Solar Wax Melter??? Build advice wanted!

[Moots]

OK,
Thinking it's time for me to build a SWM.  Have looked online and found a few sets of plans...the concept and designs seem pretty straight forward.  I'm looking for "do's and don'ts" recommendations and input of any kind that you think may be helpful.  What you have found works best, or doesn't work for filtering/straining, catch container, etc. etc.  Any and all input appreciated.

Thanks,  :)

[BeeMaster2]

Moots,
If I was starting over building one, I would make it deeper. Mine is about 6" deep where the melting tray is and several times I have had to pack it down trying to get all of the wax to fit in it and often have to wait to put the rest of the wax in it.
When I built this one, I used plywood for the top. Big mistake, it warped and leaked so much heat that I was having to wrap it with cellophane to keep it working. I replaced the lid with 2x4 western cedar with a slot cut for the Plexiglas's. I used 45 degree glued miter joints and drilled 2 holes the though the bottom board just above the Plexiglas's to drain the water off. This has worked real well. I also put a foam seal on the topside boards to seal it to the lid when closed. I. Put 1 inch insulated board on the sides and bottom. I use disposable pans for melting tray and cut a small slot in the lower side and stuff fiber fill in it to filter the wax.
Good luck.
Jim

[divemaster1963]

Here's mine I built .

http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,39457.msg332303.html#msg332303

John

[bbbthingmaker]

I built one and it works well at melting wax.  It gets plenty hot.  When I build another one, hopefully before next summer, it will be bigger and better insulated.  Big enough to put in a deep brood box. Deep enough to have the catch basin under the melting tray and both inside the heated area.

[SamboRoberts]

OK,
Thinking it's time for me to build a SWM.  Have looked online and found a few sets of plans...the concept and designs seem pretty straight forward.  I'm looking for "do's and don'ts" recommendations and input of any kind that you think may be helpful.  What you have found works best, or doesn't work for filtering/straining, catch container, etc. etc.  Any and all input appreciated.

Thanks,  :)

I just use a black plastic tub. I've made up a screened timber frame that fits inside it and I put a glass window over the top.

Do a search on Youtube for Pop's Shack. You'll find my channel, along with videos of my solar wax melter. It cost me about $30 to make.