The PLUNGE!

[Blammer]

Ok here is the deal.

I have NOTHING in the way of equipment, just a bunch of books and some knowledge. (not a lot of knowledge just enought to be dangerous! :D )

I am looking to start with 1 hive.

What or where is the best place to buy a starter kit that will have everything I will need but nothing extra.

OR is it better to piece it together...

I would like 2 things here.

1. A list of what is needed to start, assuming I have nothing.

2. Best place to get a starter kit and what kit to get or places to buy parts to put together the list of things I need from #1.

is there any info you need from me to get a better idea of what to recommend?

For all practical purposes, I want to keep it clean and simple.

If including a SBB is your idea of clean and simple make the call!

IF you were to start from scratch what basics would you want to start with?

I am looking to start bee keeping at the first opportunity. That would be? when? Spring?

[Hi-Tech]

http://www.beekeepersvoice.com/starter/

[Hi-Tech]

Blammer,

If you will put where you live in your profile, it will help us answer your questions better :D

[qa33010]

Hi Blammer,

    You may want to consider free catalogs from some or as many of the suppliers as possible.  Here's a few;
                               Mann Lake
                               Better Bee
                               Kelley Bees
                               Western Bee Supplies Inc
                               Rossman Apiaries
                               Glory Bee Foods Inc (GBF)
                               B&B Honey Farm
                               Brushy Mountian
                               Lapp's Bee Supply Center
                               Dadant

  There are others check their shipping also, especially now a days.  I found them doing various searches...ie, beekeeping supplies.  You also may want to get with someone locally and see if there may be a small local distributor near you to save on shipping.

   Or you can peice meal what you want from who you want and/or cut your own woodenware.   For some ideas you can visit some of the websites of some of the members here for their insights and preferances.

I know I've gotten off the beaten path here.  I got my starter kit from Better Bee (the one with out the suit).  Since then I either cut my own or order what I can't make.   My first hive of bees was a removal from a house.  Some folks don't recommend a starter kit.

    If you don't get a feral hive then you can place your order for next spring.  I recopmmend ABJ and Bee Culture (They both have great info for me) for not only information but also suppliers of both equipment and bees as well as those listed in the buy and sell threads on this and other discussion boards.

I hope this helps at least a little.

David

[TwT]

I wouldn't buy a starter kit, it is best to buy the individual pieces and get just what you want ,,,,example>> get a jacket with a zip on veil instead of the cheap veil the send you and if you don't want a jacket get a veil with a cloth hat (cost alot but very comfortable), they also seem to always put duragrip or plastic for foundation and some times frames in starter kits,,,,,,

here's a topic from before
http://www.beemaster.com/beebbs/viewtopic.php?t=4290

now I like my pierco frames and foundation, that's all I had for 2 years, this last spring I got some wood frames and small cell foundation to try, well I cut the foundation into 2 inch strips, put them on the frames and installed in the hives and nuc's, 5 days later on most hives I couldn't tell which frames I installed except for the new frames because they were all drawn completely out......wood and wax for now on for me  

Morral of the story is buy what you want instead of what the sale in a package because you will be ordering again....... that's just my 2 cent worth...... Good luck!!!!

[KONASDAD]

I was going to do what you are attempting to do. Instead, I wound up buying a complete hive from a local pollinator who also made many equipment pieces and was a drop site for Mann Lake. SOOOOOOOOOOO I would first contact a local bee club and make inquiries there. You will be surprised. Extra bees are out there and clubs often have leads on people who have become deceased or are moving and need to get rid of their hives. Also contact the state inspector, he would also know which pollinato5s ahave extra.

[Brian D. Bray]

Rethink the 1 hive idea.  If it fails you have no backup and all is lost.  With 2 hives you have some resources to help out 1 hive if it develops problems.  
Also, since you are starting out, consider using all 1 size of box like a medium (much easier on the back) as it makes hive management less complex.
The next posting on The Beekeeper's Voice will cover the topic of uniformity.