Honey super cell predrawn frames

tejas · February 06, 2006, 12:06:51 AM

I was thinking of trying it in a couple of supers this year and was wondering if any of you have used it, if so what do you think.

http://www.honeysupercell.com

thegolfpsycho · February 06, 2006, 12:15:30 AM

They were developing a fully drawn small cell frame for deeps. The delays kept pushing the release date back, and to date, I don't believe the product is in production. They invited you to register for the number of frames you wanted, but I haven't heard from them.

Michael Bush · February 06, 2006, 07:57:24 AM

IF and WHEN it comes out, I will try to get some to see how it works. As far as I know it's not out yet. But unless they change their currently listed specs, I'm guessing it's going to be too small. Last I looked they were listing an inside diameter of 4.3mm and a "cell size" of 4.9mm. But on natural drawn comb a "cell size" of 4.9mm (measuring across 10 cells) has a cell wall of only .1mm and therefore an inside diameter of 4.8mm. So 4.3mm is about .5mm smaller than I think would be optimal. I really don't know how the bees will accept 4.3mm inside diameter. I guess it would be worth trying it to see. Hopefully by the time it actually gets produced they will adjust it. They've already adjusted the size a couple of times. It started out it was going to be 5.0mm with no specifications on the inside diameter or if that was across ten cells. My other problem is I'll have to cut them down for mediums, because they only come in deeps.

Robo · March 29, 2006, 04:20:27 PM

Just received this email update

QuoteTo all you who have expressed interest,

We are excited to let you know that we are finally ready to start
producing our new Full Size Fully Drawn 4.9mm frame.
The cell size is ~4.85mm. The cell walls are ~.67mm thick.

We think that this frame offers the possibility of aiding in the control
of Varroa mite without pesticides.

Without pesticides being introduced into the hive on a consistent basis
we think that queen's life may be extended and the
hive strength enhanced.

We are aware and excited by honeybee breeding efforts and hope that the
use of this frame would complement those efforts.

These frames are designed to fit 10 pcs in a box and are shipping in a
box of 20.

We look forward to your comments. We are looking forward to having

shippable inventory by early May.

--HSC
760.412.4598
866.343.7191

Michael Bush · March 29, 2006, 07:55:14 PM

I'll get exicted after they take my order and deliver the product. :) I hope they do soon.

Robo · March 29, 2006, 09:58:29 PM

Quote from: Michael BushI hope they do soon.

Ya, me too. I placed a "provisional order" last year, but have no idea where I stand on their first come first served list.

leominsterbeeman · March 30, 2006, 11:27:12 PM

Are you guys going to use these for brood area, honey super or both?

Robo · March 31, 2006, 09:20:51 AM

Intrigued by Michael's work with natural cell size, my initial thought is to use them for brood to do a one step regression to a "closer to natural" size. Then top them off with some foundationless frames. Once established on the natural comb, move the HSC to another hive to do again.

What will I really end up doing with them? Who knows by the time, if and when, I get them.

Michael Bush · April 01, 2006, 12:59:50 PM

I'm not sure if I'll buy more than a few or not. I like my all medium hives and these are deeps. I might put them in a Jumbo Dadant box and let the bees add on to the bottom of the frame to fill them out to 11 1/4". Twelve of them should do for a brood box.