Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: mgates61 on February 26, 2008, 12:57:46 PM

Title: Split bottom or grooved bottom frames ??
Post by: mgates61 on February 26, 2008, 12:57:46 PM
Which will work better for wired wax foundation ?? 

I will be using wired wax foundation with the hook at the top. 

Thanks

Mike
Title: Re: Split bottom or grooved bottom frames ??
Post by: randydrivesabus on February 26, 2008, 01:12:39 PM
split
Title: Re: Split bottom or grooved bottom frames ??
Post by: bassman1977 on February 26, 2008, 01:14:04 PM
You want the Wedged Top Bar for wired foundation with hooks.  Now whether you get split bottoms or grooved bottoms is a matter of preference I think.  I have both.  I like the split bottoms because it gives me a little bit more wiggle room but otherwise, it doesn't make a difference to me.  I think I have more of the grooved bottoms just by chance.  I don't specify when I order.
Title: Re: Split bottom or grooved bottom frames ??
Post by: mgates61 on February 26, 2008, 01:26:58 PM
Yep....I am getting the wedge top  frames, and I think the split bottoms.  I had originally ordered the grooved bottoms but the gal that took the order said the split bottoms would be better for the wired foundation.  As I am still in the learning porocess, I will see.


Thanks

Mike
Title: Re: Split bottom or grooved bottom frames ??
Post by: bassman1977 on February 26, 2008, 01:32:38 PM
Another advantage I found with the split bottoms is that if you were to junk the foundation/comb in a frame, they are easier to clean up for a new sheet of foundation.  With the grooved, you need a nail or something like that to scrape the excess wax out.
Title: Re: Split bottom or grooved bottom frames ??
Post by: Robo on February 26, 2008, 03:58:17 PM
I would also go with the split for crimped wire foundation.
Title: Re: Split bottom or grooved bottom frames ??
Post by: Michael Bush on February 26, 2008, 07:49:37 PM
I've always preferred the grooved but the split probably works better with pre-wired foundation.  I've always found the split harder to clean as anything I do seems suddenly pop them apart and one of them breaks.  A nail or a bent screwdriver or a frame cleaning tool will make short work of anything in a groove without breaking the bottom board.
Title: Re: Split bottom or grooved bottom frames ??
Post by: jimmyo on February 26, 2008, 07:51:02 PM
I like split.  The foudation lays in better and it cleans easier when you want it out.
Jim  
Title: Re: Split bottom or grooved bottom frames ??
Post by: Joseph Clemens on February 27, 2008, 03:45:15 AM
I prefer grooved top and bottom, I've even clipped off the hooks on the vertically wired foundation to help them fit well in grooved top bar frames (held in with beeswax). If necessary you can always use: Frame groove cleaning tool (http://www.gabees.com/store/popup_image.php?pID=298&osCsid=32fc6b58a4cb140c4c1f0d92828d4160), but like Michael Bush said the split bottom bars are difficult to clean without destroying them.