For some time now I've been looking for a method of spacing frames precisely, especially for my own DIY efforts, but also a method which would allow fine adjustment afterwards.
The oldsters used to use staples - well, I think that's a bit crude, and subsequent fine adjustment can't be easy. Some folks with Hoffman frames machine their side-bars down to the required size - but then there's no easy way of putting that wood back on again - so it's very much a one-time adjustment. And - not only did I want a means of adjustment - but that method must also allow co-existence with Hoffman frames.
So - this is what I've come up with. The method uses four 25mm x 3mm woodscrews inserted into the sides of each top bar, spaced such that there is a bee-space between screws and also between the Hoffman spacer and the screw nearest to it.
Here's a photo mock-up using my latest 14x14 frames, and a Hoffman frame which is the type of frame the nuc to be used for install onto those larger frames is currently residing.
It'll be interesting to see what the bees make of them.
LJ