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Assembling frames without a framing jig

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Lesgold:
Hi Folks,
I was wondering if there are any of you out there who assemble frames without using a standard framing jig. When I first started beekeeping, I used to use a jig all the time but many years ago I met a guy who used a different method where no real jig was required and I decided to try his technique. Have not used a jig since then. In saying that, I only make small numbers of frames at a time (normally 20 to 100 frames) It would be interesting to hear and see how you all make frames as I?m sure that there will be a whole bunch of approaches to this task.

Ben Framed:
Les I do use a jig. This is what I learned from Beeman Pierre back when I first started, except I made my jig to accommodate 10 frames instead.

Phillip

https://youtu.be/kptalQBiBRk?si=UuerkTa50koihSNk

Lesgold:
Hi Phillip,

That?s pretty much the way that I used to make my frames. The jig used to work quite well. Adding the extra staple into the top bar improves the strength of the joint. There is still weakness in the bottom bar joint but this rarely causes issues unless frames are propolised together over the winter months.

The15thMember:
I have never owned a frame jig, and like you, Les, I'm not assembling many frames at one time.  So I just build mine by hand, one at a time.  I use 1 in. nails and Titebond III glue.  I put 2 nails in the top bar, 2 nails in the bottom bar, and 1 nail under each ear.  Then I nail in my wedges sideways for a starter strip using 3 wedge nails, and I'm good to go.   

Lesgold:
Sweet. Your frames should be quite strong. When I did use a framing jig, it used to annoy me putting nails into the end grain of timber. 2 nails would improve the holding power, especially if skewed. Titebond 3 holds well (even after frames are steam cleaned) I used to add extra nails to the sides of the end bars which also improved strength. This did add some extra construction time but very few frames had issues. The narrow crowned stapler has been the biggest time saver of all. Reagan, your top bars are a different design to what we use here in Australia. I can see a big advantage in your situation where you run foundationless frames. I would love to use them as they would be a real time saver.

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