Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => EQUIPMENT USAGE, EXPERIMENTATION, HIVE PLANS, CONSTRUCTION TIPS AND TOOLS => Topic started by: D Coates on March 18, 2010, 11:45:40 am

Title: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: D Coates on March 18, 2010, 11:45:40 am
Here are plans and measurements for nucs I make.  I think they are simple and you can make 4 five-frame nucs out of one piece of 15/32 plywood that sells for $10 at Lowes or Home Depot.  I use them for swarm traps, queen breeding nucs, and I overwinter nucs with Fall queens in them.  I also leave the bottom off of some to stack on other nucs to make 10 frame nucs.  I use thin 1 1/4 inch nails, titebond III glue, and I paint them to ensure I get many years of service out of them.

http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa190/Drew454/Nuc%20plans/ (http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa190/Drew454/Nuc%20plans/)

Plans and cut list for the Coates 5-Frame Nuc can be found here -> https://www.beevac.com/plans-and-downloads/ (https://www.beevac.com/plans-and-downloads/)
An 8-Frame Medium version is also now available  here as well ->  https://www.beevac.com/plans-and-downloads/ (https://www.beevac.com/plans-and-downloads/)
Thanks to David (DLMKA) for the 8-Frame adaptation.
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: Yappy on March 18, 2010, 02:00:54 pm
Thank you. :)
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: Pink Cow on March 18, 2010, 02:43:14 pm
Brilliant. Great design, simple to understand and very economical. Thank you for taking the time to post this. Definitely on my to-do list now as I was just speaking with a friend last night about our need to build a few nucs.
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: D Coates on March 18, 2010, 03:52:31 pm
My pleasure.  I'm not a very good woodworker, though I'm getting better.  I'd been trying to figure out a simple way to make nice quality nucs with relatively thin common plywood.  The "end cap" is what gave me my ah-ha moment.  I made a couple four years ago.  They're still in full use as well as the couple I made 3 years ago and the four I made last year.  I've already made four this year and the photo's are of another 4 I'm making.  I've learned and copied plenty from others who have posted their ideas here (I made a bushkill beevac from plans on here) and elsewhere, I figured it was my turn to do the same.

Let me know if you have any questions or problems making yours.

Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: David LaFerney on March 18, 2010, 06:23:11 pm
Does the 1/2" rebate reduce the bee space at the ends enough to cause them to gum it up?

Nice simple design.  I like it.
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: D Coates on March 18, 2010, 07:08:43 pm
I've not had it happen excessively.  They'll propolize up the end like they do in a regular hive body.  I've noticed no more, no less.
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: Pink Cow on March 18, 2010, 07:58:48 pm
Let me know if you have any questions or problems making yours.

Don't think I'll have any trouble making them since you covered it so well, but I do have a question. You don't happen to have a layout for cutting the 4x8 sheet do you? I'm only asking because I don't have a vehicle in which I can transport an entire sheet, but if I was able to have the store cut it in half in either direction I'd be fine. Could I do that without losing wood I'd need for the fourth nuc? Thanks.
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: KD4MOJ on March 19, 2010, 08:43:04 am
Thanks Coates... I'm gonna have to give this a try!

...DOUG
KD4MOJ
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: D Coates on March 19, 2010, 11:55:41 am
Don't think I'll have any trouble making them since you covered it so well, but I do have a question. You don't happen to have a layout for cutting the 4x8 sheet do you? I'm only asking because I don't have a vehicle in which I can transport an entire sheet, but if I was able to have the store cut it in half in either direction I'd be fine. Could I do that without losing wood I'd need for the fourth nuc? Thanks.

No problem, a 4x8 won't fit in my Expedition so I have it cut in half at Home Depot.  They do it for free!  Two 4x4 sheets of plywood are easy to handle, especially on a table saw.  I focus first on the sides, (top to bottom) they eat a whole bunch of material.  Next move to the tops then bottoms.  Then get the fronts and backs with the end caps and scraps after that.  I try to set the table saw a specific cut that I do repeatedly before changing the setting.  This ensures excellent consistency of the parts.
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: schawee on March 19, 2010, 11:49:18 pm
NICE, WILL MAKE SOME THIS WEEK.  THANKS
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: Pink Cow on March 21, 2010, 08:20:52 pm
Just put one together this afternoon and I am extremely happy with the result. I had Home Depot cut the ply twice for me so I had four 2x4 foot pieces to bring home, each of them good for one full box. Even though the wood was more than $10, I still was able to do each box for $4. Everything went together just beautifully and the five frames fit very well with good clearances where they should be. I did make one small change though, as something occurred to my as I was out this morning watching the activity around my full hive and nuc. I decided to cut the entrance opening the full width of the front board so I'd be able to use an entrance feeder with it.

