Making Transitions in Equipment and Methods

Daddys Girl · April 24, 2008, 12:45:55 PM

This is kinda directed to Michael Bush, but all perspectives are welcome.

I already started the process of changing things around. My bees arrive either tomorrow or Saturday, and I have gotten most of the work done that I need to do to install them into a top entrance hive right off, behind a 6 foot stockade fence enclosure. I bought the Betterbee starter kit last year, and so have two deeps, and two shallows with enough parts to basically run one colony.

So I want to transition to all mediums, and go foundationless. I've looked at MB's site, watched Tillies awesome videos on wax tool use. I can start with small cell foundation if I want. I can also start buying and building equipment today.

Guide me through the process, please. :)

steveouk · April 25, 2008, 12:18:33 AM

I also watched tillies video on wax tool use but i think i was doing something wrong as it didn't work for me. I ended up placing my start strips in the frame and then nailing the wooden strip really tight. So far this seems to be working with the bee's drawing there own wax comb on the frames i have presented to them.

Pond Creek Farm · April 25, 2008, 12:36:20 AM

Any idea why it did not work? I was planning the same approach, but I have grooved top and bottom bars and have no wedge to nail tightly. I need to make the wax welding method work.

wtiger · April 25, 2008, 01:33:34 AM

I just use small wooden starter strips with a little wax rubbed on. It worked well for me last year and I don't need to bother with having to reattach starter strips with those frames ever again.

steveouk · April 25, 2008, 08:35:28 AM

I'm not sure why it did not work pond. i'm going to give it another go as i have two more deeps still to make

bassman1977 · April 25, 2008, 09:53:38 AM

QuoteAny idea why it did not work? I was planning the same approach, but I have grooved top and bottom bars and have no wedge to nail tightly. I need to make the wax welding method work.

I am using starter strips in my TBH. There are no wedges to nail in. I got a good hold by using gorilla glue. About 3 or 4 drops is good enough. You only need to keep the foundation from falling out. Once the bees get to working it, it will get stronger.

my-smokepole · April 25, 2008, 10:13:50 AM

I know when I made mine I closed off the end to much. I ended up opening it up to about a 3/32 of a opening :-D
My-smokepole

suprstakr · April 25, 2008, 10:54:34 AM

To weld wax strips to frames I use copper tubing like straw with melted wax , and wood strips I dip the popcicle stick in melted wax and place it in groove of frame. Works for me . :)

Ross · April 25, 2008, 01:15:43 PM

If you want to go all mediums, do it now before you have bees. Cut down the deep boxes to medium depth. Cut down the deep frames and tack/glue the bottom bar back on. You can use wooden strips (popcicle sticks, etc) as starter strips, or cut bevels on the top bar. The biggest thing is start now on the box size, before you have drawn comb to deal with.