Queen Rearing Cell Punch

thingiverse

Cell punching is a simple method of removing proper-aged larvae for rearing as a queen. Dave Cushman's website is probably the best source of information available for this method: http://www.dave-cushman.net/bee/cellpunch.html These models include the nose, plunger, and even the body (tube) for fiddling with, but I recommend you use the proper brass. The three pieces needed for the punch are: * Punch Tube: This design is built around a10mm (3/8") OD 0.5mm wall brass tube, 25mm in length. Dave Cushman's website lists this as a 9.5mm x .75mm tube. The tube should be sharpened on the free end to slice through the comb. Do this after you are done sizing and forcing things, trust me. * Dowel Pusher: Used to push the cell to be reared as a queen through the tube leaving an anchor inside. * Nose Piece: A friction-fit over the end of the tube, you may want or need to scale this up or down depending on your tubing. If you use the plunger pushed through the front of this to help you align it on the tubing and press against a piece of scrap wood, it's much easier to get on. Mount several with 3/8" Terry Tool Clips on a small bar held in a standard Langstroth frame.