G'day Everyone,
I was wondering if anyone has used marine ply to make nuc boxes before? Do the preservatives negatively impact on the bees?
Kind regards
Oz
I use marine plywood for covers and bottom boards I use no TIN on the top just paint and sum are over 20 years old ( 4x8 Ft 3/4 In. is a standard size in the USA )
BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)
Marine plywood is just AA or AB exterior plywood. Sometimes they make it with more laminations to help keep it from warping as much. The biggest advantage for us in the wood shop is that it's available in sizes bigger than the standard 4'x8' (5'x10' for example). Most marine ply here has douglas fir for the exposed laminates...I don't have any idea what you get down under.
Scott
Thanks Guys,
Our marine ply is made from Hoop Pine - i'll give it a shot! the fact that it's waterproof is very appealing!
I'd caution that it still needs some type of protection from the elements for continuous use.
Scott
Oz; don't know about your ply but our marine ply uses standard (Douglas Fir) plies with no voids (or very minimal) allowed. It's not waterproof although they use waterproof glue. It will still suck up water, especially through the end grain, so it still needs a good paint job if it's to last a long time. Too expensive to use on hives; exterior plywood works just as well. :-D
I had some used BB plyform that I cut up for tops. Wonderful if a bit heavy. They stay straight dont warp. Will probably still be bee hive tops when I am long in the dirt. Alas! WAY too expensive to go out and buy to make woodenware for a poor boy like me. x
I'm with fish stix. I've used exterior plywood and it works fine and is cheaper. Just needs a good coat of paint, but I would think you would need to do that with marine plywood anyway.
David
Just last evening I did a quick layout yielding 8 medium 8-frame supers from a single 4X8 sheet. At that yield one can afford to buy high quality ply and still come out with very economical hives.
I am considering trying hives from 2" high density insulation board. Similar yield, even allowing for some big finger joints to hold the polystyrene pieces together, and very economical. This stuff takes paint very nicely, so a good looking hive results, with the potential to last a very long time.