Hive Bodies

[gww]

I really liked one vidio that I saw where the guy made and assembled the boxes long and after the glue dried, fit the top on level ground and then he cut the bottom to the proper lenth on the table saw.  I used all differrent size reclaimed wood for mine and that is how I did it.  About what you did when you cut yours down to mediums.
gww

[rookie2531]

   I don't know if I'm the only one that notices this 9 5/8 " deeps boxes are the industry standard
9 1/8" frames at the industry standard which leaves a 1/2 inch of bee space IMHO is too big.
The only bee supplier that I have seen make 9 1/2"  boxes is Humble Abode.

 http://www.humbleabodesinc.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1



               BEE HAPPY Jim 134 

I thought it was 3/8" , i will measure one of mine later and see.

[Jim134]

I thought it was 3/8" , i will measure one of mine later and see.

     Bee space is 5/16" to 3/8" please don't assume anything
 3/8" Is the industry standard.



                BEE HAPPY Jim 134 

[Michael Bush]

Beespace is between 1/4" and 3/8".  Anything over under 1/4" gets propolized.  Anything over 3/8" gets filled with comb.

[rookie2531]

Jim, you say 1/2" is standard in one thread then say 3/8" is standard in three next. I don't assume anything, as I build my own. I just haven't been out in the shop lately and am thinking that I have 1/4" on top of frames and 1/8" below.

[capt44]

When cutting the boards (1x12's) cut the boards to length. Make sure you cut the boards square 90 degrees.
When you rip the boards to the width (deeps 9 5/8 and mediums 6 5/8) measure the fence on your table saw to the tracks in the saw table. Those tracks never move. Measure each end of the fence to the track in the table, the measurements should be the same. Now you can rip your board and it will be square. If you use Rabbet Joints cut your long boards 19 1/8 inches long, if you use box joints cut your long board 19 7/8 inches long. When you put the box together use clamps or a jig. The box should sit flat and not rock any. Making square cuts and rips are the key to a box that sits flat.
For a 10 frame box the short board is cut 16 1/4 inches long, for a 8 frame it depends on what part of the country you're in for there is no set standard length of the short board it is either 13 3/4 inches or 14 inches long.

[Jim134]

Jim, you say 1/2" is standard in one thread then say 3/8" is standard in three next. I don't assume anything, as I build my own. I just haven't been out in the shop lately and am thinking that I have 1/4" on top of frames and 1/8" below.

3/8" is the standard bee space.Just measure boxes and then measure frames.Thank your teacher if you can do this simple math.Never said that 1/2 was standard beespace  I did say if you buy standard deep boxes and standard  deep frames
everyone is half inch 1/2" space except for Humble Abode the only one I know of..

                  BEE HAPPY Jim 134 

[rookie2531]

Jim, you say 1/2" is standard in one thread then say 3/8" is standard in three next. I don't assume anything, as I build my own. I just haven't been out in the shop lately and am thinking that I have 1/4" on top of frames and 1/8" below.

3/8" is the standard bee space.Just measure boxes and then measure frames.Thank your teacher if you can do this simple math.Never said that 1/2 was standard beespace  I did say if you buy standard deep boxes and standard  deep frames
everyone is half inch 1/2" space except for Humble Abode the only one I know of..

                  BEE HAPPY Jim 134 

I see, you were talking two different types of standards. manufacturing standards and bee space standards. I get it know.

[Jim134]

jayj200
      My guess is I have work too long in the tool and die industry where the standards was plus or minus
0.0005


                                 BEE  HAPPY Jim 134 

[rookie2531]

Well, looks like I have to do some research as to where I got my measurements for my frames. Seems I made them 9 1/4" and not 9 1/8". So My memory was right as I do have 1/4" above and 1/8" below, but now where are those drawings?

[Jim134]

So now you have non standard frames Which may not fit in an extractor just a word of caution. 

http://www.beesource.com/build-it-yourself/
http://www.beesource.com/build-it-yourself/dadant-type-frames/


         BEE HAPPY Jim 134 

[rookie2531]

That's ok, i plan on building my own extractor too.  i

[Jim134]

 Do you plan on making your own wax mill to ?



                BEE HAPPY Jim 134

[rookie2531]

Not on my plans list, but you never know. The deeps will be alright as I don't plan on extracting them. Going to try to keep them as brood anyway. I am going to buy some and throw foundation in the bought ones and the homemade ones will be foundation less. Time will tell how they work together.

[capt44]

I buy my wooden frames cheaper than I can make them.
Takes too much time changing saw blades for the amount of cuts made.
I give $83.00 a hundred for them.

[OldMech]

It does take time. Took me all day to make 220 frames from scratch in fact.. Tedious and boring, but not unbearably so.   Made from 1" barn boards I got for hauling them away.. so, minus a couple dollars for gas, I made close to 180 dollars today..   I figure any day I can make more than a hundred dollars doing something I enjoy is a good day.
   BTW, the tool shop carbide blades work pretty well for making frames. One blade so far, 220 frames, 22 boxes, 5 bottom boards, 5 reversible inner covers, and 5 tele covers, PLUS 5 double medium nucs, bottom boards, migratory covers. Still need to make the frames for those. Thats tomorrow.  I got those blades on sale for 6 dollars, buy one, get one free, limit 5 per purchase, so I went back in three times...   

[Jim134]

OldMech

Did you drill 4 holes in the end bars ??
Also did you cut wedge tops ??

I get deep frames for $69.00 hundred



       BEE HAPPY Jim 134

[OldMech]

I only use mediums. saves time and effort.. when i make them for other people i do drill the holes, when i make them for me I dont, because I dont need to cross wire them. if i ever start blowing them out in the extractor maybe I will start, but as of this point, they have extracted very nicely.
   No on the wedge tops either.. i am really hoping the bees dont notice and reject the frames   

this is how I do it!   http://www.outyard.net/frames.html

[gww]

Old
Thanks for taking the time to document and explain.
gww