated.
Como puedo octener una
Please share with us a video on how you put together that electric embedder tool. That device looks quite nifty.👍
I will have to make one at some stage.
Awaiting response from Newfoundland, Canada
Hi I'm from Kenya, and I like this video its simple and complete. where can in get that silicon foundation maker and how much can it cost?
I made this myself. If you do some research, I believe they are available commercially
@@lesgold2132 hiiiii
THIS IS AWESOME!!!
You said that you got it online. Can you please provide the website where you got it? Many thanks! :)
Hi
The silicon was purchased on eBay. I constructed a wooden mould to hold a sheet of plastic foundation and pored silicon over the sheet. The following day I cast the second half of the mould. (I had to turn the sheet of foundation over and reposition it in the mould so that the cell alignment would be correct.) I hope this helps.
Cheers
Les
Hi, very very interesting.Thanks to have shared this.
May you give more details about the silicon you ordered on ebay and the sheet of plastic foundation ? It appears that there is many type of silicon and many type of plastic foundation.
Maybe you have used something to release the silicon from the sheet of plastic ?
regards.
Great video. How much current are you letting through the wires, what is the voltage on the output? I suppose 12 V.
It’s just a 12v battery charger. 2 to 4 amps is coming through the wires. Pleased that you enjoyed the clip.
Do bees mind smell of soap on the wax or should you washed afterwards.
Great work btw
The foundation is all washed in fresh water before it goes on the hive
Mujhe yah sweet banane ki kahan se purchase hogi
Use a basin with cold water for cooling the silicone form. Then you are able to make 1 sheet per minute and half.
Good idea
Bonjour, oû vaous avez achetez ce moule. merci
Nice quality mold it looks like. Any interest in making and selling a mold to me?
very cool. What is the electric device you use to heat the wire?
It’s just an old battery charger
Thank you Sir, but how can i get one of the plastic foundation
Try eBay. There is always plastic foundation advertised.
Goodday sir. You've said that you used a plastic sheet to make you're moulds from. It looks easy enough, I am going to make it myself. I pressume that silicon must be dureable to withstand the heated wax. How long does it take for that mould to settle? Cobus🐬
DONDE PUEDO CONSEGUIR ESTE TIPO DE ESTAMPADOR DE CERA, LA DIRECCION DE LA TIENDA PORFAVOR. GRACIAS
Hello I can not find a store that has this silicon print, would you send me the link or tell me where I can buy it? I am in Italy
patintony look on eBay. There are quite a few people who sell liquid silicon
@@lesgold2132 I'il try to find Him. Thanks for the reply
Goodday sir. I am in the process of making my own wax sheet mould. On the handling side of the mould I see a
stainless handle. Is it just for handling purposes? What is the life expectance of such a mould? How/where do you store this mould
I also see that you don't apply pressure! The pressure present,is it adequite because of the weight of the mould? If so what will the thickness bee of such a mould?
Stay safe and Godspeed,Cobus🐬
Hi Cobus, A piece of aluminium angle was attached with two stainless bolts purely to act as a hinge. The mould is just stored in a dry place out of direct sunlight. Each section is about 6 to 8mm thick. I used it for about 3 years with no obvious signs of wear. I currently use a different system to produce foundation as I have a lot more hives.
@@lesgold2132 Goodday Les,thanks for you're response. The silicon I am going to use is the following: images.app.goo.gl/A8UZcAzqDuXpokKT8
It took me a while to find it but I think I am on the right track. I've got plastic sheets to work from, I will let it settle (12 hours) before I remove it from the plastic. I've got 44 hives going to 100, hopefully I will manage. When did you switch from the silicon mould? Have a safe day and Godspeed, Cobus🐬
I wonder how this silicon mold is made or where from can someone buy it...
Vassilios Kapsis this mood was made using liquid silicone that I purchased on eBay. I used plastic foundation in the mood to get the cell structure.
les prior Thank you!
Where can get this selicon mould
Hi there. I made it myself. They are now available commercially if you do some research. A few beekeeping supply companies now sell them.
Do you have a video making the mold?
