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BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: John Lee Pettimore on December 12, 2009, 06:44:25 PM

Title: Dadant grooved bottom bars - What foundation?
Post by: John Lee Pettimore on December 12, 2009, 06:44:25 PM
What choices of foundation do I have with Dadant's grooved bottom bar frames? I've never used them before. Plastic I'm pretty sure will work. Wired wax with or without hooks?

TIA, J.
Title: Re: Dadant grooved bottom bars - What foundation?
Post by: TwT on December 12, 2009, 07:07:32 PM
what top bars do you have, if you have wedge top bars and grooved bottom bars and only want small amount then here, when you click on the picture it will tell you in the last sentence what it will fit

https://www.dadant.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23_38&products_id=68 (https://www.dadant.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23_38&products_id=68)

10 sheets of Crimp Wired Foundation developed by Dadant & Sons Inc copied but unequalled. Steel Hook fits behind the wedge in wedge top bar frames. 9 vertical crimped steel wires radiate strength, perfectly milled cells deep exact walls. We recommend adding cross wires in deep frames Foundation is 8 1/2 inches x 16 3/4 inches fits 9 1/8 frames. Approximately 7 sheets per pound. Use wedge top bar only and grooved or slotted bottom bar.


here's the choices
https://www.dadant.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=23_38 (https://www.dadant.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=23_38)
Title: Re: Dadant grooved bottom bars - What foundation?
Post by: Kathyp on December 12, 2009, 07:35:23 PM
you can also go with starter strips and let them build their own.  in that case, i would buy one bunch of foundation so that you can put one full frame in as a guide and either use wax or wood, etc. as a start for all others. 

you can research foundationless on here.  in my opinion, letting the bees build the cells that they need is the best choice.  it has some potential drawbacks, but if you do your homework, those relatively minor issues can be avoided or easily overcome.  + it saves money  ;-)