Wax dipping your bee boxes

Here are the two products we used. The ratio is 50/50 and we cook them for 10 minutes.
www.candlemaki...
and
www.candlemaki...

[@MizGreenJeans]

Great video! I will note that for the small hobbiest you can buy wax/resin dipped boxes at Mann Lake.

[@roughout]

I'm surprised I don't hear your wife, the camera technician, chuckle as you inform her something isn't being returned to the kitchen. Your videos are informative and entertaining, not easy to get that combination. You guys are turning into rock stars.

[@janahamilton9588]

You crack me up with questions, comments or insults😂

[@kamonreynolds]

Thanks for commenting on this old video!

[@TheTrooperGirl]

I am a new beeker, I love this idea but it was not feasible for me to locate and pay for dipping in my area South Denver, Colorado. What I did was put together my boxes and put them into the oven at 200 degrees for about 10 mins. I then melted the wax and brushed it on while the boxes where hot and while in a tinfoil pan and put it back in the oven for about 3-5mins. Where it appeared dry I applied another coat and placed back in oven. The moisture evaporates and the resin pushes out of the wood. I only coat the exterior sides that would be exposed to weather. My boxes had come out beautiful!

[@bradprather6749]

and another great video, to a third year beekeeper they are helping a lot. yep, you said shake it off....😎

[@kentcostello8099]

Thank you for the info . I'm thanking about getting into beekeeping . Your are helpful video.

[@uswwt]

Thanks for sharing. This setup is probably overkill for a hobby bee keeper that only have a few hives. I personally just went to a hardware store and got a stainer paint. A brush from dollar store. I only paint the outside area of the boxes. Inside the box is all bare wood. No water should get in there anyways. I also let the boxes dry for a few days. The smell is mostly gone before I put bees in. This technique is not better in any way. But it's cheap and easy for small volume of boxes. Maybe others want to see it in action in a video.

[@vmorganbogart]

Very interesting. I have never heard of nor seen this before. Of course, I’m not a beekeeper & have just started watching videos about bees. They are so interesting & I’ve learned a lot that I will never use. LOL. That’s OK though. I just like learning new stuff. I’ve enjoyed your videos. You do a great job of explaining things. A born teacher. Hugs from Ft. Worth, Texas!

[@kamonreynolds]

Thanks! The world of bees has alot of really cool things to learn! The addictive part is how much we still have yet to discover!

[@jackbquick123]

Never heard of this. This is awesome,, thanks man for all the information you share in every video. Your alright even if you are from Alabama

[@scottmaschino1927]

Worth mentioning... You can paint right over the waxed boxes and it will pull the paint in like it does the wax. I myself prefer the unpainted look, but if you want something besides the raw wood look, you can still paint them after.

[@kamonreynolds]

Yeah I think they look better as is also. That, and the added expense for paint is why I don't definitely worth mentioning though

[@markweaver3321]

Yes I have done that before in Hawaii. I have also found that food safe seals work just as well. It is more about what you prefer. I buy my hives prepainted now. I just got lazy as time went on.

[@baddestbees5924]

Thanks for the micro crystaline tip that's the missing link to my problem.

[@kamonreynolds]

It really makes a nice hard finish.

[@jamesredmond7360]

I buy my lemon grass oil from Aztec. They have about the best price around. Thanks for the videos!

[@royschrader8003]

Aztec what?

[@beeskneeswax]

i am new this year to dipping im at 300 no backup . thank you

[@kamonreynolds]

Keep it up and thanks for watching!

[@kamonreynolds]

Still dipping. I will post this evening.

[@gazinta]

Can you use beeswax? If so, will swarm traps benefit from scent of propolis?

[@TheTraveler1976]

I love the idea of this in almost all aspects. But petroleum wax inside the hive? That seems bad for the bees doesnt it? I am wondering the same thing about using bees wax..

[@niceed00]

Kamon, are you still young the same waxes / ratio listed in the description or have you changed / refined your process?

[@W45Jasper]

Hi Mr Reynolds, would you please give me a rough idea of how many pounds of wax that you're using to fill your melting tank to the depth that's needed to submerge the hive bodies? Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@MarkThomas123]

50-50 paraffin to micro crystalline is what Kamon is using.. I just found it in the comments.

