Introduction to the Bee Vacuum
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- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- I realized that I had posted videos on how to make the bee vacuum but I hadn't really given an introduction to what the bee vacuum is and why you would use it. I attempt that here.
Added note: The vacuum I use is the Dewalt model DCV 517B. I have Dewalt batteries so this is the bare tool. The hose is a Bosch VAC005.
Hey, found this channel trough your woodworking project website, really interesting, hoping to see more in the future!
Hi from Brasil,Thanks for sharing your knowledge, I loved the equipment. I'll follow your model to make my own.
Thanks so much Michael for sharing your beevac design and demonstrating how to actually use it.
While catching a bee swarm, recently I had a hard time vacuuming them up, probably due to two factors:
1-The DeWalt device is not powerful enough or the box volume is too big to allow sufficient air pressure while vacuuming (in France we have 18V/5Ah powered devices, not 20V, could be part of the problem as well)
2-Bees cluster together and also tend to grip into the hose/pipe. I had the surprise to find a bunch of bees within the tube that did not actually reach the box. Maybe a consequence of low power.
Lastly, once trapped, bees naturally move up along the sides of the box so it is challenging to push them down with the sliding mesh frame without crushing some bees, and the bottom sliding board can also crush bees in the rails while sliding it out, and since they tend to cluster, I experienced some bees being trapped in the space left between the sliding board and the box. Therefore I had to stop sliding it half-way and put some tape to prevent bees from getting out from that space.
That was just an experience sharing and is no way a criticism of your amazing design. I just want to make it work :-)
Thanks again for sharing, much appreciated!
All the best from France.
Thanks for your comment, Hedi. Make sure that every place where you might have an air leak is sealed. For example, between the top and the body you should have weather stripping to seal the joint. Also make sure the bottom slide fits tightly.
I have not had any problem with killing bees either when I slide the inner "top" down or when I remove the bottom slide. The inner top should be such a close fit that no bee could get between the wall and the sliding inner top.
Same with the bottom slide - it should fit tightly into the slot on the side of the box, such that a bee could not fit anywhere between the slide and the box.
The fact that you have bees clinging to the hose indicates that you don't have enough suction. I've never had that issue.
It's a shame that you're so far away. If you were closer I could examine you box and perhaps give some advice.
Also, the DeWalt batteries are the same. Here they call them "20 Volt Max" but they're really 18 volts in use. Europe only allows them to call them 18 volt.
I'd offer two solutions: (1) check for leaks and especially make sure you have a close fit of the sliding inner top and the sliding bottom. Also make sure you have weather stripping between the top and the box.
(2) get a more powerful vacuum. You could use a plug-in vacuum but if you do, you need to rig up a bleeder so that the vacuum is not too strong. The bleeder can be a hole in the top with a sliding cover that allows you to adjust how much air comes in through the bleeder.
Good luck!
As an aside, I have traveled to France many times on business. My mother was French-American but my knowledge of French is minimal.
@@michaelhenderson8281 Thanks for your kind reply Michael! And happy to crash test my device again with your advices! I think I can send you pictures/videos of my frenchstyle bee vacuum but I couldn't find your contact info on UA-cam. Any hint? thanks (and I'll teach you some french!)
@@hedigharbi6391 Thanks for your note, Hedi. I have a website socal-beekeeping dot com. You can send me a note at mike @ that URL.
@@michaelhenderson8281 hey mate, how long does the battery last for the dewalt vac (used on your bee vac)???
Do you need a couple of spare batteries on hand for a complete job???
@@jimmy8573 I've been using 5Ah batteries. I never measured how long they last, but the only time I needed a second battery was when I was doing a large, complex cutout. I think it's always a good idea to have backup.
Not too long ago, I bought a DeWalt tool that uses the 60 volt batteries. They're actually dual voltage - if you put the battery in a 20 volt tool, they output 20 volts instead of 60 volts. At 20 volts, they're 9Ah. I haven't had a long collection since I got those batteries but I doubt if I'd ever run one of those down on a cutout.
On a simple cutout, such as a few I've had of bees in a cable TV box in the ground, one 5Ah battery has been plenty. I also took bees out of a fairly large birdhouse with one 5Ah battery.
Hi Michael..
Love your design… I would like to buy one that you make sir.
If that’s possible I will provide my contact information.
@@kenthompson9769 send me an email and we can talk. mike at socal-beekeeping dot com
Do your bees every plug up your hose? Clump together
No, the moving air from the vacuum keeps the hose clear.