Plexiglass for inner cover?

[jeremy_c]

I was thinking that instead of the thin sheet of plywood in most inner covers that a piece of plexiglass would be nice. You could remove the outer cover and see how far they have built out w/o loosing heat or scent.

Any thoughts on this?

Jeremy

[Robo]

Other than cost and condensation, it should work fine as long as you keep it covered from light.  If you let light in, the bees will propolize it just like observation hives.

http://www.bwrangler.com/lwin.htm

[rast]

 The condensation part of what Robo said is my biggest concern. The wood absorbs a lot of the moisture in the hive if unpainted on the inside.

[Grandpa Jim]

My first hive back in 2000 came with a Plexiglas inner cover.....Must not have been too impressed with it because I had forgotten all about it until I read your post.  I do remember the bees built burr comb on it just like the other inner covers, and after a short time you could not see in anymore (scrapping it off just scratched it and the leftover wax made it cloudy).  When removing it, the twisting cracked the Plexiglas and it wasn't long before it was taken out of service.  Jim

[beee farmer]

again Cost would be the major concern unless you have access to free Plexiglas.. other than that I think they would be great inner covers.. Masonite ones don't like the moisture and always seem to sag and buckle for me..ended up tossing several away because they were down on the frames.. now I only use them as escapes or for feeding with jars and they are made of Luann.