About those paint sticks for foundationess?

mtnb · May 12, 2015, 06:01:16 PM

How do I get them to stay in there since the groove is larger than the stirer? Glue them in? Is that enough to hold a comb? And is it ok that they don't go all the way across? Or do I need to cut them to length? Thanks! :)

Michael Bush · May 12, 2015, 06:08:07 PM

Glue and small nails (the kind they make for wedge top bar frames). The ends are the most problematic. If you're are going to skip somewhere, skip the middle, not the ends... The ends tend to curve if you don't run the guide all the way.

mtnb · May 12, 2015, 06:16:19 PM

Ok. My husband is gonna use his power stapler instead of the nails. He says they'll never come apart that way. Sounds like I need to fit them the entire length for best results. Thank you sir! (Just got my hive today and put together and now I'm painting) SOOOOOO exciting!!! ;)

Michael Bush · May 12, 2015, 10:32:32 PM

You can split them end to end to. You only need about 1/4" to 1/2" sticking out.

divemaster1963 · May 13, 2015, 11:15:53 AM

I use popcikle sticks. They fit easy and glue in and can snap to fit fully. Plus they are cheap at the arts store. 1000 for few bucks. They stick up about 1/4 inch

John

mtnb · May 13, 2015, 11:18:59 AM

Quote from: Michael Bush on May 12, 2015, 10:32:32 PM
You can split them end to end to. You only need about 1/4" to 1/2" sticking out.

Ok thanks. I was wondering about that.

mtnb · May 13, 2015, 11:20:57 AM

Quote from: divemaster1963 on May 13, 2015, 11:15:53 AM
I use popcikle sticks. They fit easy and glue in and can snap to fit fully. Plus they are cheap at the arts store. 1000 for few bucks. They stick up about 1/4 inch

John

Thanks. I just noticed them the other day. Very affordable.

Michael Bush · May 14, 2015, 08:29:07 AM

They are labeled "Jumbo Craft Sticks"... and look like tongue depressors...

mtnb · May 14, 2015, 11:48:06 AM

Thank you guys! May I ask another question? How long will a gallon baggie feeder 3/4th filled last? If I put it on on Saturday, when should I check it? Do I just lift the lid and top cover a little and peek in to see? Also, when I bring them home on Saturday, I reduce the entrance to smallest setting and let them get orientated right away?

OldMech · May 14, 2015, 02:04:29 PM

I have seen the girls take a quart a day when they needed it.. worst case scenario that baggie would last a little less than 4 days.. if they are getting any natural nectar as well, it could last a week or more. It all depends on what else is available and how much of it they are bringing in. the first few days they will probably take more of it than after they get settled in and have their field force bring home groceries.

Yes. Once they are going well and brood is emerging you could open the entrance to the next larger setting. THat is how I do it.. When the time comes to put the third box on I open the 3/8 by 1" upper entrance.. if it is HOT I may remove the reducer completely at that time..

chux · May 14, 2015, 03:19:49 PM

I really like the foundationless frames from Kelley bee supply. The bees seem to build straighter on it for me than they did on the popsickle sticks. And, I don't have to spend any extra time or energy fixing the starter strip to the top-bar. The top bar comes ready to go. The frames cost about the same as a regular wedge or slot frame. I also like the fact that the bottom bar doesn't have a groove where Small hive beetles can hide.

mtnb · May 15, 2015, 10:36:23 AM

Thanks OldMech!

Quote from: chux on May 14, 2015, 03:19:49 PM
I also like the fact that the bottom bar doesn't have a groove where Small hive beetles can hide.

Hm. I hadn't thought of that. I do have grooved bottoms. Should I fill that gap in with wood glue or wood putty?

chux · May 25, 2015, 07:37:30 AM

Couln't hurt. I didn't, and they still work. But it does leave that hiding place.