Walnut or Butternut

biggraham610 · August 23, 2014, 02:39:17 PM

I was just wondering if anyone had any input on using Walnut or Butternut for hivebodies. I know the weight issues and all but I have an abundance of both that were left when we built my Fathers home in 2000. I was considering building a few boxes just for a showy hive to keep in my garden. Just wanted to know if there are any ill effects from either source of lumber. thanks. G :chop:

iddee · August 23, 2014, 09:07:19 PM

Walnut is a great insecticide....... :shock:

The only butternut I am familiar with is a squash, so I can't help you there.

biggraham610 · August 23, 2014, 10:48:36 PM

So you think cured walnut lumber will kill bees? Thats why im asking. Havent heard that yet. I also thought the same of cedar cedar closets repel moths and the like, but I have heard of people using cedar for hives. Butternut is a white hardwood. It is also called white walnut for the similar grain patterns. Thanks Idee.G :chop:

iddee · August 23, 2014, 10:58:25 PM

Cedar doesn't kill as I know of. To my knowledge, it only repels. ""I may be wrong.""

Walnut kills. Would cured lumber kill bees? I don't know.

Make a couple frames from cedar and see if the bees fill them.

biggraham610 · August 23, 2014, 11:10:20 PM

I am not interested in cedar. Thats why Im investigating. Do you think that if the boxes were clearcoated inside and out it would have the same effect? Not that it matters. Im not going to put any of my bees in a box that has a chance of killing them. I guess I will have to do a little research on butternut. The wood is just as pretty. Just white. Thanks again. G :chop:

biggraham610 · August 24, 2014, 12:03:10 AM

Quote from: iddee on August 23, 2014, 10:58:25 PM
Cedar doesn't kill as I know of. To my knowledge, it only repels. ""I may be wrong.""

Walnut kills. Would cured lumber kill bees? I don't know.

Make a couple frames from cedar and see if the bees fill them.

I found this in my search........ seems to have no problem. I will be researching more before I decide. Thanks G :chop:

http://www.mikesbeesandhoney.com/product/20000

iddee · August 24, 2014, 12:10:13 AM

So maybe the curing and finishing does the job. Let us know if you try it.

divemaster1963 · August 24, 2014, 12:19:46 AM

I built hives from black walnut . no problems just plane to 1/2 inch to reduce wieght . clear coat the exterior with spar varnish or bar top two part fish for the high gloss. Then put it in prime spot to show off. If any one wants one charge them 200.00 per deep. 8-)

John

LaurieBee · August 24, 2014, 01:02:20 AM

Those are beautiful hives.

biggraham610 · August 24, 2014, 11:43:07 AM

Quote from: divemaster1963 on August 24, 2014, 12:19:46 AM
I built hives from black walnut . no problems just plane to 1/2 inch to reduce wieght . clear coat the exterior with spar varnish or bar top two part fish for the high gloss. Then put it in prime spot to show off. If any one wants one charge them 200.00 per deep. 8-)

John

Thanks John, thats what I wanted to hear. Im not a woodworker so i wont be selling any but do want to show em off. Gimme something to do during the winter downtime. I will post pics if I get em going thanks again. G :chop: