Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => EQUIPMENT USAGE, EXPERIMENTATION, HIVE PLANS, CONSTRUCTION TIPS AND TOOLS => Topic started by: Tyro on September 30, 2009, 09:06:52 am

Title: Making candy frames with standard equipment
Post by: Tyro on September 30, 2009, 09:06:52 am

So I have been experimenting and I have figured out a way to make candy frames using standard deep frames (instead of having to build my own frames).  I place tinfoil down on an old bottom board and lay the frame on it.  I roll the excess tinfoil up around the edges of the frames and clamp scrap wood against the frame (this holds the tinfoil in place when the candy is poured in). 

That is it! It works pretty well.  After some practice perfecting the procedure, I am able to get candy frames that weigh between 7-8lbs.

(http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/193/0927091902a.th.jpg) (http://img43.imageshack.us/i/0927091902a.jpg/)



(http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/4631/candyframes.th.jpg) (http://img43.imageshack.us/i/candyframes.jpg/)

Title: Re: Making candy frames with standard equipment
Post by: Irwin on September 30, 2009, 09:29:32 am

Looking good :)

Title: Re: Making candy frames with standard equipment
Post by: David LaFerney on September 30, 2009, 10:02:36 am

Excellent.  What recipe / proceedure do you use to make the candy?

Title: Re: Making candy frames with standard equipment
Post by: Robo on September 30, 2009, 10:59:44 am

Quote from: David LaFerney on September 30, 2009, 10:02:36 am

Excellent.  What recipe / proceedure do you use to make the candy?

I believe he used this one
http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/emergency-feeding/

Title: Re: Making candy frames with standard equipment
Post by: Tyro on September 30, 2009, 07:04:42 pm

I do use Robo's recipe - and credit him to with the overall idea (at least as far as where I got it from).  My only contribution was to figure out how to make my existing equipment work with it.

Title: Re: Making candy frames with standard equipment
Post by: Paraplegic Racehorse on September 30, 2009, 07:41:39 pm

Can't tell from the images: are those frames wired or just with pins through the eyelets?

Title: Re: Making candy frames with standard equipment
Post by: Tyro on September 30, 2009, 11:32:38 pm

They aren't wired - they are pinned with nails

Title: Re: Making candy frames with standard equipment
Post by: JWPick on October 03, 2009, 08:27:50 am

This is just awesome guys! I really do think I would prefer this method over sugar syrup, even for just normal feeding. It prevents unnecessary moisture within the hive and I would guess it also prolongs the "frame" life of the sugar compared to sugar syrup. The part about using existing frames is a plus. I know you used a deep frame, but i would think medium frames would work just as well, just wouldn't have as much per frame. I also enjoy the "low tech" approach to all of the ideas. It makes it more fun and interesting, as well as easy to follow for newbies like myself. Thanks Tyro and Robo for ALL of your contributions! Looking forward to more.