Again, thank you for providing this. It is so well thought-out.
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: KD4MOJ on March 21, 2010, 10:22:51 pm
I had Home Depot cut the ply twice for me so I had four 2x4 foot pieces to bring home, each of them good for one full box.

  hey PC... that is good to know that worked. i'm going to try and make it to HD this week.

...DOUG
KD4MOJ
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: beee farmer on March 21, 2010, 10:45:08 pm
I use almost exactly the same desgn, only diffrence is I use 3/4" for the ends and run them through the dado blade, gives the frames plenty to sit one and stiffins the whole thing up also I install 2 treated runners underneath to keep moisture off box.  I got 100 of them and am very pleased with the ease of use, economy and performance.
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: Pink Cow on March 24, 2010, 03:28:20 pm
Top Bar Too?

It occurred to me after building my first from these plans that it could easily be tweaked for use as a top bar nuc or swarm trap. You could of course, reduce the overall length to fit your bars but that would limit its use to only top bars. I was thinking of simply adding a bar far enough back from the front wall where the fronts of the bars would rest,  just like a regular frame would on the designed void. It will hold five 1 3/8 inch bars. If done with small screws, this would be easily removable to return the nuc to "Lang style" duties.

Sound reasonable? Am I overlooking any gotchas?
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: D Coates on March 24, 2010, 06:35:10 pm
It does sound reasonable.  I'm not sure how they'll build down the sides though, I've never done a TBH.
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: schawee on April 11, 2010, 12:49:10 am
D COATES,LOVE YOUR NUC PLANS.I BUILT 16 TODAY,VERY EASY TO TO CUT AND BUILD.WILL USE 8 FOR MY QUEENS THAT IM GETTING WEDNESDAY,USING THE OTHERS AS SWARM TRAPS.THANKS    ...SCHAWEE...
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: manfre on April 12, 2010, 04:58:35 pm
I like the design and will allow me to make many low cost mating nucs.
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: OzBuzz on August 18, 2010, 08:47:34 pm
Absolutely awesome! i cut timbers for 8 of these last night and completed 3! so easy! can't wait to get some bees in to them. A few minor variations i made though:

1) I put feet on it
2) I extended the entrance to be full width so that i can reduce it if need be or have it fully open
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: eastsidebuzz on August 18, 2010, 11:07:45 pm
I make mine wider so it can fit an internal feeder and 5 frames. Nice plans though.

I am going to use your idea of cutting the ends shorter so the frames sit on top. I was using a 1 inch strip nailed on the inside of the box to do it. My design creates extra space I don't need to for them to mess up. I like your idea. I use 1x2 on the ends of the tops where you ripped a piece of ply. That is what I use on my normal hives.
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: ronwhite3030 on August 25, 2010, 01:20:19 pm
what size wire did you use for the feeder hole?
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: Meadlover on August 26, 2010, 11:47:03 pm
This is a great design for a nuc.
I make a couple a few weeks back, and if I can find some cheap ply I'll be making a hep more for swarm season!
Thanks again for this thread and the photos D Coates  :lol:

ML
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: Tommyt on August 27, 2010, 11:49:19 am
This is a great design
I'll be making a sheet of them this weekend
Thanks for Posting
I vote this too be a Sticky
Tommyt
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: ronwhite3030 on August 27, 2010, 12:35:48 pm
sticky this
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: D Coates on August 30, 2010, 10:42:55 am
what size wire did you use for the feeder hole?

