Thank you for a great video, mate! After watching it a few weeks ago I ordered some wax and had a dipping tab made. It is much better than just painting. It lasts longer and looks good as well.

Excellent video, packed with clear and useful information! ...JP

Very beautiful and practical, a good example. Thank you very much! Sincerely, John (Ionel)

I built all my hive boxes and frames myself( Langstroth dimensions) about 40 years ago. The boxes, 50 of them were painted with latex on the outside only. Some of the boxes have needed some repair over time as well as some repainting. Although my wooden equipment was not built for eternity it has served me fairly well at a very low cost.

I just built a tank today and plan on starting to dip my new boxes for the year this winter. Can I ask you how big your tank is and how much wax did you start off with when you first got started? I'm getting ready to order some wax and was trying to get an idea of how much to start off with.

Great video, thanks! One question tho, I get that the wax be a barrier to weathering but will this method resist or prevent termites? Thanks again!

Any chance you can share the wax source you mentioned?

I have yet to start beekeeping, but have a good number of books and watched people's vids. I've seen that the bees tend to glue the boxes and lids together using propolis. Does treating the wood with Parafin / crystalline wax make it easier or harder for th propolis to stick the frames and boxes together where they meet as opposed to painting or varnishing as some people do. I've also noticed that the plastic manufactured boxes appear to be particularly prone to being glued up by propolis.

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

Where did you order the wax from?

I noticed a lot of run marks or excess wax buildup. Do you scrape the excess smooth and re-use that wax, or just leave the globs on the boxes. I like the idea of wax dipping for sure, but the time constraint does seem a bit much. Granted, one setup and do a bunch of boxes for sure. I guess as 10 minutes per three boxes for one dip, vs a coat of primer and two coats of paint, that time may be the same. So then setup is really the only big constraint. Do you have a thermostat to control the wax temp, or just a thermometer and adjust the gas?

I dipped some old painted boxes for a friend once. It left some propolis and paint chips floating in my wax but it wasn't too bad. A good scraping would solve that. I thought it might blister the paint but it didn't. The burners are from Tejas Smokers. They are 30,000 BTU banjo style burners and have convenient little feet cast into them so the sit level on the ground. Can't say enough good things about Tejas Smokers. They are really great guys.

very informative! What is the consumption of wax for one box?

What is your source for the "micro crystalline wax and Paraffin wax"? Thanks!

Great Video mate. Very informative. Do you paint your box's after you dip them?

Wonder if you can use dyes to color the wax. I like a variety of color, nothing bold, too help break up the outline of a stack of boxes, or several stacks. I always worry they will get swiped or messed with and do a quick count every time I pull within sight of my hives.

thanks for posting, the post is 5years old now; are your results as expected? What size burner(s) BTUs might be recommended? I have gotten my stainless steel vat completed; a friend welded it up for me and I will using a brick lifter to remove the hot boxes. After complete cool down of the wax tank how might it be restarted aka melting the solid block or does one drain the wax from the tank into smaller molds before cooling down in preparation for the next run? Thanks

I used stainless because I happened to have a sheet of it and it welds very easy. Carbon steel will work just fine.

I did try this at first but we found dipping before assembly prevents glue from adhering to the wood. Also, if you stack pieces the wax can't penetrate. Even when we put small spacers between them, we didn't get good coverage and penetration. It does take quite a bit of wax to fill the tank (300+lbs) but there is little to no waste in the process. The wood absorbs nearly 100% of the wax. It is time consuming (3 deeps,6 med) in 10 minutes but I incorporate other shop tasks while I'm dipping.

Very informative thank you!

Just to clarify, you are 4:1 paraffin:microcrystalline, correct? You also said 1:1 on another comment. Thanks!

nice, good system. we use another way to protect the hives, burning them. Charred wood is impermeable. greetings

Could you post an update on how these boxes look after a few years weathering?

Thousands of boxes w/o incident but hey... one man's blow torch is another man's paint brush. You have to be comfortable to be safe.

Do you know the model number of your Tejas Smokers burners?