[@michellereyn]

Located in knoxville too great video thanks

[@timlewis9873]

Very good vid.

[@reedjasonf]

That awkward moment when we all heard our hero quote T-Swift music...

[@kamonreynolds]

cringeworthy for sure!

[@reedjasonf]

@@kamonreynolds Back to the content of the video... Do you know if anyone has tried a cheaper and simpler setup where you heat wax in a large brew kettle (a stainless steel 40 or 45 gallon vessel) for example?

[@kamonreynolds]

@@reedjasonf I have seen a small tank made with mild steel that did 1 box at a time but that is about it.

[@-Dwight-Schrute]

Hey Kamon, the links are broken.

[@northernmichiganbee-man3136]

I don’t see a link to where you got your supplies from?

[@northernmichiganbee-man3136]

So where are the links? You said you would post them? Thx

[@kamonreynolds]

@@northernmichiganbee-man3136 www.candlemaking.com/igi-1260-votive-molded-candle-wax-60lb-case.html and www.candlemaking.com/igi-5715-microcrystaline-wax-66lb-case.html

[@dennisthebeeguy298]

@@kamonreynolds out of stock, any other places to find the right stuff....?

[@geanitsucuneli4791]

I got my wax tank I can Dep 9 Deeps in to it .Also I can deep 4 migratory 4 ways palets one time.In 10 min. they are done. I own 2000 plus colonies.I am here in Arizona ..Casa Grande.

[@kevinjackson1840]

i always wanted to dip my beautiful boxes. just could not find anyone to help me with it.

[@jarnold8803]

For those of us who have painted boxes can you paint the outside of your boxes with the bees in them or do you have to replace the box and then paint it and then reuse it

[@cecildean3648]

I see that it takes about 325# of wax but what is the dimensions of your tank? Is that a tank you made or purchased? Love the videos. Keep up the good work.

[@cecildean3648]

You are using 50 % Microcrystalline wax while other people use Pine resin. Would 100 % Microcrystalline wax be better? Why not just use 100 % paraffin wax? Have you used Pine Resin?

[@MarkThomas123]

How many pounds of wax did it take you to fill your Chicken processing Vat when you first filled it up to get started?

[@kamonreynolds]

400 lbs

[@skubutz]

Random question... I live in TN and have been looking for an Amish supplier for cypress boxes. I have found several but all are several hours away and I won’t be able to inspect them until I show up to get them... Would you mind sharing who you buy from? Thanks

[@gazinta]

Why cypress?

[@lindseyhomesteadfarm2653]

I had to go back and watch this video after asking you on live chat how you heated the tank. What type and or brand of tank are you using for this process? Thank you for all your help sir.

[@kamonreynolds]

This is a scalding tank from Featherman should be able to look Featherman up and see it

[@lindseyhomesteadfarm2653]

@@kamonreynolds thank you sir.

[@richardjensen6753]

Any reason this has to be made out of stainless? I use bees wax to "waterproof" carbon steel tools like chisels and such after I bead blast them. I heat them up to about 120ish and rub a block of beeswax on them and let them cool. I've got chisels I done this to 20 years ago and they still haven't rusted. I'd paint the outside with a good stove/BBQ paint and let the wax permeate naturally on the inside.

[@kamonreynolds]

It doesn't have to be stainless my friends is made out of steel

[@bethmartof1262]

I’m a hobby beekeeper with only 2 hives that are already painted. Do you think that wax on the inside of the boxes would prevent mold forming inside them during the winter? Just wondering.

[@konradrueb1567]

Hi found aztec but what wax did you buy? what ratio did you use? Thank you . Konrad

[@beekeepingniharingpukyutan3145]

Awesome

[@frankgorgone6679]

How much wax do you need to start this process?

[@kamonreynolds]

About 400lbs

[@tealkerberus748]

If you paint your boxes as well, they'll last even longer than bare wax-dipped. But you need to paint them while they're hot, so the paint is sucked into the timber along with the wax.

[@beebob1279]

Do you dip your pallets? I see you have a stack of the with the boxes. What about doing straight Crystaline instead of mixing it with paraffin? Is it cost?

