>along these lines - if you do a wax (suggestion) strip - will the bees convert to the smallest cell as they go?
It matters not whether you use wax or wood or whatever they will build the size cells they want.
>- no idea what (cell) size suggestion sheet I put up for them but just wondering if they will default to their preferred size after
You mean the rest of the comb? Yes, they will adjust the size to what they want after they build the strip.
>That is why I prefer wedge top bars.
I'll "when I start" just take the wedge out, cut foundation in one inch strips and install the same way I do full foundation. What's wrong with this method?
Nothing except that the wax is more fragile and more likely to fall out and needs to be replaced when the comb is being replaced. If you turned the wedge sideways and glued it in you'd never have to mess with it again. :)