Worldwide Beekeeping
Beekeeping => Beekeeping 101 => Topic started by: Newbee on February 16, 2017, 07:34:22 am
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I built my first hive from parts ordered online, and the 10-frame medium supers I put together aren't perfectly square. They're square-ish, and the deep's came out better (used a carpenter's square!), but I'm wondering if there's a way to fix the supers, or just let the bee's deal with it? They are nailed and glued, I already tried racking them a little, no love..... Short of busting them completely apart, is there any way to 'fix' it? Or should I just plan on lots of propolis?
Thanks.
- Kevin
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When I assemble mine I glue and screw and then check them with a square. I then rack them like you mentioned to get them exactly where I want them, then stack them and then put a heavy weight on the top of the stack to get them to sit flat. It usually works well for me. I wouldn't be too worried about giving them a good rack by placing one corner on the floor and pushing down on the opposing corner. If it is a matter of them not sitting flat, lay a 2 by 2 on the floor and rack them that way.
Good luck.
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"Or should I just plan on lots of propolis?"
........ :yes:..................... :D
i do as perry does to get them square and flat........just one thing, i am a perfectionist......BUT we are not building china cabinets..... :D
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I have one box that is not square. The bees will use the gap as an upper entrance, if I put the box on the right way. Otherwise, I think they fill in the hole.
I'm pretty sure the foundation I set the hive on is not as level as it was at first. The bees, being more of a perfectionist than I am, have built their comb perpendicular to the ground, rather than to the walls of the hive. As a result, those foundationless frames I put in the box have resulted in a box of comb that blends from one frame to the next. I've given up pulling all of the frames out to inspect that box. I'm waiting on the nectar flow to hit, then I'll just pull the whole box and see what I can do.
For now, the girls and I have agreed to disagree on what the comb is supposed to look like.
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For now, the girls and I have agreed to disagree on what the comb is supposed to look like.
:laugh: :yes: :laugh: :yes:
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.................. :D
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Good that Wandering man!
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Ventilation gap ;D
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As a result, those foundationless frames I put in the box have resulted in a box of comb that blends from one frame to the next. I've given up pulling all of the frames out to inspect that box. I'm waiting on the nectar flow to hit, then I'll just pull the whole box and see what I can do.
Pull the whole super off and turn it upside down, this will allow you to dump all of the frames out together. Makes like a little more simple. Cut the combs out and rubber band them back into the frames the right way..............just a thought!
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Keep a roll of painters tape in the apiary tool box. If you have a problem it's a quick fix.
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I just put them on something level and stack bricks on them,and if that does not work its extra holes for the bees.
Tape works too if it bothers you too much :)
A friend of mine has what people call welfare hives,Holes,crooked,rotten and everything in between. His bees do fantastic.
Funny thing is,He has cases of brand new woodenware for"just in case".
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I just put them on something level and stack bricks on them,and if that does not work its extra holes for the bees.
Tape works too if it bothers you too much :)
A friend of mine has what people call welfare hives,Holes,crooked,rotten and everything in between. His bees do fantastic.
Funny thing is,He has cases of brand new woodenware for "just in case".
Also known as "You never know". I have a basement full of them. ;D
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"A friend of mine has what people call welfare hives,Holes,crooked,rotten and everything in between. His bees do fantastic.
Funny thing is,He has cases of brand new woodenware for"just in case"."
................. :D
too funny! mmm, i guess that would probably describe some of mine!
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It would have to be really out of square a long ways for there to be a gap?
i nail my boxes together in a jig so they usually turn out square enough that no one complains. Flat... is another story, but as Perry said a weight on top as the glue dries can help.
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I use a jig a friend made for me that holds them square until they are screwed/nailed together. If you put any number of them together, it's a real time saver
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HEY YOU TWO!!!
Post up some pics of that box jig, I am making one and could use a couple of ideas.
Of course I am wanting to put a couple of air cylinders on mine :D
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HEY YOU TWO!!!
Post up some pics of that box jig, I am making one and could use a couple of ideas.
Of course I am wanting to put a couple of air cylinders on mine :D
I smell "patent" in the air maybe? :)
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Probably more like a mashed finger or two!
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http://www.bushfarms.com/beesboxjig.htm (http://www.bushfarms.com/beesboxjig.htm)
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(https://s13.postimg.cc/6kahuy09f/chip_Jig.png) (https://postimg.cc/image/6kahuy09f/)
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Nice setup chip! Homemade, or purchased?
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Carl Korschgen made it for me. He also makes and sells jigs for making supers, handles, etc. He's in Columbia, MO. Carl and I worked at the same research center (different offices) for many years and he is a friend.
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LOL.. I will have to get a picture of mine.
I started with boards squared and nailed to the table where I built the boxes, but those boards were always in my way, so I now have a 1 inch thick piece of particle board with the jig nailed to it. I can hang it on the wall and get it out of my way, then take it down, set it on the table and go.
It is basically just boards that my box pieces drop into. I glue, drop in and nail. It would not work with finger joints, but I use rabbits on the end boards so they slide into place nicely and are held there while I nail or staple the box together. Lift the whole thing out and stack the boxes as I go.. I usually do ten per stack and then weight them.
I tend to rush when cutting a lot of boards so occasionally have a few that do not set flat, but they are usually quite square.
I will get a pic of it next time I am at the shop.
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Chip, need better pics with more detail.
What I have started looks very similar to what you are showing.
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Chip, need better pics with more detail.
What I have started looks very similar to what you are showing.
I need to send you a PM but your box is too full.