8?, whatever size is normally used for SBB's.  Invariably there's scrap wire left over from making SBB's this is where I use some of that.
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: charmd2 on September 11, 2010, 03:00:17 pm
a bump back to the top as this has been a wonderful wonderful wonderful post to me. :) 
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: The Bix on January 07, 2011, 09:54:01 pm
(http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/4470/nucs.jpg) (http://img28.imageshack.us/i/nucs.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

WOW!  That was easy, bring on swarm season!  Thanks for the plans D Coates!
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: hareman on January 10, 2011, 07:40:08 pm
Hey D Coates! Thanks for the great plans for the nuc/swarm catcher box! I actually made eight of them last Friday. I accidently bought a sheet of 3/8 (11/32") plywood and cut everything out - then realized my mistake. I had a few pieces of scrap 15/32" plywood laying around so I made the end pieces out of these, used the 3/8" sides, bottom, and top pieces and the frames fit perfectly! I still had half a day left and I was so inspired and pleased with my four 'mistake boxes' that I went back to Lowes and bought a sheet of 15/32" and made four more boxes in just under three hours. Not a bad day's work (or fun) and I now have eight swarm traps ready for painting for a total expense of less than $40.00, including glue and brads. I used 1-1/4" brads and my brad nailer to hold stuff together while the Titebond III glue dried. I have some medium brown Behr exterior latex enamel left over from another job that I intend to use on them before putting them out. Your measurements were "Dead On" and no adjustments were necessary when assembling them.
Thanks again for sharing.
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: Mtn. Bee on January 10, 2011, 07:55:51 pm
Thanks for sharing, excellent plans!    :-D :-D
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: VolunteerK9 on January 10, 2011, 10:43:08 pm
(http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/4470/nucs.jpg) (http://img28.imageshack.us/i/nucs.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

WOW!  That was easy, bring on swarm season!  Thanks for the plans D Coates!

Hey Bix..were these some of your driveway builds?  :-D

Looks good
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: shorty3 on January 10, 2011, 10:44:53 pm
thanks this is something i have been trying to find for a long time. i have some scraps that i have been letting pile up
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: The Bix on January 10, 2011, 11:35:22 pm


Hey Bix..were these some of your driveway builds?  :-D

Looks good
[/quote]

Exactly :) though I did sneak a two or three cuts inside the garage.  SShhhhh!
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: Tommyt on January 27, 2011, 01:50:37 am
Swarms are coming down south soon
I should have had 10 of these built all ready
But as usual I dragged azz :-x
Does anyone have the layout drawing for a 4x8
piece of ply wood I thought it was posted
and I had it saved  :?

Tommyt
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: Robo on January 27, 2011, 10:12:03 am
Swarms are coming down south soon
I should have had 10 of these built all ready
But as usual I dragged azz :-x
Does anyone have the layout drawing for a 4x8
piece of ply wood I thought it was posted
and I had it saved  :?

Tommyt

Tommy,

If your looking for swarm traps, I do have a layout drawing for my $2 swarm trap that get 15 traps out of 2 sheets of ply, 1/2 sheet luan, and some coroplast signs.
(http://www.bushkillfarms.com/gallery2/d/1985-2/IMG_2505.JPG)

BTW, I think Drew has a great design on these nucs, and sent him PM to see if he would be OK with me putting plans and layout drawing for his nuc on my website (with full credit to him of course).  If I get his permission,  I'll put it out for download tonight.



Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: Tommyt on January 28, 2011, 12:12:52 pm
Robo
 PM sent
thanks
Tommy
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: Robo on January 28, 2011, 02:36:19 pm
BTW, I think Drew has a great design on these nucs, and sent him PM to see if he would be OK with me putting plans and layout drawing for his nuc on my website (with full credit to him of course). 

Plans can be found here -> http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/downloads/ (http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/downloads/)
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: KD4MOJ on January 28, 2011, 03:29:29 pm
WOW!  Robo you do the drawing or Drew? Whichever thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

...DOUG
KD4MOJ
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: Robo on January 28, 2011, 05:05:23 pm
I drew them, but Drew did the thinking ;)
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: AllenF on January 28, 2011, 08:55:53 pm
They look good there.
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: Tommyt on January 28, 2011, 11:44:49 pm
Here is the drawing I was looking for on D Coates

(http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/Brewcat/45-framedeepnucsfrom4X8.jpg)
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: Robo on January 29, 2011, 08:13:19 am
Tommy,


Be careful with that layout,  it doesn't account for the saw kerf.  So although it appears that there is some scrap from the initial rip cuts,  assuming 1/8" kerf, there is less than 1/10" of an inch.   In fact, if you look at the measurements, they already reduced the width of the end caps 1/8" to make it fit.