Good video - thank you for posting it! Question on the temperature - if the wax melts at 180 degrees, why does it need to be heated to 300? I'm assuming the heat causes the moisture in the wood to come out but does it need to be at 300? Would a lower temperature (low 200's) work as well? Thank you!

were did you buy your wax were its blended i am building one now and having it blended would be cheaper i think thanks jon

I’m new to this method when it heats too 300 degrees and if ur soaking all day do u turn off burner too bring down temperature or does it cool when dipping boxes

great video. thank you. what is the wax/microcrystalin ratio? thanks

awesome! This a fantastic video. Where do I get the microcrystalline junk? Also, I found a source for candle scrap wax (mixed colors and scent). Y'all think using some scented colored junk is a terrible idea? seems so...

Have you dipped old painted boxes and if so what were the results? Where did you get your burners from?

In the terms of energy conservation, you might consider wrapping your tank in rock wool insulation and adding a second shell of stainless. Maybe a little overkill, but it would keep that wax warmer for a longer period of time with less energy while heating.

Who is your wax provider? What do they charge for the custom made slabs? How much wax does it take?

Where do you wax in bulk?

Looks good. But I ve three questions. 1) doesnt the wax get damaged over time and is painting needed anyway? 2) doesnt the wax attract waxmoth or shb? 3) isn t it more expensive than painting?

Can you give us the dimensions of your wax supper and maybe explain with a video or pics how the burner is mounted?

Interesting. What's about a mix of wax and propoleo ,replacing para paraffin

what is your bottom plate thickness? is it the same as the sides?

Why not use straight Micro crystalline instead of blending it with paraffin? Cost?

Hey there, What was the additive you added to the wax? Jono

Can you please tell me where you ordered the wax, and exactly what to order? I've got about 100 boxes that I need done ASAP!

Thank you for video! best greetings from Ukraine!

I would love to have my new boxes dipped if possible, Where are you located?

What Gauge Sheet metal did you use to make the tank?

And we were told it was bad form to use plastic hives. 5 mins to construct a super and done, no painting, no petroleum waxing, no chemicals at all and in fact cheaper to start.

The ratio of paraffin to microcrystaline is 4:1 There is more info if you scroll to the very first comments on the video. I address wax sources, pricing and ratios there.

Can the boxes be dipped after painted?

Also, the foam bubbles will be bigger the higher the temperature. At 280°F, 15 minutes the foam will be small(like on a cheap tap beer).

Do you do this dipping all year?

What are the dimensions of your box please? How much of each wax is needed? What was the cost and who is the supplier? With that size of tank how many BTU do you need or feel is sufficient? Any reason one could not use a laser thermometer? Does it stop boiling/foaming when it is done? Microcrystalline wax will bind better into the wood, sounds cool. Where did you get that understanding? Your cooking temp is much higher than what I have heard from others (250ish) why? Thank you!

Reading through your comments I have a few of my own preconceived thoughts you may be able to confirm, and maybe clarify to your viewers. Main assets to wax dipping your wood ware - displace moisture,, paint can adversely trap moisture between the wood and the paint allowing for the paint to peel or reject. Mold and mildew are present due to moisture, wax is permeated into the wood so rejection and mold and mildew are not probable....the same waxed wood (would)--suffice to say could be considered a logical deterrent to rot and decay. BUT the main benefit would be when you get overly aggressive with your hive tool and compromise your paint. Wax is permeated, paint is superficial, booger it and paint will trap and even wick moisture. Negative factors - Adds weight by ????? ounces or pounds to each box, Time and equipment cost need to be considered as per individual scenario. Safety was a main issue in your comments. Darwin has his definitions of survival of the fittest .. did God not give everyone a brain?? IF you are not comfortable then Do NOT do it. If you can not modify this video to a point that makes you comfortable then Do NOT do the wax dipping. My best comment is THANK s to the both of you for the video and the INFORMATION I WILL use your information to get on with my BEE KEEPING ADVENTURE.//// Thanks Again LARRY Sitzman

HI THERE. I'M FROM MEXICO AND I WANT TO KNOW IF THE TEMPERATURE YOU SAY (300°) ARE IN A FAREHEIT OR A CELSIUS SCALE?

Must have been that left turn at Albuquerque.

Ah exposed feet, perfect for handling hot wax

Two reasons: I glue my boxes and it won't adhere to waxed wood. More importantly, you can't stack the pieces because the hot wax needs to circulate between them. Otherwise it won't fully penetrate the wood.

Have you considered a lower temp bath to cool the cooked boxes in so more wax is sucked into the wood as it cools? OR do you think it is unnecessary?

Hi there, sorry i miss the some comments, what are the tank dimensions? Thanks.

