Question on making foundationless frames.

[beeghost]

Ive made a bunch of foundationless frames and would like to know how long of a starter strip is needed. I have a ton of paint sticks and will be glueing them in, but does the starter strip have to run the whole length of the frame or would about 9" of paint stick be suffice so long as it is centered in the frame?? Thanks!

[L Daxon]

No, the starter strip does not need to run he whole length of the top. Doesn't hurt if it does, but doesn't hurt if it doesn't, either.

[beeghost]

Thanks L Daxon!!

[Michael Bush]

It will work much better if it runs the whole length.  Otherwise they may (and probably will) curve the ends.

[beeghost]

Thanks for the response Michael!! I installed a couple dozen frames worth today, and there is about 3" space on each side of the paint stick from the end bars, do you think this will be a problem? I would like them to build a nice full frame of comb, not the rounded edge wild style!! But, I guess they will do what bees do anyhow, right!!LOL

[Michael Bush]

>do you think this will be a problem?

I would fill them all the way to the end.  It is better insurance for not having a problem.

[deknow]

...I also would.put the strip all the way across.....we've tried just one popsicle stick in the middle and got perfect comb in the middle...and crosscomb elsewhere.  If between two drawn frames.it is less of a problem.  I'd go to within half an inch of.the.sidebars.

Deknow

[wadehump]

Go all the way no regets later on.

[applebwoi]

Do some both ways and put them side by side in the hive, or between drawn frames and see what happens for yourself.  One of the neatest things to me about beekeeping is trying different things and finding out what happens.  Sometimes good, sometimes not so good, sometimes OK both ways.