Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => TOP BAR HIVES - WARRE HIVES - LONG HIVES => Topic started by: winenutguy on November 02, 2008, 11:33:24 am

Title: KTBH or TTBH Plans?
Post by: winenutguy on November 02, 2008, 11:33:24 am
Does anyone have plans or know of a site where I can find plans for KTBH and TTBH?  I have seen Mr. Bush's site but I'd like to get some other opinions and perspectives as well.  Also, are they available commercially?  I'm a newbee but I've been reading about these things and I find them really fascinating.  I think natural comb is one of natures most beautiful works of art and having a couple of hives that do that is very appealing. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. 
Best wishes, Winenutguy.
Title: Re: KTBH or TKBH Plans?
Post by: BjornBee on November 02, 2008, 12:09:34 pm
You might want to check out www.bwrangler.com

He has one of the best sites for TBH's and many links.
Title: Re: KTBH or TTBH Plans?
Post by: Cacklewack on November 11, 2008, 03:34:09 am
I suggest taking a look at the plans at the website below that Michael refers to. You can search for "how to build a top bar hive" and you'll find a PDF file that lays out, quite clearly, how to create a top bar hive.

Cheers,
Matt
Title: Re: KTBH or TTBH Plans?
Post by: Michael Bush on November 11, 2008, 10:05:15 am
http://hirschbachapiary.com/
The other one is filtered (as you can see in Matt's post) or I would give you that.  Try a google search on "Top Bar Hives" and "Barefoot".

Title: Re: KTBH or TTBH Plans?
Post by: winenutguy on November 11, 2008, 06:51:34 pm
Thank you all!  Does anyone have any preference concerning the type of wood used?  Ceder, Pine, Etc.?  Treated or untreated?  I also want to put a window in mine.  Thank you all again.
Best, Winenutguy.
Title: Re: KTBH or TTBH Plans?
Post by: Michael Bush on November 11, 2008, 08:45:17 pm
Treated wood will kill bees.  Untreated of any kind will do fine.  Pine is light and cheap.  Cedar is light and rot resistant and expensive.  :)
Title: Re: KTBH or TTBH Plans?
Post by: winenutguy on November 11, 2008, 09:49:01 pm
Thank you Mr. Bush.  I think I'll go with cedar.  I have some in my forest and one of them has to come down. I have a friend thet will mill it for me for a piece of the tree.  Thank you for confirming my thinking!  Best wishes, Winenutguy.
Title: Re: KTBH or TTBH Plans?
Post by: Brian D. Bray on November 12, 2008, 02:34:06 am
Thank you Mr. Bush.  I think I'll go with cedar.  I have some in my forest and one of them has to come down. I have a friend thet will mill it for me for a piece of the tree.  Thank you for confirming my thinking!  Best wishes, Winenutguy.

Why don't you cut a 3 foot section out of that cedar tree and the cut that so you have a U running full length, kind of a dug out TBH?  Put a Salish Box painting on each end.  Sure make a nifty conversation piece.
Title: Re: KTBH or TTBH Plans?
Post by: Cindi on November 16, 2008, 12:25:46 pm
Why don't you cut a 3 foot section out of that cedar tree and the cut that so you have a U running full length, kind of a dug out TBH?  Put a Salish Box painting on each end.  Sure make a nifty conversation piece.

Now Brian, you certainly do come up with some very interesting things, you be that thinker man  :) :) :) have a most wonderful and awesome life and day, love life, great health.  Cindi
Title: Re: KTBH or TTBH Plans?
Post by: mtbe on December 03, 2008, 06:54:57 pm
I built these.  Smaller hives, but you can increase the size as you wish.  I like the view window.

http://www.backyardhive.com/images//backyardhiveplans_a.pdf
Title: Re: KTBH or TTBH Plans?
Post by: idav5d on January 04, 2009, 11:18:52 pm
Here's a cool one that I stumbled across. It's made from some 4x4, 2x4, and plywood... nifty!  

EDIT: apparently I am not allowed to post images or links yet, so use your imagination! :-D