convert deeps to medium?

derrick1p1 · May 22, 2008, 12:10:00 PM

I've decided to convert to all mediums. If all frames had been the same size, it would have been very helpful for me this spring.

I assume this will be easy to do. Just disassemble the deeps and cut the bottoms off to the correct depth. As for frames, should be able to cut end bars to correct lenght, then reattach bottom bars.

Did a search, didn't find much (unless I'm not looking in the right place on here).

Does this sound correct?

Thanks,
Derrick

doak · May 22, 2008, 03:46:27 PM

I do not disassemble the box. Make sure the saw blade will miss the nails.
When I assembled my deeps I used a very good wood glue and it would be not very easy to take them apart at the seams.
If you have a table saw just measure and set the fence.
"If' you have an old blade change the good blade out, then if a nail does get in the way you don't mess up your good blade.
Thats how I do it for the box never had to cut any frames down, I am still using some deeps.
doak ;)

rayb · May 24, 2008, 11:54:22 PM

I used the table saw to cut the deep frames to mediums and it sliced right through them. Just measure the end bar cut off and allow for the thickness of the bottom bar when you reattach them (3/8" thick). My frames had the embeded wires and the saw blade just pulled these out of the wax when it came to them.I then cut them with diagonal cutting pliers. Then glued and nailed the bottoms on>

Having said that, one probably shouldn't cut items with wire inside but I didn't listen to myself and cut anyway. It worked well.

lakeman · June 27, 2009, 01:36:04 PM

Quote from: doak on May 22, 2008, 03:46:27 PM
I do not disassemble the box. Make sure the saw blade will miss the nails.
When I assembled my deeps I used a very good wood glue and it would be not very easy to take them apart at the seams.
If you have a table saw just measure and set the fence.
"If' you have an old blade change the good blade out, then if a nail does get in the way you don't mess up your good blade.
Thats how I do it for the box never had to cut any frames down, I am still using some deeps.
doak ;)

Just use a nail-cutting blade

Michael Bush · June 28, 2009, 06:23:22 PM

Step by step instructions:

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

joker1656 · July 03, 2009, 11:55:54 PM

If you don't mind my asking, why do this? I have seen others talk about this. Is it just to make everything uniform? And if it is, then why not make them all deeps? Is it because deeps weigh too much when loaded down? Maybe an ignorant question, but I have wondered this.

I was given about 700 unassembled frames. I was also given about 20 unassembled deeps. I had decided to use all deeps, because of cost. Maybe I am silly to do so. That was my main reason for asking. I am not the smartest fella, but as for right now I can still lift heavy stuff....as long as I don't have to think too hard. :)

If it is something that is better, in some way, for the bees, then I would do it. If not it might be more expensive...right now anyway for me to convert over to meds. Thanks!

doak · July 04, 2009, 01:04:20 AM

If you are young robust Macho Rambo, Go with 10 frame deeps. we don't mind.
I like 8 frame mediums, my back does come unhinged some time. deteriorated disk
in my back from fighting with the ridis brothers.
Weight a minute, I can't lift that, what a 10 frame deep? you got it.doak

Michael Bush · July 04, 2009, 11:23:32 AM

>If you don't mind my asking, why do this? I have seen others talk about this. Is it just to make everything uniform?

It's to make it uniform and light

> And if it is, then why not make them all deeps?

A deep full of honey weighs 90 pounds. A meidum full of honey weighs 60 pounds, an eight frame medium full of honey weighs 45 pounds.

> Is it because deeps weigh too much when loaded down? Maybe an ignorant question, but I have wondered this.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beeslazy.htm#uniformframesize
http://www.bushfarms.com/beeslazy.htm#lighterboxes

joker1656 · July 04, 2009, 12:49:05 PM

I apologize, I did not intend to hijack this thread. Thanks for the response to my questions, tho.

Also, I did not intend to indicate that I am macho, or Rambo. LOL I guess since I have so many pieces of woodenware that are the deep size I will gut it out and use them. It does make sense to work smarter not harder, like you guys are doing. As I buy new, I guess I will lean toward converting to all mediums. I might even go so far as to go to the 8 frame. Thanks!

Michael Bush · July 05, 2009, 12:34:47 PM

Also remember you can mix and match if you HAVE to. If you start buying eight frame mediums you can put them on ten frame deeps. This was the standard practice of many comb honey producers such as Carl Killion.

http://www.bushfarms.com/images/TenFrameToEight.JPG

After you fall in love with the eight frame mediums you can start selling, retiring or cutting down the rest of it...