Or have molds for sale?
cwhouseknecht There are some videos on RUclips of the moldmaking.
katzo7 Here is another one. ruclips.net/video/Fjq-ilNd39M/видео.html
Do u sell bee wax
I make just flat sheets of wax foundation and the bees tend to take go it really well.
The bees can and will make good comb on flat sheets but only when the timing is right. During the rapid spring build up or on a strong flow this can occur. At other times, foundation with the organised cell structure is a better option. Flat sheets can result in very little cell building or messy comb which can end up as a waste in time and resources. As with all ideas, trial and experimentation are worth the effort.
I've never had a problem yet as long as i utilize a properly wired frame. Its quicker than an empty sheet. I also live in a place that is warm 9 months a year with only a few cold snaps
I’m pleased to hear that. I think the other advantage is that wax used from your own hives has an advantage. The bees seem to like it over commercially manufactured foundation.
Please I am in Ghana (West Africa), How can I get a template to start my
Hi Patrick, I purchased liquid silicon on eBay and made my own by using a sheet of plastic foundation as a template.
donde puedo conseguir estos estampadores de cera
Donde
Hey can you sell such type of mould
They are available online these days if you do a search.
Your mould is great, you could be selling them if you make some for sale I will take one
Thanks Peter. It works well. Some beekeeping suppliers actually sell a silicone mould now. They seam to be readily available online.
@@lesgold2132 you lead the way
where to buy that silicone mold
Have a look here. They now make them commercially. beekeeping.iwoohoo.com.au/
@@lesgold2132 thanks
Why do we need liquid detergent?
The detergent stops the wax from sticking to the wood or to the embossing roller
Is that a car battery charger your using to heat the wire?
Yes it is.
Hello, what voltage setting do you set it at?
Could you send one of these to Brazil?
Sorry. I don’t make them commercially.
are you not concerned with the detergent getting into the wax???
Not really. The detergent is a weak mix and does not seem to have any impact on the bees. I do rinse every sheet by dipping them into clean water and allowing sheets to dry before use. The bees love this foundation and draw it out quickly. If you were concerned about the detergent, you could always head towards foundationless frames. For me, this method is better than using commercially made foundation. I just prefer using my own wax as I know it is essentially chemical free.
So the soap doesn't bother the bees?
The soap is rinsed off before being placed on the hive. Bees start drawing comb immediately.
Bu kalıptan nerden temin edebilirizz
Try looking on eBay. Some beekeeping suppliers also sell them.
@@lesgold2132 tirent yoldan mı aldın
Hi how can i have on like this silicon
Hi Youssef. The silicon mats are now available commercially. Look online and you should be able to find them.
@@lesgold2132 think you so mutche
I mean honeycomb paper sheet
I think this other process is better because you can dip multiple times to make as thick as you want, by rolling it is more flexible, and you don’t have to make a silicon mold where it can flow out, not be even, have defects etc.one thing about this guy’s process is he didn’t show us how to make the silicon,mold. , it just seems this other video and way to do so is more consistent in the results. I have only seen a strip used not a whole frame covered with wax. SEE m.ruclips.net/video/T7VxZVSLm4E/видео.html
The only other issue I have is silicon has a very distinct smell and I also wonder about the bees taking to the wax having been in touch with it. It is my understanding they really don’t care as much for plastic either and that plastic off glasses and leaves an off taste. It is my understanding the best is wood frames...preferably basswood but that is getting harder to get. Of course in nature - they build in tree crotches. Wood is more insulation than plastic too.
The bees love this foundation and draw it out quickly. I no longer use this method as I have too many hives and needed a process that would allow me to make foundation quickly. I now use the dipping method and run the flat sheets through an embossing roller. The disadvantage of this method is that the rollers are quite expensive. Just one other point on the off gassing and smell of the silicone. I didn’t notice any issues at all. The homemade foundation was drawn out quicker than commercial foundation. I can’t say why but the bees really liked this wax.
@lesgold2132 Do you use the German molds and rollers from resistantbees?
Mould not mount :)
I find it uses alot of wax but it has its uses
It does but it is nice to use your own wax especially as foundation is becoming quite expensive to buy.
I need this cheet are you sending me
It
Je suis marocain c esy mon métier je suis handicapé,,tu peut pas m envoyer du plastique bleu merci