Author Topic: FRAMES (Read 53654 times)

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #20 on:** May 30, 2014, 12:24:00 am »

In deciding that I was going to increase my apiary the price of frames was not over looked. at that time they were $1.00 each.. 1000 frames at 1 dollar each is pretty easy to figure out the cost. If you use foundation thats another dollar each per frame..
I am WAY too cheap to pay 2 grand for frames.. It just takes TIME to make them... When winter arrives, it gives me something to do related to my bees. I can dream of spring arriving while I make them. At .20 cents each it makes buying foundation a little less bitter tasting.. or you can really cheap out and not put any foundation in them... Yeah, I considered CheapBkpr and CheezyBkpr... Then my wife called me a Lazy XXX.. laying in the grass, beer in hand... sweat soaked shirt and pants, covered in sawdust from putting the rafters in HER barn and I thought.. yeah... Once I get my bees going I am going to sit and watch THEM do all the work.. so its been LazyBkpr ever since.
Do like Zweef did Lb.. modify to suit your own needs/tools and time. Watching the bees draw out frames you built with your own hands is very gratifying.

Zweefer · « **Reply #21 on:** May 30, 2014, 12:51:56 am »

that .20 isn't an exaggeration either! I was able to make 28 frames (14 med and 14 deep) for 5.92. (.21 each) as for time, once i got the first stack done, (figuring out the system) it barely took any time at all. plus i love to make sawdust, so its a win win!

CpnObvious · « **Reply #22 on:** May 30, 2014, 12:50:16 pm »

I plan to spend quality time this winter building extra equipment. I don't have time.. or money... So the time is far less expensive. Besides, sleep is over-rated!
I'll be able to get most, if no all, my lumber for free. Just have to pass the rough-sawn through the surfacer a million times before I can use it. GET YOUR SAWDUST HERE!

Jen · « **Reply #23 on:** May 30, 2014, 02:16:52 pm »

Good thread here boys. Winters are long and pictures of Scott bundled up in his camo coat and boots staring out into the bleak horizon.. well, it's just sad

We have our garage set up for any project. Tv, sound system, refrig stocked with beer or whatever is your drinking pleasure from pepsi to cinnamon whiskey which will really warm your toes, snacks.... I love working out there

Perry · « **Reply #24 on:** May 31, 2014, 07:34:15 am »

I was going to take on making frames myself but then had another thought.
I know a guy where we used to live (Lunenurg) that works as a carpenter for someone. I remember he had an old "box mill", making fish boxes and gift boxes. He had so little work he rarely ran it and had to resort to hiring himself out to make ends meet. I called him and talked to him about making frames, and he drove up 2 days later. We had a good discussion and he said he was sure he could make them. I sent him home with a couple, and 3 weeks late he showed up with 4 new frames that were almost completely indistinguishable from the store bought ones. I was actually quite surprised at how good they were.
I told him that if he could maintain the quality (1,000 frames that are off by 1/8" is a lot of kindling) I would buy them and use them in my operation (as I lose frames with each nuc I sell) and would also market them with my own supplies at a slight markup. He was happy with the arrangement.
As things slow down outside for him the fall, he will start cranking out frames and I will buy and hold.

blueblood · « **Reply #25 on:** May 31, 2014, 09:04:45 am »

Quote from: LazyBkpr on May 30, 2014, 12:24:00 am

When winter arrives, it gives me something to do related to my bees. I can dream of spring arriving while I make them.

Here, here! No talk of W____er!

....and, you must promise...pinky swear?

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #26 on:** May 31, 2014, 10:29:45 am »

Sorry Blue.. Hope your psychologist is not really expensive...

Perry, sounds like a good deal for both of you. I just made 80 frames with grooves cut in them for plastic foundation for that very reason. Going to have to save my pennies and get some equipment thats a little better than Menards cheapest before W_____r arrives.
Being ensconced inside once again.. I need to figure out every way possible to keep myself from going insane. Making lots of frames helps!

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #27 on:** January 03, 2015, 04:12:49 pm »

Revisiting frames today..
I attempted to make a jig for the router to cut the step in the end of the frame.. it worked as well as using the saw, maybe a little quicker..