If you prefer rip cuts,  here is a layout that gives you a little margin with full width end caps.

(http://www.bushkillfarms.com/gallery2/d/2724-1/CoatesCutListRip.jpg)

I included the layout for preferred cross cuts with the plans.
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: BlueBee on January 29, 2011, 09:40:14 am
Drew, Robo great design.

Robo,

You’ve probably mentioned on some post what software you are using for your layout drawings, but it didn’t pop up when I attempted a search.  I like it!  Can you tell us what software you’re using?  Yeah, I’ve been bitten by the kerf space on a few of my designs over the years  :-D
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: Robo on January 30, 2011, 09:23:21 pm
If your looking for a layout program, I'd take a look at Sheet Layout (http://www.sheetlayout.com/).  It looks pretty promising for the price.
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: Bee Happy on January 31, 2011, 12:25:14 am
I grabbed the robo download in PDF. I overkilled the first nuc I built. And since I was interested in going for moderate growth and selling a couple/few nucs a year, a quick 'mass production' model would be a lot of help.
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: RAWMAWTAW on March 06, 2011, 11:51:30 pm
I like your design for the 5-frame Nuc. Im not a very good wood worker but your design I can manage. My bee hive consits of medium boxes and frames. I want to keep all supplies within same dimension. Do you have a dimension for your 5-frame nuc that will work with my medium frames? I think I would just need to reduce the height of box but not knowing measurements for reducing. Don't want to make mistakes. Your plans are very easy to follow. Thank you for posting
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: Humanbeeing on March 07, 2011, 12:36:34 am
Thank you for doing the cut layout on this plan Robo. This is a great design. I'm fixin to build a pile of them tomorrow.
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: Grieth on April 17, 2011, 09:37:30 am
Thanks for the plans.  The cutting layout is great - I halved it to get two nucs out of half a sheet - magic!

I took on board the idea of a larger opening to fit a feeder.  I also added some countersunk screen at the rear to allow better air flow.
As I want to use it for swam collection I added the font mesh gate, and extended the lid lips to allow room to dill a 6mm hole part way (font and back) to take a snug fitting dowel - now I don't need to worry about bees escaping in the station wagon!

Sorry the photos are not great, but they give the idea.
(http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/1849/img00213i.th.jpg) (http://img833.imageshack.us/i/img00213i.jpg/)

(http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/2561/img00215x.th.jpg) (http://img820.imageshack.us/i/img00215x.jpg/)

(http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/3671/img00216c.th.jpg) (http://img641.imageshack.us/i/img00216c.jpg/)

(http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/8501/img00214i.th.jpg) (http://img25.imageshack.us/i/img00214i.jpg/)





Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: bullship on May 30, 2011, 11:17:23 am
I built 4 out of a 4x8 sheet last week. Now I am more of a wood butcher than a carpenter butI got along very easily . The nucs look like nucs and everything! One small problem that I have, I got three ply plywood not the 4 ply. When I got done the covers are warped bad already even with the wife painting as I put them together.I am going to cut some strips and fasten on top to hold the tops flat. Next bunch I'll buy 4 ply!!
bullship:
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: VolunteerK9 on June 02, 2011, 03:48:28 pm
One small problem that I have, I got three ply plywood not the 4 ply. When I got done the covers are warped bad already even with the wife painting as I put them together.I am going to cut some strips and fasten on top to hold the tops flat.
bullship:

Just put a concrete block or a couple of bricks on it-it will flatten back out. No problemo.
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: adamant on October 15, 2011, 12:58:12 pm
 I also leave the bottom off of some to stack on other nucs to make 10 frame nucs.  I use thin 1 1/4 inch nails, titebond III glue, and I paint them to ensure I get many years of service out of them.

http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa190/Drew454/Nuc%20plans/ (http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa190/Drew454/Nuc%20plans/)

Plans and cut list for the Coates 5-Frame Nuc can be found here -> http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/downloads/ (http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/downloads/)
leave the bottom off? when u make them u dont nail the bottom on?
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: VolunteerK9 on October 15, 2011, 01:41:48 pm
  I also leave the bottom off of some to stack on other nucs to make 10 frame nucs.  I use thin 1 1/4 inch nails, titebond III glue, and I paint them to ensure I get many years of service out of them.

http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa190/Drew454/Nuc%20plans/ (http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa190/Drew454/Nuc%20plans/)

Plans and cut list for the Coates 5-Frame Nuc can be found here -> http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/downloads/ (http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/downloads/)
leave the bottom off? when u make them u dont nail the bottom on?