Hi I love this Idea! I am just worried about the affects the paraffin wax may have on the bees long term. it is a carcinogen to humans, but what does it do to bees? any thoughts?

For everyone looking for a source for wax of all kinds, try Strahl & Pitsch at spwax.com. Ask for Alex Long and tell him what you're doing. He'll set you up with exactly what you need. The correct ratio is 4:1 paraffin to microcrystalline.

Nice. Where are you located? Anywhere near the S.F. bay area? Would you be willing to dip a pine box for me?

Isn't the touch feeling wax after deeping?

is there a reason other than the cost and / or value of it, that you don't use bees wax to coat your hives?

Thank you for very informative and well produced video. Much appreciated. I share your enthusiasm for dipping as opposed to painting. Would you be willing to share tank dimensions and burner setup? I don't weld so would have fabricator make up a tank. Many thanks.

Sir, Could you give me an idea what the investment in making the tank and the cost to initially fill with wax. Thanks

where did you get the wax!!!!!!

Awesome, thanks for sharing this video, ¿how much parafine do I need for 10 hives, or in order to know how much parafine do I have to buy, how mucho wax does a single box needs? thanks!! Best regards!

What are the measurements of your dip tank an could u do a video on your burners

What was the total cost of every thing?

Hey crew; What have you found as the "life" experienced doing the wax dipping. I am a new- BEE and started this past March with 2 hives. I have heard form some in my area that hive maintenance is a big effort. (rotting) due to our damp location.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Just a question here...what kind of wax is already in the boiler when you start doing this vidoe? Thanks for sharing!

Wonder how induction cook tops would work as far as safety and heat source.

Where are you getting the wax

Only waxed hive I tried the girls loved to eat it. They made holes, in corners, all over. Finally moved them to a ceder box.

can bees wax be used?

I must ask when it comes to cost effective between wax dipping and painting? Add in the amount of time and labor and buying the two different type of wax products for dipping I wonder how this will allow the wooden products last in the harsh outdoors. For those who have under 100 hives we are already bombarded with the high cost of buying new equipment and maintaining the hives it comes down to a no profit situation.

do you just dip once? not a second wet dip?

Hi why no use bee wax instead ? lower heat needed and other greener issue how much wax per box"(which type do you use) well thx for the video and for the reply ! Tom

are you an Iron Worker?

Would have been nice if you would have provided links here for your wax supplier.

does this process attract wax moths?

Why stainless, it is mandatory?

is it organik?

do you have a website? do you sell bees? i am interested in getting a colony from the 50 year old house genetics

I agree, but that wouldn't be a very fun and interesting video.

I was always told paint em then dip em. Cypress gear always lasted fine, let some pine gear get wet, done in a year

The walls are 18 gauge and the bottom is 3/16

1:29 Yeah always wear long sleeves, goggles, and of course a real nice pair of open-air sandals.

hey we've been wax dipping for a year or so and are getting a black sludge at the bottom on the melter. not sure if from creosote or something else. anyone else have this and if so how do you clean it out?

Tank was folded from 3x8 sheet of 18ga stainless. I use a 50/50 mix of paraffin ($1.70/lb) and micro-crystaline wax ($2.60/lb) from Strahl & Pitsch in NY. 220lbs total. I use 2 30,000BTU burners but one would be fine. Any thermometer will work. It doesn't stop foaming when done. The method was lifted from a research paper by the Australian Beekeepers Assoc. It can be found online. 300+ degrees seems to penetrate better than 250 for me but many use a lower temp with good results.

if you build your own boxes why not dip them before you assemble the sides?

amazing idea , waw

Dude painting would just be so much quicker and safer. Safe being the bigger issue. A tank of 300 degree wax and propane burners has accident waiting to happen written all over it.

Couldn't you just wax the parts of the boxes, then piece them together afterwards? Seems like you'd get a lot more done quickly that way.

I got here from Skyrim.. Must have been the Mead..

Looks like it softens up the glue joints also

Hi, thanks for the video! I was wondering, once you finished the dipping, is there a residue of wax? What do you do with it? Considering you used 220 lbs of wax, that was used for how many boxes and lids? What would be the proportion of wax per box?

Aren't long sleeves more capable of catching fire during an unintended fire of the heated wax?

Do you sell hives

good gob .. but you going to increase the harmful moisture inside the bee hive ,