WAX DIPPED WOODENWARE
Take care of your beekeeping equipment!
WAX DIPPED WOODENWARE
Take care of your beekeeping equipment!
About Us
OUR STORY
Our story begins in 1935 when my Dad, Mr. Bob, at 12 years old, was introduced to the bee world.The honey sales from the bees help support his family through the depression. He kept bees for about 40 years with time away for WWII and college. When his bees finally died out, he stored his equipment in the rafters of a barn, then when he was in his 80's a swarm found a home in the stored equipment, so he started again enjoying the challenge of bees. He was active with the bees until he was 93, the last years with my help. Now I am second generation.
THE STORY CONTINUES
I continued with bee keeping on a small scale for a few years until Rick came into the picture. When he came here to the property, he decided he needed to learn about bees in case I needed help. So we have expanded with bees now in Kentucky and Mississippi plus bees scattered out to pollinate crops. We operate under the mantle of Abundant Life Apiary and feature Mr. Bob's honey and a variety of creamed honey. This is the beginning of the third generation.
A NEW CHAPTER TO THE STORY
As beekeepers, we are in a continual learning process. We are blessed that EAS Master Beekeeper, Kent Williams lives near us and has been a mentor to us. This may sound harsh but true when He says, "Your bees are going to die, so take care of your equipment so that it will last." We know that it is true because Mr Bob took care of his equipment, some of which we still use. We started studying wax dipping and saw how the process could preserve our woodenware much longer than painting and other processes. We are excited about this being a big benefit to the beekeeping industry. The story continues!
THE VALUE OF THE PROCESS
The process is the key and sets it apart from other methods. Heating the wood above the boiling point reduces the moisture content of the wood,Other processes protect the exterior of the wood satisfactorily but this process protects the wood, inside and out, Using a mix of waxes that have a high melt point is important to the process. Heating above 240F for 15 minutes allows time to boil water out of the wood and in return, wax is drawn in it's place, thus providing excellent protection for your woodenware. Take care of your equipment then focus on your bees!