[@kamonreynolds]

Hi Bob, We do dip our pallets! I can do 4 halves at a time. then I rotate them around and do the other side. Tedious and time consuming but they should last a very long time.

[@beebob1279]

@@kamonreynolds Why don't you just use the Crystalline and not mix the wax with parafin? I added this to my comment after you had responded. I enjoy your channel very much. Never mind. I looked up the products on your links. Obviously, cost is huge. It's not cheap stuff but you're not painting boxes either. Idea on the container for melting this stuff?

[@kamonreynolds]

@@beebob1279 Thanks, www.strombergschickens.com/product/Featherman-Poultry-Scalder/Poultry-Scalders?s=GSHP&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuNbsBRC-ARIsAAzITueWnPlDkMRqR2TnvTlIxipwEandO-6xNI6bENyrKOZveWCmga7iiwEaAlSTEALw_wcB this was not made for it but it works well. SOmetimes you can find them used

[@tomcowsert8962]

Do you sell these? How long does this treatment last?

[@explorebc4x481]

What are you using for the tank that holds the wax?

[@rodbeckstedt8588]

Hello, is your wax mixture pure wax or do you start with any water in the pot?

[@kamonreynolds]

Hey Rod, Pure wax, No water.

[@rodbeckstedt8588]

Tennessee's Bees thanks for the info and the video. Looking forward to getting my dip tank ready.

[@ocurryfarm4816]

After many years of service. With the dip boxes can you read dip them and will it take off the proprius and make them look better

[@andywhite9932]

Would you mind providing the measurements of your dipping tank

[@user-cr1sz3xk4s]

Peace be upon you and thank you for your efforts. I want to know how much the paraffin wax to water ratio and how much temperature? Thanks.

[@kamonreynolds]

250 degrees Fahrenheit. No water. Just 50-50 paraffin to micro crystalline heated and I dip for 10-15 minutes

[@user-cr1sz3xk4s]

@@kamonreynolds thank you very much

[@tomsostman7953]

Hey Kayman, I am curious about how you made your dipping tank. I am going to build one out of a stainless table that I recently bought. Specifically, what are the dimensions of your tank and what type of burner did you provision under the tank to heat it? Thanks for any information or tips on this topic. P.s. my wife and I really enjoy your videos! Particularly your humble attitude and the way you present to your audience. Keep on making video's! From Tom and Melissa Sostman St. Louis MO

[@kamonreynolds]

Thanks Tom and Melissa, We didn't build the tank at all. We used a chicken scalder tank from Featherman www.feathermanequipment.com/shop/scalders/featherman-scalder/ it is not made for this but it works. If I was building one I would make it a little taller than this. Hope this helps some

[@waynewatson-cedarbranchhiv8491]

Hey kamon, how does micro crystals an paraffin compare with gum resin an paraffin dipping ? I been using gum resin for a few yrs an no complaints but its alot more expensive than the micro crystals

[@dennissitter2242]

Are you dipping the advateck lids? The rim's on the top are those spacers? Thanks Dennis

[@kamonreynolds]

I am dipping them but I am not sure how well it will work yet. the spacers are also a trial I am doing I really can't say I would recommend them yet but I thought I would try a hundred out

[@carrollward839]

Kamon, is there any need to sand off excess glue on the corners prior to wax dipping?

[@donadcock2020]

Have you dipped older painted woodenware?

[@kamonreynolds]

I have. It bleaches the color of the paint but seals up the wood that is exposed. Scrape the propolis and beeswax out before you try.

[@donadcock2020]

@@kamonreynolds I have a couple dozen that I have power washed to renovate. Now all I need is a wax vessel.

[@kamonreynolds]

@@donadcock2020 You will love it once you try your first dipped box

[@solivaguswayfarer]

Hi Kamon! Was wondering if using a household clothes iron might be a simple way to heat and apply wax to a small quantity of boxes? Your thoughts?

[@beekeepernova]

What’s up Kamon, do you think it’s all preference when it comes to using rosin/parafin mix vs microcrystaline/parafin mix?

