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Materials
For the extractor̵7;s tub, use a clean, 20-gallon garbage can. Choose one made of thick plastic to ensure the tub keeps its shape while spinning. Drain the honey using a garden hose valve that opens and closes with a tight seal. A welded iron frame inside the garbage keeps the honeycombs secure while spinning. For a 20-gallon can, the frame must be no larger than 11-1/4 inches by 16 inches along its sides and 8-1/4 inches deep. A frame of this size will hold four small or medium honeycomb frames (up to 6-1/4 inches deep each) or two deep honeycomb frames (up to 9-1/8 inches deep each). The bottom of the frame is attached to a panel of sturdy, perforated sheet metal cut to the size of the garbage can that allows the honey to drip through while filtering out any loose wax. Finally, the framework is wrapped in wire mesh to hold the honeycombs in place without trapping the honey inside the framework. The frame will be suspended from a rotating motor attached to a sturdy wooden framework (which can be made out of spare two-by-four beams) to spin the honeycombs. The wooden framework may be laid across the top of the garbage can or bolted into the top of the can. An old fan motor with the blades removed is the best choice for the spinning motor. Use a small piece of wood attached to the motor̵7;s blade holders to hold the iron frame while it spins. Place the garbage can on bricks at least a foot above the ground to aid in the honey-release process. You will also need jars for storing the extracted honey.
Constructing the Extractor
Drill a hole toward the bottom of one side of the garbage can just large enough to fit the valve. This will collect the honey that drips down the sides of the can and hold it until you̵7;re ready to bottle it. Next, cut the perforated sheet metal to fit inside the garbage can. It should rest comfortably approximately three inches above the bottom of the can. The iron frame consists of a horizontal cross piece attached to the motor component with vertical bars that the mesh wire is wrapped around to hold the honeycombs in place. Weld the iron frame together and cut the wire mesh so that it can be wrapped around the iron frame. The honeycombs will be placed in the middle of the iron frame against the mesh. Centripetal force will hold the combs in place. Build the external wooden framework out of leftover two-by-fours and center it over the garbage can. Securely mount the motor to the external wooden framework. Place the iron frame into the garbage can and lift it to meet the motor. You need to firmly attach the iron framework to the wooden board connected to the motor. Use brackets that hold the framework tightly so that the hanging frame does not wobble in the can. When the motor is turned on, the iron framework holding the honeycomb is spun inside the garbage can. The honey is flung from the combs and splashes against the sides of the garbage can before dripping down, where it is filtered by the perforated metal. Once honey accumulates at the bottom of the can, it can be drained into jars by opening the bottom valve.