Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => EQUIPMENT USAGE, EXPERIMENTATION, HIVE PLANS, CONSTRUCTION TIPS AND TOOLS => Topic started by: Variable on April 25, 2014, 02:02:09 am

Title: The simple milk crate....
Post by: Variable on April 25, 2014, 02:02:09 am

The milk crate. Standard furniture in every dorm room. We have used them as steps and storage. To hold up shelving and our bottoms, including bottom boards.... they are the plastic lightweight cinder block..... A million and one uses!

Well I found another use for the simple crate.

A 6 gallon milk crate is the same length as the outside of a frame. It was like it was meant to bee....

 (http://www.twolittleladiesapiary.com/images/hotlinks/frameholder.png)

It fits 8 frames with a little room to spare and 9 if you have cut them down for small cell (1 1/4"). It should be deep enough to hold deep frames but I am running all mediums so I can not test fit to be sure.

I did a quick search for this use and turned up nothing. I am sure this is not an original idea (I never have them even when I am sure I must have) but I did not find it reference here.

Title: Re: The simple milk crate....
Post by: drlonzo on April 25, 2014, 02:11:12 am

Well now that makes me want a few of the 6 gallon milk crates.  I run 8 frame deeps and you're right the depth is there.  Would make great frame holders while working the hives. Not to mention culling frames and putting new ones in.  Love the idea.. Patten it in a hurry!!!

Title: Re: The simple milk crate....
Post by: Brother Dave on April 25, 2014, 02:42:18 am

That is a great use I have a few crates laying around thanks.

Title: Re: The simple milk crate....
Post by: BeeMaster2 on April 25, 2014, 12:47:52 pm

Not sure I have ever seen a 6 gallon milk crate. I think the ones around here are 4 gallon crates. I will have to check.
Jim

Title: Re: The simple milk crate....
Post by: Switchback on April 27, 2014, 10:27:43 pm

Looks like a great idea.

Title: Re: The simple milk crate....
Post by: Bush_84 on April 29, 2014, 01:35:18 am

Is there a free source of these? 

Title: Re: The simple milk crate....
Post by: Anybrew2 on April 29, 2014, 02:04:53 am

Awesome

Title: Re: The simple milk crate....
Post by: Variable on April 29, 2014, 01:22:33 pm

Quote from: Bush_84 on April 29, 2014, 01:35:18 am

Is there a free source of these? 

I can not say for sure in your area but I have a friend who works for a large coffee company that is based in Seattle. When they get milk deliveries to their stores they leave the milk crates. They get pilled up next to the dumpster. She will bring me some when I ask as they trash them anyways. Kinda weird practice for the milk delivery people to not reuse the crates but whatever.... I have a half dozen or so lurking around my garage. I have been thinking about lining them with those plastic political yard signs to make swarm traps.....

Title: Re: The simple milk crate....
Post by: jayj200 on May 13, 2014, 10:41:38 am

so sell them on line