[@kamonreynolds]

I think it is to a degree. However, many pros are leaning towards the mix I am using due to how hard it seals into the boxes. Some ratios are waxy - gummy to the touch and don't last as long. There is not a lot of research out there on ratios and what is known is often not repeated. I am sure there are several ways to slice it. So far I love what I am using

[@SidelineBeekeeping007]

Hi kamon the links below don’t work ?

[@northernmichiganbee-man3136]

Why temp do you run your wax or just enough to melt the wax and then dip your boxes? Thx

[@kamonreynolds]

250 degrees. Some run theirs hotter. It has to be hot enough to boil the water out of the wood

[@3Beehivesto300]

I do mine at 275 for 15-20 min

[@johnhill5992]

Thanks for the video! I have a question though. Everyone seems to dip their boxes after assembly. Is there a reason for that? Seems like you could fit a lot more unassembled boxes in the vat. Also, the unassembled pieces would have more end grain exposed to absorb the wax. I'm not criticizing, just asking. Thanks!

[@kamonreynolds]

I once had the same question,John. The reason we do it this way and why most beekeepers do it this way is due to the wood exposure that is created when nailing, stapling, or screwing. Any unsealed spot is a potential rotting place. However, the main reason is that if the boards touch each they don't get hot enough and don't get exposed enough to the hot wax. We had to move the cinder block to a new location after a couple minutes of dipping because underneath the block it was not soaking up the material. hope this helps.

[@johnhill5992]

Totally makes sense. I'll have to think on this one. I understand the concern about potential exposure of nails/staples, although I'd think that would be minimal as long as you're not sinking the nails or staples in too far. Depending on the dimensions of the tank, I could probably come up with some kind of rack that would allow multiple boards to be set in on edge in a row and stay separated. Thanks so much for the input!

[@kamonreynolds]

@@johnhill5992 a couple of commercials do that. I am also thinking about trying something like a rack if i do i will let you know

[@johnhill5992]

@@kamonreynolds Sorry, one more question. How many pounds of each wax did you use to fill the tank?

[@kamonreynolds]

@@johnhill5992 took about 325 lbs to fill the tank. 50-50 microcrystalline to paraffin. took about 0.5lbs to a deep box by my reckoning

[@glennrcampbell5431]

Hi Kamon...I enjoy your videos very much. I am assuming that you are mixing paraffin and the micro crystallne wax of a 50/50 mixture. OR...Are you just using pure micro crystalline wax from the supplier? Thanks. Glenn

[@kamonreynolds]

Hey Glen I am using 50-50 paraffin to micro crystalline

[@stolarpcelar6609]

Hi Kamon, since this video is two years old can you pleas tell us your experiance with waxed boxes once you get bees in it, what's condition with moisture inside beehives during winter time? I assume that where you are at winter douse not get extremely cold? I'm about to do same with my hives but many beekeepers in my country clame that moisture may be a problem during winter. Thank you

[@kamonreynolds]

My bees do great in these. It does not effect the moisture. Bees produce the majority of moisture. An insulated board under the lid helps retard moisture accumulation on the underside of the lid so it won't drip on bees.

[@petermorrow3931]

Wussup brother. Merry Christmas and happy new year from Hawaii. Lol. So as you know I’m very new to bee keeping and not at the scale of bee keeping as you are. Probably never will be. Is there any way of waxing a small amount of hives for a very hobbyist bee keeper without having to buy all the gear you have going on ? Thanks again brother. Aloha

[@kamonreynolds]

Aloha Peter! I don't know of cheap setup but I am talking to a guy about making a smaller one and seeing what the cost to start.it up would be.

[@kamonreynolds]

If I find anything out I will let you know

[@petermorrow3931]

Awesome bud. Thank you. Would it be ok to maybe just buy some of the wax and just paint it on? Or being able to get all the water out of it is part of the process. Lol. Either way. Thanks again brother. Have an awesome new year and thanks for all the great videos. Aloha.

[@briansmith6824]

Peter, for a product to finish just a few boxes, look into pure tung oil. It is a very old method of finishing wood that is food grade, wood hardening, and water proofing. It is the only natural product that polymerizes (turns into a plastic). Many professional wood turners use it on salad bowls. I buy from www.realmilkpaint.com

[@mark-wn5ek]

What's a wussup?

