It seems like quite a few of the more experienced beeks build their own supers, brood boxes, frames, bottom boards, etc. I had the chance to watch someone build frames using a assembly fixture/jig.
Did you catch my videos ->
http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/frames-and-frame-assembly/ It looked pretty simple. I'm guessing that assembling supers, brood boxes and the rest of the basic hive isn't too difficult.
Assuming that you have the time, ..... is it worth the effort in building your own hives, using purchased parts?
By doing so, can you build a better hive ? (i.e. better workmanship, screws & glue vs. just nails, etc.)
What have been your experiences?
It is pretty easy and you can build at whatever your skill level is. Simple butt joints are fine and the bees don't care. If you enjoy woodworking you can take it to whatever level you want. If you mean buying un assembled hive parts from a supplier, usually shipping alone makes it worth while, and if you buy from a reputable dealer, the stuff usually fits together easily and if they they will exchange. The only real thing you need to be careful of is that you line the hand holds up correctly, or you can end up with hand holds upside down, or on the inside if you don't pay attention. Don't ask me how I know :roll:
The biggest benefit I find is that you aren't limited in using the commercially available designs. For instance, I prefer the C.C. Miller influence bottom boards and slatted racks used by Eugene Killion. You can't buy them commercially, but they are simple to build. Or you can use designs of your own that fit your style or needs.
It is not so much about savings, especially if you have to buy dimensional lumber from a box store. If you have a local mill, you can do better.
There is also the pride of knowing you built your own equipment.
I build everything from scratch except frames, those I buy pre-cut and assemble them myself. I suppose I could build them from scratch, but for the price of the pre-cut frames it is not worth it. I buy my polystyrene deeps too :roll:
I enjoy woodworking, a lot of the equipment I prefer is not commercially available, and I have a local rough cut mill that I buy my lumber from.
Would be fun to see pics of boxes y'all have made. :)
Some of the things I've built (and have pictures of ;) )
Ross Rounds SupersDouble Deep Frames ->
http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/double-deep-frames/Medium Supers ->
http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/building-honey-supers/Bottom board and Slatted RackIntegrated Bottom Board w/ Slatted Rack - with Sonatube swarm trap next to one of my Warré hives (built these too)
Sugar Boards ->
http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/emergency-feeding/Inner coversStack of my $2 Swarm Traps