After running about 80 top bars ( = 160 ends) the cheap router but I use was beginning to show signs that it was rapidly degrading, so I finished the rest on the saw..

90 ish bars after loss due to warpage and knots.. These are WEDGE top bars.

Then I shaved down the bottom bars and cut the slots in those. Can you tell the difference between the commercial bottom bar and mine?

There is actually only one commercial bottom bar in the picture, it is the second one FROM the right. I make the slot slightly wider, and it truly pays off when trying to put wired wax in..
The last picture is of a commercial frame (standing) and a frame I made completely myself, minus the wired foundation of course, but thats next, trying some non stamped foundation to see what the bees think of it.

Keep your bees happy!
Scott

brooksbeefarm · « **Reply #28 on:** January 03, 2015, 06:14:41 pm »

Thanks Scott, i may try making some now that i've seen how it's done.

Been buying frames from a club member, both deep and med. frames $1.00 ea. and they are put together. Don't know if i can beat that? Jack

Perry · « **Reply #29 on:** January 03, 2015, 06:20:42 pm »

I guess with the money you're saving, it can be spent on beer if visitors show up?

I think you'll end up ditching the router for that type of work, I think it may be asking a lot of it.

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #30 on:** January 03, 2015, 08:22:48 pm »

Beer? Jack isnt too far away.. 5 1/2 hour drive!!

Better pictures etc on the website Jack, some vids too if you can forgive the poor camera operation and editing.. Have not gotten around to fixing those vids yet.

http://outyard.weebly.com/frames.html

Yankee11 · « **Reply #31 on:** January 04, 2015, 08:57:30 pm »

Ok, Lazy, between your post/site and another I found. I am going to give frames a try.

Now you have me wanting a planner, do you use yours often?

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #32 on:** January 04, 2015, 09:29:38 pm »

The only thing I use it for is shaving the 1 1/2 inch (2x10's etc) boards down to 1 3/8. I couldnt justify it if I didnt use it to make so many frames. Pretty much all the woodworking equipment cant be justified for someone that only has four hives. OR, someone that does not have the aptitude for running power equipment.
ALL it would take to RUIN all that savings would be ONE mishap that sent you to the hospital...
However, if you have the aptitude, and need several hives the savings is worth it.

I have 2500 Frames in service. PLUS the hives and nucs all those frames fit into... I have saved well in excess of ten thousand dollars by making it all myself... That justified the expense for the equipment. It will continue to pay for itself as I sell hives, Nucs and replace worn out woodenware..

Yankee11 · « **Reply #33 on:** January 04, 2015, 09:56:08 pm »

I make everything myself except for the frames and foundation.

Just finished cutting around 50 boxes I have to put together now. I will have to get frames and foundation for them.

I have everything but a planner I think I can pick a good one up on craigslist for a decent price.

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #34 on:** February 05, 2015, 06:18:30 pm »

Top bars for the frames;

They all start out the same, shaped like the one on the left. For Foundationless I shave the sides to a point. For plastic They get a groove, and for wax they get the removable wedge.

First time I managed to get a picture of all of them together before I nailed them into a frame......

Perry · « **Reply #35 on:** February 05, 2015, 06:56:01 pm »

Nice work Scott.

Wish I had a heated shop and I'd be trying those for sure.

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #36 on:** February 05, 2015, 06:57:29 pm »

My shop is yours. Bring that stack of wood with you!

Yankee11 · « **Reply #37 on:** February 05, 2015, 08:44:51 pm »

Hey, will regular tightbond glue work ok on frames since they are inside the hive?

Guy on craigslist has some gallons for 10 bucks.

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #38 on:** February 05, 2015, 08:53:38 pm »

I have not tried it. I have used tightbond II and III. I have used Gorilla wood glue, and I have used Elmers wood glue.. They all worked, but I "seem" to have the best bond with tightbond 2 or 3 so have stuck with them. I have not tried the standard tightbond..

tefer2 · « **Reply #39 on:** February 05, 2015, 09:02:06 pm »

Those gallon jugs have a shelf life. I like to use them up in a years time.
12 months @ 70F