Making a silicone matrix for wax 2.0: Rebooting and working on bugs
Some time after the manufacture of a silicone matrix for the production of its own wax and its active operation, I decided to make a new matrix. And not one, but several. First, I decided to slightly increase its size in width. This will give me the opportunity during the production of wax not to worry about the evenness of the edges and eventually cut the wax exactly under the frame. Many, on the contrary, make a reduced wax in the hope that the bees will finish it on their own and bring additional wax and possibly contribute to the fight against the tick. I also need 100% filling of the frame and the confidence that I will leave exactly such frames in the winter, which will help the bees in wintering. Secondly, I make several matrices at once in order to be able to set up a small conveyor for the production of wax. Its essence is simple: when I apply wax to the last matrix, the first one will already cool down and the wax can be removed and wax applied to it, and so on. Looking ahead, I can say that in this way, in the presence of five matrices, I produced 53 waxes in one hour (taking into account the trimming in size). Which is a good enough result for me.
I am ready to answer all your questions and give any advice.
For the production of the matrix, I used simple plywood, pine bars and a two-component translucent high-quality silicone based on platinum Best Mold PL 40.
I have already made several videos on this topic, conducting an experiment on the production of a matrix, wax and, of course, its tuning by bees.
https://youtu.be/vrL2bBIihsk?si=BoyPCaHo1T7ou2Ye making a matrix for wax with your own hands;
https://youtu.be/bmapScPv3p8?si=0E7qPtQqvSwBZ65J Which wax is better? Katanaya? cast? Artificial? Preparation for the experiment.
https://youtu.be/OgipQDsuHSk?si=b0-u2a6NCDfk4f3U Waxing with your own hands is simple! TWO ways of making wax using homemade matrices.
https://youtu.be/n-7wL4L9fmU?si=hSJG0yUBsKnyz0ye Where to put the wax? Setting the wax in the center of the nest! Many people say - YOU CAN'T DO THAT!!! I tried it.
https://youtu.be/sCC96efbx4E?si=Lkt_w53SlZHFJMcu Wax with your own hands. Experiment - What happened? Preliminary result.
https://youtu.be/4Ln1yl56IY0?si=J8xtLJaKeR-8pHdc Wax with your own hands. Experiment. Part two.
00:00 results of the last season and the construction of the wax
03:03 why am I making new matrices
06:19 production of the formwork for the matrix
11:32 preparation of silicone for pouring
14:27 filling forms
17:09 extraction of ready-made matrices
I wish you all good luck and peace!