basic start-up questions

[shelley]

I'm a confused beginner and could use help.

What type of wax foundation (wired or unwired) should I get and type of frames?

I'm starting out with my first hive and am confused. I'm planning on two deep supers for brood and the rest mediums. No cut comb and will probably crush and strain the honey.

I've read that probably use wired foundation for brood and not wired for other supers unless you use an extractor.

I'm not sure what the difference between wedged and grooved frames are.

Thanks for any help.

Is there anyone near Tacoma Washington who would be willing to talk with me on the phone perhaps.

[Brian D. Bray]

I'm a confused beginner and could use help.

We all were at some point.

What type of wax foundation (wired or unwired) should I get and type of frames?

For a bee-ginner I'd recommend using unwired foundation and wood frames.  No plastic of any kind.  If you use the wedge type frame with the split bottom bar and the split rivets to hold the faoundation in place you don't need wire at all.  split rivets and no wires works better in medium frames. 

I'm starting out with my first hive and am confused. I'm planning on two deep supers for brood and the rest mediums. No cut comb and will probably crush and strain the honey.

I would highly recommend skipping the deep brood boxes.  You will find that the mediums are more than adequate for everything and using one more (3) for a brood chamber is no big deal.  Lifting a full deep is--and heavy to boot.

I've read that probably use wired foundation for brood and not wired for other supers unless you use an extractor.

I assume you're referring to wire embedded foundation.  It breaks along the wire very easily and must be handled with more care than plain foundation.

I'm not sure what the difference between wedged and grooved frames are.

The wedged has a removable strip on one side of the top bar that is removed and tacked back in place to pinch the top of the foundation to the frame.
The grooved just has a groove cut down the center of the top bar and melted wax is used to secure the foundation in place.  Wedged is best if using wire embedded foundation.

Thanks for any help.

De nada.  Doitatsuhimate.  You're Welcome.

Is there anyone near Tacoma Washington who would be willing to talk with me on the phone perhaps.

Several Sean from Buckley and me in Anacortes, plus a couple of others on the forum.  Do us all a favor and post Tacoma, Wa as your location instead of hopelessly lost.  We're all hopelessly lost at some point, but here you find direction and known where you are and pointed in the right direction so hopelessly lost doesn't apply anymore.

[TwT]

wedge frames and wired foundation for the deeps, I still use deeps and will probable always use deeps and mediums, we have some members that went to all mediums and some went to all 8 frame mediums

wedge frames for the mediums also and since you are going to crush and strain then just wax un-wired foundation for them..

[indypartridge]

I'm a confused beginner and could use help.

Is there anyone near Tacoma Washington who would be willing to talk with me on the phone perhaps.

Hi Shelley,

My advice to new beekeepers is always the same: Get involved with a local beekeeping group.
http://www.wasba.org/local.htm
Online forums such as this are great sources of information, but local beeks will know what works best in your area; who the reliable local suppliers are, and are often available to come over and go thru your hives with you if you have a problem. Plus, it's great fun just to hang out with other beeks!

[Michael Bush]

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfaqs.htm#foundation

[utahbeekeeper]

George Imrie is an icon in the bee biz, at least to me.  He wrote some great advice.  He said that since he discovered https://www.dadant.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23_38&products_id=86[/url]Plasticell Foundation that he would never use anything else for brood.  I have replaced half of my brood foundation with it.  It is a little spendy, but the bees love it, and they don't tear it up.  No wire required.  It is embossed plastic coated with pure bee's wax, as opposed to the smooth piece of plastic coated with embossed bee's wax.  For a 3 or 4 hive beek, I think it is a must for brood.  JP

[Understudy]

I'm a confused beginner and could use help.

What type of wax foundation (wired or unwired) should I get and type of frames?

It really doesn't matter. Since you are starting out. Let's get you out of bad practices.
If you want foundation get Mann Lake PF100 & PF120.

I'm starting out with my first hive and am confused. I'm planning on two deep supers for brood and the rest mediums. No cut comb and will probably crush and strain the honey.

Use three mediums as brood. Friends don't friends lift deeps.

I've read that probably use wired foundation for brood and not wired for other supers unless you use an extractor.

Doesn't matter unless you have an extractor. Wired is extra work.

I'm not sure what the difference between wedged and grooved frames are.

from the Mann Lake FAQ
What is the difference between a groove top frame and a wedge top frame?

The groove or wedge in the frame refers to the top bar. A grooved top bar has a groove for inserting your foundation. It is generally used with plastic foundation such as Rite-Cell ®. Wedge top frames look similar, however, they have a piece of wood next to the groove that you would break off to install your wax foundation. The wedge piece is removed and your wax foundation is put in place. The wedge is then re-inserted and nailed in place. The purpose of the wedge is to give support to your wax foundation. Wax foundation will also need support from wire, support pins, or both. If you are using wired foundation with hook, the hook is placed so it goes around the wedge piece like a hanger on a rod.

Thanks for any help.

Is there anyone near Tacoma Washington who would be willing to talk with me on the phone perhaps.

Sorry I am in Florida. To cold up there.  :)

Sincerely.
Brendhan

[sean]

>Sorry I am in Florida. To cold up there<

you just had to :-D

[Understudy]

>Sorry I am in Florida. To cold up there<

you just had to :-D

Yes but you and I are grabbing bananas, plantains, and papya's right now. It so tough having to deal with that. I can't handle the stress. I will have to have a frozen margarita. that's it I am off to Cheesecake Factory. The wife has been well behaved I guess I will show a little kindness.

Tomorrow I am going let her change the oil on my pick up. :)

Back to original post. Indypartridge recommended joining a local bee club. I second that. it is the best way to get good local help.

Sincerely,
Brendhan