Using thread for frame/foundation securing

flyboy · July 09, 2015, 06:33:07 PM

As an experiment I am using some heavy duty cotton thread from my wife's serger to secure the foundation to the frame. I cannot break it until I almost slice myself. Anyone have a special reason to say this is a bad idea?
Previously I was using wire and that is fine but I thought this would be simpler.

Eventually I would like to make the foundation and use thread as the strengthener. I would thread the frame and then somehow melt the wax onto the frame thread. It's in the planning stage now.

Eric Bosworth · July 09, 2015, 07:03:35 PM

Perhaps I am just lazy... I think what you are doing is a waste of time. I don't see any reason it won't work. However... I also don't see any need for foundation in the first place. How much time do you spend securing foundation? How much money do you spend on foundation or a foundation press? I suppose the press could be used for candles... I would rather spend that time building frames and let the bees worry about building comb. Bees built comb without foundation for thousands of years and did quite well. Why not let them continue?

flyboy · July 09, 2015, 07:05:01 PM

How do you extract the honey?

Eric Bosworth · July 09, 2015, 07:55:31 PM

I crush and strain... But if you want to extract use an extractor... If you are concerned you can wire the frames without foundation.

sc-bee · July 09, 2015, 11:15:13 PM

It is not uncommon to use fishing line, in particular when using unwired foundation. Folks will also use fishing line strung across foundation-less frames to add support. A plus for the unwired is the cutting of queen cells.

little john · July 10, 2015, 11:48:44 AM

Quote from: flyboy on July 09, 2015, 06:33:07 PM
As an experiment I am using some heavy duty cotton thread from my wife's serger to secure the foundation to the frame. I cannot break it until I almost slice myself. Anyone have a special reason to say this is a bad idea?

A pint of beer says it won't work ... because ... the thread is composed of many small diameter fibres, which the bees will easily chomp through. The reason *strong* fishing line - i.e. 50/60 lb BS works is that the diameter is too large for the girls to get their mouthparts around. 30 lb BS or less won't work, because the girls can chew through it.
LJ

Eric Bosworth · July 11, 2015, 06:26:13 PM

Another plus for unwired is comb honey...