I've seen videos and posts on Beemaster suggesting that you build your top bar comb guides with popsicle sticks, inverted molding, waxed cotton string and waxed milk carton strips. Do folks out there have other designs?
But more to the point, do you have a favorite design and why?
This is from the advanced class...
(http://www.captainchicken.com/pictures/waxstrips.jpg) (http://www.captainchicken.com/pictures/waxstrips.jpg)
(http://www.captainchicken.com/pictures/foundationless.jpg) (http://www.captainchicken.com/pictures/foundationless.jpg)
These are beeswax strips I made from wax I rendered from a hive that died last year. I'm WACKY, KerAYZEE happy about this, but they still have a tendency to build they way "they" want. If it's too goofy I cut out the hard part and straighten the rest. I know I have it in frames, but they're on the top bars.
Of course you don't have to do any of this stuff, it gives the bees a place to hang, and directs them to build in a straight line. Also Michael Bush pointed out the last time I wrote anything about this that it gives a center. (http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,32349.msg265164.html#msg265164) I have some frames I've put in without any wax strips, between the drawn stuff, and haven't had time to experience the difference between "Wax on, Wax off."
The wax works fine as long as it doesn't get hot and fall out. But wood is more permanent. A wood strip or a triangular piece work. The triangle is my favorite. The most important thing is that it sticks out at least 1/4" and preferably a bit more.
I'm with MB. The triangular wooden strip. I've never yet had the bees really mess up the comb when using these, and unlike wax sheet or thread they don't have to be replaced. Just convert your frames and you're set.