He left the bottom off of some in order to stack them (turn a 5 frame nuc into a 5x5 nuc or a nuc with a super)
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: adamant on October 16, 2011, 12:22:36 am
Here are plans and measurements for nucs I make.  I think they are simple and you can make 4 five-frame nucs out of one piece of 15/32 plywood that sells for $10 at Lowes or Home Depot.  I use them for swarm traps, queen breeding nucs, and I overwinter nucs with Fall queens in them.  I also leave the bottom off of some to stack on other nucs to make 10 frame nucs.  I use thin 1 1/4 inch nails, titebond III glue, and I paint them to ensure I get many years of service out of them.

http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa190/Drew454/Nuc%20plans/ (http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa190/Drew454/Nuc%20plans/)

Plans and cut list for the Coates 5-Frame Nuc can be found here -> http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/downloads/ (http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/downloads/)

i am having problems cutting out the enterence! any ideas?
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: rdy-b on October 16, 2011, 01:50:03 am
 when i made mine i drilled a hole-just drill it at the bottom edge so they can cary out the trash -RDY-B
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: Robo on October 16, 2011, 08:22:20 am

i am having problems cutting out the enterence! any ideas?
What kind of problems? I just stand them on edge, set the blade height to the height of the entrance and run them through.  If not using a dado blade, it will take more passes, but depending on how many you are doing, it is still quicker to do more passes than swap blades.

Or just do as rdy-b suggests and drill the entrances.  I use 7/8" holes for entrances on my poly nucs.
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: adamant on October 16, 2011, 09:00:00 am
thank you..
Title: lids bowed
Post by: adamant on October 22, 2011, 08:07:27 pm
when i got the ply wood cut i could not find a up bowed piece. it seems that my lids are bowed now. what a good way to UN bow the lids? put weight on them? i like to do this before i paint them if it would make a difference..
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: ShaneJ on March 16, 2012, 09:00:28 pm
Hi Guys, I have a bunch of ply ready to start making some of these but I am a little confused. Are these plans to suit full deep frames? It doesn't appear they are. Or am I more dumb at this construction stuff than I thought?
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: jmblakeney on March 16, 2012, 10:13:08 pm
Are these plans to suit full deep frames? It doesn't appear they are.

Yeah, these are for deep frames.  I didn't realized it untill I had already made a set of them.


James
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: ShaneJ on March 17, 2012, 02:08:00 am
Oh yes. I was reading the measurements wrong. When are you guys going to start using metric? :-P
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: ShaneJ on March 17, 2012, 06:03:51 am
Would anyone care to double check my measurements? I have converted the funny numbers to metric and accounted for 12mm ply.

The sheet ply is 2400x1200x12mm

I didn't put the top lips on the layout as I would bother cutting anything that fiddly :-\

Full Size(http://www.greenwattle.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=222&g2_serialNumber=2) (http://www.greenwattle.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=218&g2_imageViewsIndex=3)

Thanks
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: G3farms on March 17, 2012, 10:43:58 am
did you allow for the saw kerf? (thickness of the blade)
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: ShaneJ on March 17, 2012, 12:07:56 pm
I'm pretty sure it does. Even allowing for a 4mm blade, all will fit on the sheet.
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: Robo on March 17, 2012, 07:35:56 pm
Shane,

Attached is the original cut list in metric.
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: ShaneJ on March 17, 2012, 08:55:31 pm
Ahh, thank you mate. Your measurements are pretty much right on what I got. I rounded my numbers though to make the job a tad easier.

