moving to wax foundation

Mklangelo · August 07, 2007, 08:16:42 PM

I'm using Plasticell now. Can someone recommend a good wax foundation? Will I need to switch frames? Will I need to use wire?

Thanks!

pdmattox · August 07, 2007, 08:28:49 PM

do you have wood frames with a top and bottom groove? If you do you should be able to reuse them. I would use the wax foundation with the crimp wire already inbeded. I think you should use wire if you ever are going to run them through a extractor. If not then no wire.

Michael Bush · August 07, 2007, 10:38:20 PM

I'd go to 4.9mm while you at it...

Dadant, Brushy Mt. and Betterbee have it that I know of.

Mklangelo · August 07, 2007, 11:17:34 PM

Quote from: pdmattox on August 07, 2007, 08:28:49 PM
do you have wood frames with a top and bottom groove? If you do you should be able to reuse them. I would use the wax foundation with the crimp wire already inbeded. I think you should use wire if you ever are going to run them through a extractor. If not then no wire.

Yes, the frames do have top and bottom groves. And the 4.9mm sounds good, MB.

I will be putting them through an extractor. (Next year since I doubt I'll get to rob any this season) I need to completely retool. Not too difficult since it's only three colonies.

MB, what is the particular foundation I need to get @ Dadant?

https://www.dadant.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=786

I think this is over my head/budjet.

Robo · August 08, 2007, 08:45:35 AM

Wedge top bar frames work much easier/better with crimped wire foundation.

FordGuy · August 11, 2007, 10:48:19 AM

Quote from: Michael Bush on August 07, 2007, 10:38:20 PM
I'd go to 4.9mm while you at it...

Dadant, Brushy Mt. and Betterbee have it that I know of.

wow, what a great opportunity to start fresh with small cell! I wish I was in your shoes...right now, I am having a nightmare of a time figuring out how to transition...I'm ready to try it myself.

Michael Bush · August 11, 2007, 03:27:50 PM

>MB, what is the particular foundation I need to get @ Dadant?

What depth frames do you have? Remember "medium brood" is referring to the thickness of the wax, not the depth of the frames. They have it wired and unwired. You can also just buy it unwired and cut it into 3/4" wide starter strips.

>I think this is over my head/budjet.

If you do the starter strips you won't need much and if you buy (or make) some 1/8" strips of wood to put in for starter strips they will cost even less and be more durable. if you have a table saw cut some 1/8" thick pieces off of a 3/4" board and use those.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfoundationless.htm