Logistical question in changing to 8 frames

[tillie]

I'm still working on changing to all medium boxes - 8 frames.  All the new boxes I am getting are 8 frame.  I also would like to be in all medium boxes, so I am only ordering mediums.

I am getting a few more nucs this year and don't want to buy deep 8 frames.  The nucs come in deep frames and it's too late to request that they be put on medium frames.  If I put the frames in a 10 frame deep (which I have enough of to do so), can I then block the last two frames with a wood 2-frame 2X6 or whatever wide cover and set 8 frame boxes above the 10 frame?

The only disadvantage I can imagine - which could be huge - is that rain could get in the crack between the medium and the deep below.

Any thoughts on this?

Linda T looking for the easy way out since I can't cut boxes down to 8 frame size (constructionally and saw challenged) in Atlanta

[Jerrymac]

The bees of course will plug up the crack.

[tillie]

But I will open it again every time I inspect that low - and of course, the obvious response is:

And the bees will plug it up again!

Linda Tin ATlanta

[randydrivesabus]

i thought you poor folks in Atlanta aren't getting any rain......anyway couldn't you just cover the whole thing with a tarp or something still leaving the bottom entrance open? I guess I'm assuming that you have bottom entrances.

[Robo]

Killion used comb honey supers that where narrower than the brood boxes and just covered the space with a board.  They where one of the largest comb honey producers at one time.  If it worked for them, it should work for you.

[tillie]

Oh, randydrivesabus, at least at the moment we are getting regular rain - I don't think we had as moist a spring in the last two or three years, but we are so low on rainfall that it doesn't make a difference drought-wise.

Besides, basically I'm a girl scout at heart and am always thinking in a "be prepared" sort of way!

Linda T in Atlanta, hoping for more rain, less drought

[Michael Bush]

>The only disadvantage I can imagine - which could be huge - is that rain could get in the crack between the medium and the deep below.
>Any thoughts on this?

I do it all the time with no problems:
http://www.bushfarms.com/images/TenFrameToEight.JPG

A one by three 20" long is perfect.  But most any scrap that is big enough will work.

[Brian D. Bray]

I made what I call a transfer top.  It is basically a frame of a migratory type top cut out to take a smaller box.  I use it to place a 5 frame nuc over an 8 frame box.  The way I use it is to slide the frame down over the nuc box so that it acts as in instep, the bees in the nuc are undisturbed and once they get to working in the new larger box a complete transfer is easy.  It helps also when short of supers.  I used it to overwinter one of my hives--an 8 frame medium on the bottom and an 5 frame medium above.  It also makes a good feeder holder for gallon jugs or cans.  I use it on one hive or the other all summer long.