Foundationless Frames

JordanM · February 18, 2008, 06:59:02 PM

I was wondering if you had a frame and drilled holes about an inch apart all the way around the frame and then ran a thin wire back and forth through them all would you need starter strips. I have built 1 but have not tested it out yet seeing it is the middle of the winter and am just starting out at this and dont even have bees yet, but it seems strong.

randydrivesabus · February 18, 2008, 07:09:43 PM

the starter strips aren't there for strength.

JordanM · February 18, 2008, 08:32:30 PM

The bees should no where to start though.
:mrgreen:

tillie · February 18, 2008, 11:42:25 PM

See Michael Bush's website about how to use foundationless frames:

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

Linda T in Atlanta

CBEE · February 19, 2008, 09:42:22 AM

The bees know to start at the top but to them it's just a big open space and can build any direction they want. The starter strips give them the direction YOU want them to go.

Brian D. Bray · February 19, 2008, 10:17:53 PM

Quote from: CBEE on February 19, 2008, 09:42:22 AM
The bees know to start at the top but to them it's just a big open space and can build any direction they want. The starter strips give them the direction YOU want them to go.

So will the wedge on a top bar. Just remove it, turn it sideways and re-install it so that it makes a rib along the bottom side of the top bar. The rib makes a starting point.

watercarving · February 19, 2008, 10:31:37 PM

Unless you already have the frames why not just try some top bars and save some $$ while you are at it?

CBEE · February 20, 2008, 08:48:22 AM

Brian,
I guess about anything that protrudes from the center of the bottom of the bar will work. Has that been your experience ?

Robo · February 20, 2008, 09:56:35 AM

Quote from: CBEE on February 20, 2008, 08:48:22 AM
I guess about anything that protrudes from the center of the bottom of the bar will work. Has that been your experience ?

Yes, I've used coroplast (corrugated plastic) strips made from signs.

DennisB · February 20, 2008, 10:00:07 AM

Robo,

It looks like you wired the frame along with using the starter strip. Were you able to extract using an extractor without damage?

DennisB

Robo · February 20, 2008, 10:28:45 AM

Yes, the wires help with extracting, especially when the wax is not attached on the sides or bottom of the frames (which is quite common with foundationless frames)

Ross · February 20, 2008, 11:11:56 AM

I just rip a bevel on the top bars and assemble the frame. No insert needed. It goes really quickly, about 15 minutes to do a bundle of 100 top bars.
http://www.myoldtools.com/Bees/frames

CBEE · February 20, 2008, 01:14:51 PM

Robo.. Thats what I thought.. Great pics
Ross.. I have read other places about making top bars that way or just gluing a triangle to the bottom of the bar.

jsmob · February 20, 2008, 08:08:56 PM

I have read that just using popsicle sticks inserted into the groove of the top bar also works.
Just think of all those Krunch Bars you would have to ( Sorry, get to) eat. :-D

buzzbee · February 21, 2008, 07:42:06 PM

Heres an empty frame placed in the hive!
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l65/kwrabbit/Beekeeping/IMG_3853.jpg

Jerrymac · February 21, 2008, 11:12:34 PM

Where do you get that white comb?

Brian D. Bray · February 21, 2008, 11:34:44 PM

Quote from: Jerrymac on February 21, 2008, 11:12:34 PM
Where do you get that white comb?

That's what you get when the bees draw natural comb without foundation.

Jerrymac · February 21, 2008, 11:38:52 PM

If seen comb drawn without foundation but I never see it that white.

Brian D. Bray · February 21, 2008, 11:49:03 PM

Quote from: Jerrymac on February 21, 2008, 11:38:52 PM
If seen comb drawn without foundation but I never see it that white.

Nectar source or syrup. Simple syrup will always be white.

Jerrymac · February 22, 2008, 12:32:58 AM

OK I guess that is the answer I was looking for. Never fed that much syrup I guess, and one of the removals I did was all brand new, no more than 3 days old, wax. A swam moved into a home under construction. The crew took off Friday and it wasn't there. They called me Monday to remove the bees. The comb was white, but not that white.