For the commercial operator, we make purpose built uncapping machines. For beekeepers with less than 100 hives, these are not cost efficient.

TIP 1:

1"Honey is sticky. It will drip. Every doorknob, shoelace, telephone and radio button that is touched while uncapping or handling wet frames will become sticky. Walking spreads the honey around on the floor.

Solution: A bucket of water to rinse hands and a towel are essential in the extracting room, especially if you are married and want to stay that way. Turn on the fan and radio, and get everything else ready, before getting all sticky. The garage, basement, barn or porch are usually better places to extract than the kitchen, providing you can keep the honey clean. Watch the kids."

How to remove the cappings:

A tool with stainless steel prongs (eg a fork or a cappings scratcher) can be dragged over the cappings. This method is useful if you have very few frames to extract.

A serrated bread knife , used with a sawing motion, will cut the cappings off.

A heated knife is the most efficient tool for the job,and there are 3 commonly used methods:

1.Keep a jug of boiled water handy, and dip a thick knife in the water.

2.Use a "steam knife' which needs a supply of steam for heat.

3.Use an electrically heated uncapping knife.

The electric knife is the most convenient. As beekeeping is often a hobby that lasts a lifetime, an electric uncapping knife is a worthwhile investment.

Ref 1: http://outdoorplace.org