What version of edition of Sheet Layout do you use? I'm just using the free version at the moment, but I cant get it to print out like what you attached.
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: Robo on March 18, 2012, 09:12:53 am
Shane,

I don't use sheet layout.  It is cut list.
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: ShaneJ on March 18, 2012, 06:09:12 pm
Thanks mate.
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: samsungpizza on April 02, 2012, 11:16:58 am
I made a few of these last night. I Opted for 1" dia. holes toward the top for entrance, and did the same for back side and screened over for ventilation. Also cut 2 3/4" hole, screened, for top feeder. Nice design, and cheap. Thanks!
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: weldingfreak6010 on April 07, 2013, 12:25:27 am
I hope this was not covered but is there any changes to the box to make it into a super size dimension wise. ( I know I do not put the bottom on it or need the top.) Is the bee space going to be ok between the top of the bottom frames and the bottom of the top frames, if you understand what I am getting at here. thanks guys, and Coates thanks for the design
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: bailey on April 07, 2013, 01:49:42 pm
If your going to make a super put a 2" strip on the bottom like you do on the top.  It makes all sides and tops and bottom match up.
Make the box.  Then put it on the nuc. You will see why you need the strip.
Bailey
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: weldingfreak6010 on April 07, 2013, 08:46:49 pm
If your going to make a super put a 2" strip on the bottom like you do on the top.  It makes all sides and tops and bottom match up.
Make the box.  Then put it on the nuc. You will see why you need the strip.
Bailey

Thanks I was wondering about that bottom , thanks again
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: BAH on May 19, 2013, 06:48:17 pm
Thank you, a must make project!
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: OldMech on November 03, 2013, 10:47:24 am

  In response to using top bars to make them TBH style a few questions back...
   I dont do tbh.. but I do foundationless..  Even in a 5 frame nuc the bees WANT to build their comb at an angle across the frames. 90% of the cutouts i have done where they had enough room to do so, they built comb at an angle to the enclosure. So using some means of guiding them is beneficial. Once they get started you can remove whatever you used as a guide. I use plastic frames. Two per nuc. Once they get everything in correct alignment I pull the plastic...   Having never done top bar I am not sure what you all use for this purpose, but could quite easily see the top bars being dropped into these nucs...   Hope to play with a tbh or two in the future, but still have several hundred hives to get built and colonized.  If you try it, let us know how it works out???
Title: Re: Simple 5 frame nuc plans
Post by: richter1978 on November 28, 2013, 10:49:33 pm
Thank you. :)
Ditto.
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: dawgdrvr on January 23, 2014, 08:43:34 pm
Hi guy's ,    :?

 I am thinking of making some of these for the upcoming season. I have access to all the scrap 3/4 inch plywood that I can load into the back of my truck. My question is ,What adjustments should I make to compensate for the extra thickness?  3/4" instead of 1/2"

thanx

Cody
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: Moots on January 23, 2014, 09:21:49 pm
Hi guy's ,    :?

 I am thinking of making some of these for the upcoming season. I have access to all the scrap 3/4 inch plywood that I can load into the back of my truck. My question is ,What adjustments should I make to compensate for the extra thickness?  3/4" instead of 1/2"

thanx

Cody

Wouldn't you just need to make your front and back panels 1/2" wider...This would compensate for the additional 1/4" thickness of each side board, keeping your inside diameter the same.
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: Moots on January 23, 2014, 09:36:36 pm

Wouldn't you just need to make your front and back panels 1/2" wider...This would compensate for the additional 1/4" thickness of each side board, keeping your inside diameter the same.

Oops! After looking at the plans, I think you would also have to lengthen the side boards by 1/2" each also, to compensate for the same reason...

Long story short, you just need to assure that your Inside dimensions remain unchanged, your Outside dimensions of your box will end up being 1/2" wider and 1/2" longer than the Nuc built with 1/2" material, due to the added 1/4" thickness.
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: codeboy on February 10, 2014, 11:37:01 am
I built these this past weekend and they turned out great.  My only question is on the cleats and lid.  Maybe I don't understand the utility of it but I'm just curious:

Basically the same question twice.  I'm assuming there is a reason for it, but since I haven't used them yet, I don't see it.  Thanks for the great plans!!
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: Edgy on February 19, 2014, 10:56:28 pm
Thanks D Coates  I'm making some this weekend. Edgy
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: sc-bee on March 06, 2014, 03:11:08 pm
Does the link for the cutlist that robo posted for the nuc work anymore. I have tried from two different computer location. I can't access or find anything but his bee vac site. I am no wood-worked and understand his cut list diagram takes in account the saw blade. Is this correct.

