Turning cabinet into beehive

[omnimirage]

Today I removed some a swarm from a cabinet that the owner no longer wanted. She said I could have the cabinet, and I was planning on using the wood to make beehives out of. Though, I wonder; would it be possible to turn it into a beehive itself? There's three wooden slide out drawers, all rather large. I'd have to set it up in a way that the bees were encouraged, more or less, to draw their combs in straight lines. I'm really not sure how feasible this is, or if it's a terrible idea. Advice and insight much appreciated

[Perry]

If you could alter the drawers so that frames would fit in them it might be an interesting project. As long as you would be able to remove frames for inspections and manipulations I would be tempted.

[Jen]

I don't think it's a terrible idea at all. But sure would like to see pics of this adventure. I think it would be pretty darn cool to pull a drawer out and check frames nsuch 

[efmesch]

Perry suggests altering the drawers.  That sounds a bit tough for an already built cabinet.  I'll suggest an alteration to Perrry''s suggestion---perhaps you could build some frames that would fit into the drawers and accomplish the same purpose? Just keep the bee space in mind when ou make the frames.

[riverbee]

omnimirage........can you take some pix and upload them for us?......

[Bakersdozen]

Is the cabinet something that would hold up in all weather conditions?

[apisbees]

What is the size of the cabinet? if it is not big enough your going to spend more time and energy remodeling and in the case of a bank of drawers I doubt it will provide the room the colony will require when it reaches full strength. If they run short on space they will build burr comb around the drawers and it will be hard to open it with out killing and getting the bees upset. you may need to cut a hole in the top to be able to super to give it more room. I would move the bees and be done with it.

[Barbarian]

Welcome to the forum.

Your thread has appeared on two other forums that I know about. You are going to get confused by all the different advice you will get.

May I suggest that you stick mainly to one forum ?     Find one that suits you.  This forum has experienced and friendly members.