BEE SMOKER
Metal cylinder attached to a metal and rubber rectangular bellows. The walls of the bellows are timber which is heavily stained and splattered with white (either paint or lead). Metal edges seal the rubber to the timber and are nailed in place. The cylinder is attached to the bellow by two brackets which are welded to the cylinder and bolted to the bellows.
To the right of the brackets and between them vertically, a small circular vent has been drilled into the timber and is surrounded by a raised washer.
A curved sheet of metal is nailed to the RHS of the cylinder at only one edge so it sticks out away from the cylinder.
A lid is attached by a thin piece of metal bolted to the front of the cylinder and attached by a hinge. The lid sits down over the cylinder and has a spout that faces forward with one large opening. There are two smaller holes drilled into the lid towards the back.
Details
Details
A small fire would be made in the cylinder, usually using pine needles. The bellows were pumped to force smoke out the nozzle on top. Smoke is puffed onto the hives and frames when the comb is being removed to sedate the bees.
A cool smoke has to be used because hot smoke aggravates the bees.
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