Well fortunately my frames and hive bodies are matching up, most are Dadant. If random vintage frames don?t have the right depth to create bee space, I added a thin shim on the rabbetted edge in the hive body.
I find inner lids to be a real hassle to fabricate, but if a different brand ends up being too tight under a telescoping outer cover...even more of a hassle.
Betterbee is the least expensive place I?ve found for a finger-jointed 5 frame nuc. Unless someone knows of another. Just not interested in plywood which is good for about 8-10 weeks in the local climate. I used to think Seattle was the mold capitol of the world...now for sure I know it?s Florida.