Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => EQUIPMENT USAGE, EXPERIMENTATION, HIVE PLANS, CONSTRUCTION TIPS AND TOOLS => Topic started by: Bob Wilson on April 26, 2020, 05:53:57 pm

Title: Size of migratory tops
Post by: Bob Wilson on April 26, 2020, 05:53:57 pm
Is it alright if a migratory top overhangs the edge of a hive? I never see it done. Tops are always flush with the hive body's sides. Would an inch overhang all around be a problem?
Title: Re: Size of migratory tops
Post by: cao on April 26, 2020, 05:58:49 pm
The reason migratory tops are flush is so they can be stacked next to each other on a skid.  If you aren't strapping them together and moving them, then it really doesn't matter the size of the top.  Although too much overhang can catch more air on a windy day.
Title: Re: Size of migratory tops
Post by: Ben Framed on April 28, 2020, 02:40:02 am
This following information may possibly help you. I have been using Advantech (from Lowes) laid on top cut to fit.  Recently, I have switched products, to Legacy LP 23/32 from Home Depot. I have had some strong winds with nearby trees uprooted while both were in use, yet not a slight movement out of position of these tops.
Title: Re: Size of migratory tops
Post by: Nock on May 05, 2020, 01:32:00 pm
The HD here doesn?t carry it for some reason. I?ll check and see if they can get some shipped to store
Title: Re: Size of migratory tops
Post by: Acebird on May 06, 2020, 08:56:22 am
Most migratory tops that I have seen overhang on the front and back sides.
Title: Re: Size of migratory tops
Post by: JurassicApiary on May 06, 2020, 01:45:46 pm
Hi Bob,

As Cao mentioned, the migratory top evolved for easy of transporting lots of boxes as it allows them to stack next to each other fully assembled.  I recently built 4 NUC's that were designed with migratory tops and I am modifying the tops to be telescoping lids to prevent rain intrusion as it rains a lot where I live.  If transporting lots and lots of them is not foreseen, I see no reason not to modify them to suit your needs.
Title: Re: Size of migratory tops
Post by: Nock on May 10, 2020, 02:06:26 pm

I made couple yesterday along with some bottom boards. I allowed about 1/2? over hang.
Title: Re: Size of migratory tops
Post by: Ben Framed on May 10, 2020, 11:44:45 pm
This following information may possibly help you. I have been using Advantech (from Lowes) laid on top cut to fit.  Recently, I have switched products, to Legacy LP 23/32 from Home Depot. I have had some strong winds with nearby trees uprooted while both were in use, yet not a slight movement out of position of these tops.

These are of the LP Legacy

Title: Re: Size of migratory tops
Post by: Ben Framed on May 10, 2020, 11:53:30 pm
Title: Re: Size of migratory tops
Post by: Bob Wilson on May 11, 2020, 10:32:12 am
Thanks Ben, Nock, and you others.
The Advantech looks like composite particle board, which falls apart in the rain. Although i know the glues they use (like Gorilla glue) make all the difference. I may build my next hive out of a sheet of one of those.
Title: Re: Size of migratory tops
Post by: Ben Framed on May 11, 2020, 12:21:54 pm
Thanks Ben, Nock, and you others.
The Advantech looks like composite particle board, which falls apart in the rain. Although i know the glues they use (like Gorilla glue) make all the difference. I may build my next hive out of a sheet of one of those.

Your Welcome Bob, I use the LP Legacy or Advantech for tops and bottoms only. I go conventional for everything else.  One more thing I would like to add. I make sure to use the more heavily glued, (yellowish side for the exposed side of my tops),  as I feel this side is the side with the more glue protection. I hope that helps also.
Title: Re: Size of migratory tops
Post by: Michael Bush on May 11, 2020, 01:53:22 pm
The main point of a migratory top is to be able to put the hives all up against each other...