I can't get the link to his 4-way mating nuc to work either. I think it is due to a change in his site but I can not find a plan section on his vac/ removal site.
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: Robo on March 06, 2014, 03:53:02 pm
My blog crashed and I am taking the opportunity to move it to a new server and upgrade it.   It will be back up in the future.

Yes the cutlist takes saw blade width in to account.   PM me you email address if there are plans you need and I'll email it to you.
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: sc-bee on March 06, 2014, 04:54:08 pm
My blog crashed and I am taking the opportunity to move it to a new server and upgrade it.   It will be back up in the future.

Yes the cutlist takes saw blade width in to account.   PM me you email address if there are plans you need and I'll email it to you.

Thanks robo pm sent
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: Thershey on March 09, 2014, 11:47:27 am
Great plans, since I run all medium equipment I made a couple adjustments and built a set yesterday, thanks again Robo.

My intended use for these nucs is an intermediate step up from my 3/3 mating castle before going to a full 10 frame body (medium). Question for the pros... Is a 5 frame medium Nuc large enough to also use as a swarm trap?
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: Moots on March 09, 2014, 11:55:56 am
Question for the pros... Is a 5 frame medium Nuc large enough to also use as a swarm trap?

I'm certainly far from a "pro", but will give my 2 cents anyway!  :-D

I have some 6 frame mediums that I've caught a couple swarms in, and know people that run nothing but 5 frame mediums as their swarm traps and do just fine with them.  So...Yes they will work fine!  Although I suspect they are probably not the optimal size.  There's a lot of debate and discussion on what is optimal, but that being said, I think most would agree that it's probably larger than a 5 frame medium.
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: Robo on March 09, 2014, 01:25:35 pm
Is a 5 frame medium Nuc large enough to also use as a swarm trap?

Any size trap is better than no trap.  From my experience, I think 5 frame deeps are too small.  
http://beevac.com/swarm-traps/ (http://beevac.com/swarm-traps/)
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: Thershey on March 09, 2014, 03:30:36 pm
Is a 5 frame medium Nuc large enough to also use as a swarm trap?

Any size trap is better than no trap.  From my experience, I think 5 frame deeps are too small.  
http://beevac.com/swarm-traps/ (http://beevac.com/swarm-traps/)

Agreed, anything is probably better than nothing but that 20/30 L test you ran is indeed interesting.  Looks like natural selection definitely leans towards the larger home.  Thanks again for being so generous with the plans and your time.
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: sc-bee on April 22, 2014, 08:58:03 pm
A friend built 4 coates nucs and gave me two. I am  :-D Thanks for the plans!
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: Kevin Bentley on May 24, 2014, 01:55:25 pm
Made 4.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: Sebashtion H. on March 19, 2016, 01:46:30 am
just made 4 of these and painted just got another sheet for 4 more. Thanks for the plans!!!!
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: fadder on August 06, 2018, 12:56:47 am
Here are VV the plans I use only I make the front entrance all the way across.
https://dengarden.com/gardening/6-easy-steps-to-make-a-nuc-box
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: KD4MOJ on January 30, 2019, 12:24:49 pm
Greetings:
I know this thread is old but I was wondering if anyone had a cutsheet for the Coates Nuc using 3/4" plywood. I made some from the 1/2" already.

...DOUG
KD4MOJ
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: Michael Bush on January 30, 2019, 12:54:11 pm
If you go with 3/4" you'll need to change the ones that make the frame rest to either 3/8" or 1/2"...  I have not seen one.  I'd just make them out of one bys if 3/4" was my intent.
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: JurassicApiary on May 04, 2020, 02:03:06 pm
Made my first NUC?s yesterday. Wanted to send a shout out/thank you to Drew Coates for the simple design and a Michael Bush for the clean plans which were spot on and yielded 4 perfects NUC boxes.  All that?s left to do is paint them today.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200504/5100d005471780c72adba6ce34f483d1.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200504/5da7800bf9071893dad9cec96d2e4184.jpg)
Title: Re: Coates 5-Frame Nuc
Post by: Oliver111 on August 20, 2020, 11:43:17 pm
Very nice design, it is very helpful to me, thanks for sharing. :smile: