I wrote this up and put it on another forum. Not sure if I can post link here yet...
So, I cannot take credit for this. I saw something very similar on one of "outofthebluesky"'s videos.
Essentially I wanted some easy to make and robust "frames" for a cutout. These took me about an hour to make. The time is in the drilling/cutting and setup. Once you get to putting them together it goes very quickly.
Here is the finished product:
(http://www.stormseeker.org/BEEK/7-27-2009/100_2433%20(Small).jpg) (http://www.stormseeker.org/BEEK/7-27-2009/100_2433.jpg)
(http://www.stormseeker.org/BEEK/7-27-2009/100_2432%20(Small).jpg) (http://www.stormseeker.org/BEEK/7-27-2009/100_2432.jpg)
I used finished topbars. However it would be much better to use an unfinished bar with no kerf or guides I think. The sides are 1/2" dowels cut to 12" in length. The bottom is 7" and is simply a 2x4 ripped down to 1/2" thick (many pieces). The rubber bands I got at staples (Stationary supply store). I've been debating on actually stapling the rubber bands into place so they cannot move but I am hoping I dont have to do that.
Required tools:Saw, Drill & 1/2" Drill bit.
Suggested tools: Table Saw, Vise and Drill with 1/2" drill bit.
Step 1. Make sure you have an empty TBH available for use as a "jig".
Step 2. Gather required items. Topbars, Dowels, Bottom bar wood, Wood Glue & Rubber Bands.
Step 3. Prepare bottom bars by measuring the distance across the bottom of your TBH. Cut 2x4 to this length. Then Rip to 1/2" pieces.
Step 4. If you are using Phil's plans for the TBH, then the dowels are cut to 12" lengths. If not, put a bottom bar in your hive along with a top bar above it and measure the distance from the bottom to the top. Ct dowels to length.
Step 5. Center your top bars on the hive, then use a pencil to mark the inside edge of the sides on the top bars. See this picture:
(http://www.stormseeker.org/BEEK/7-27-2009/100_2435%20(Small).jpg) (http://www.stormseeker.org/BEEK/7-27-2009/100_2435.jpg)
Step 6. Put the Top bar in a vise and drill just to the inside of your pencile marks. Once ALL the way through, angle the drill to a few degree's past the angle of your sides. See following picture:
(http://www.stormseeker.org/BEEK/7-27-2009/100_2436%20(Small).jpg) (http://www.stormseeker.org/BEEK/7-27-2009/100_2436.jpg)
Step 7. Put your bottom bars into a vice and drill through each end approx 3/4" from the side. Then Angle the drill. See following picture:
(http://www.stormseeker.org/BEEK/7-27-2009/100_2437%20(Small).jpg) (http://www.stormseeker.org/BEEK/7-27-2009/100_2437.jpg)
Step 8. Once you have completed drilling all the top and bottom bars. Begin assembling them in the hive. See following:
(http://www.stormseeker.org/BEEK/7-27-2009/100_2438%20(Small).jpg) (http://www.stormseeker.org/BEEK/7-27-2009/100_2438.jpg)
Step 9. Once you have everything straight, apply your wood glue to the dowel areas. See Pic:
(http://www.stormseeker.org/BEEK/7-27-2009/100_2439%20(Small).jpg) (http://www.stormseeker.org/BEEK/7-27-2009/100_2439.jpg)
Step 10. Continue to assemble and keep them straight. See pic:
(http://www.stormseeker.org/BEEK/7-27-2009/100_2440%20(Small).jpg) (http://www.stormseeker.org/BEEK/7-27-2009/100_2440.jpg)
Give them a day to dry, then add the rubber bands and they are done!
Please let me know if you have any questions.
That is incredibly awesome!! I have NO creativity myself in creating something like a topbar frame, so thank you for the easy directions, great pictures and tutorial on this project! It would be fun to try in my 4th (so far empty) TBH and see if it would make inspections much quicker and easier when not dealing with possibly-comb-destroying attachments.
I never imagined using them full time. They were intended to help with a "Cutout" where you want to save brood comb. Glad you liked it. :-D
just a thought, you mentioned stapling the rubberbands to the dowels - my thought is they will tear under tension. if your concerned about slippage once loaded, take a small file and cut notches on the outside of each dowel to hold the rubberbands. Make several notches and you will be able to adjust the bands to the size of your comb. Great photos and description.
RyanB, Nice how-to and good pics.
PALS, nice suggestion too.
Nice project, thank you for sharing.
LOL this is the 2nd website I've seen someone referring to one of my videos.
I'm outofabluesky on YT.
Link to the video is here
Making Top Bar Hive Cutout Frames (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIj78zig9gM#)
I remember the day I made the vids, it was darn hot. 103 I think.
Basic idea was to make a frame for TBH for cutouts.
I like the tutorial.
I love this idea I am getting ready to make a tbh and think I will make some of these.
Why not use wire instead of rubber bands. Takes a lot to stretch wire. :)doak
With wire you have to find a way to keep it in place. The rubber bands as mentioned above will also eventually get chewed up and thrown out. By that time the bee's should have attached the comb to the sides to make it secure. The idea is to make it as simple as possible imho. But, try whatever suits you as well!
To hold wire in place why can you not just place a small groove in your dowel and run your wire in it?