[@TheGregpetree]

If you were to paint them after dipping them, what kind of paint would you use? I've been searching, but can't find it. Would it need to be oil, latex?

[@kamonreynolds]

oil based works best

[@TheGregpetree]

@@kamonreynolds can you recoat them after they cool, if you get them a first coat right after dipping? Oil usually requires 24 hours for a second coat. Also, my buddy is at your convention! He's bringing me a box! 😍

[@josephchianelli3623]

Where'd you get your tank, have it made? Would you share the dimensions? Thanks

[@kamonreynolds]

Back to dipping, I will get those for you asap.

[@josephchianelli3623]

@@kamonreynolds thanks, I've really wanted to start dipping just dragging my feet.

[@kamonreynolds]

The height is 22 inches off the burner plate to the top. ( I would make it a couple inches taller to make it more safe) and then 24 inches wide in a square. I did not make it. It is an old featherman chicken scalder. They are about 1500 dollars. The thermostat is nice as it will kick on and off. the newer models are made differently so I would double check if you were going to order and make sure it works for this temp wise

[@2of238]

Do you dip the frames also?

[@kamonreynolds]

No I haven't ever dipped the frames before just the lids, boxes and bottoms

[@cornerstonehoneybees2525]

The frames are not exposed to weather the way the boxes are. Therefore, the frames don't need to be dipped. Plus, the bees will put their own wax on the frames.

[@charlesgothard948]

How far does the wax go? If I were to order 60 lbs of each how many hives would this cover?

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

How long does this finish last? Do you ever recoat them? Does the wood darken and turn grey?

[@mihaiilie8808]

Wood stays like new .Doesnt get dark because it doesnt oxidise but dirt sticks to the wax and especially if you keep them close to the ground and water splashes dirt on them they will get dark( from dirt).

[@iamziano]

If Microcrystalline is better than paraffin, can we dip our boxes with just pure microcrystalline instead of half-half?

[@kamonreynolds]

i am unsure of what the results of that would be but i know some just use straight paraffin and paint it as soon as it comes out

[@tristonosborne5537]

How much propane do you use when you wax dip?

[@delacruzrafael568]

I’m from Guatemala I didn’t understand well what’s that can I use only war

[@kevinjackson1840]

kamon can i wax dip the box boards unassembled?

[@kamonreynolds]

Yes but make sure you don't have them stack on each other the wax won't soak in if they are smack dab on top of one another

[@kevinjackson1840]

@@kamonreynolds thanks as do not have a container deep enough to do the whole box assembled

[@nealandmaryswarnes6460]

Where can I get the wax products to dip my equipment? I have a tank coming (24”x30x 36” deep. Can you help me with vendor, price and estimate of how much I will need for the tank and extra for about 100 hives? Thanks, I enjoy watching your videos. Neal

[@jaycovington6175]

Where did you get your tank at?

[@joshuafreeman889]

I prefer economical.

[@tayro7265]

You can use bees wax on a leather rain slicker or boots. Just as long as it's real leather.

[@sentimentalbloke7586]

Your 10 mins seems not to be long enough the foam that you see on the boxes is moisture still being driven out.

[@promaster185]

how many pounds of wax do you have in your dipper?

[@patrickrichardson4765]

Wouldn't it be easier to dip the boxes unassembled?

[@kamonreynolds]

Yes but when you nail/screw/or staple them you take away from the perfect seal. Also they can be tough flat against one another or it will not get all the board.

[@patrickrichardson4765]

@@kamonreynolds Really enjoy your videos. They have been a great help for this newbee!

[@babybeeapiaries8667]

How long does this last until they need maintained again?

[@kamonreynolds]

Some say 20+ years but I have only been doing it 3. Boxes look awesome though

[@babybeeapiaries8667]

@@kamonreynolds Thanks! I hate painting and in the future could see myself doing something like this.

[@scottsbees7166]

How many pounds does it take?

[@randomconsumer4494]

Insults!? OK! Ummmm..... Hey yeah, nice shirt.... whadya buy it at a shirt selling place or sumthin!? TSSSSSS FAWKIN BURIED'EM!

[@HONEYBEEHIGHWAY]

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