Does anybody make this?

[Dallasbeek]

I have a heck of a time seeing much detail through a veil, but figure a beesting in the eye would be a particularly ugly way to blindness.  So I wondered-- does anybody make a veil with a clear plastic panel over the face that would help us see more detail on the comb?  Figure the threads in the veil block out a fourth to a third of what we're trying to see, it just makes sense to give us a better vision.

[Intheswamp]

I bought a veil a couple of years ago with the intention of replacing the front screening with a piece of clear plastic.  Maybe a little stitching along with some "Goop" to secure the plastic to the veil.  I considered a few options....a safety shield such as one that goes on a hardhat, a thin sheet of plexiglass, or maybe even a piece of 2-liter drink bottle.  If you're not concerned about being stung on the face/head/neck, but want to protect your eyes then a pair of safety glasses might work. :)

I'll get around to doing the mod....one day. ;)

Best wishes,
Ed

[flyboy]

Here is a thought. Maybe get something like this and glue some cotton on the back with lots of extra material so you could raise it up. There are also other companies that sell probably cheaper, but I know about this one and Lee Valley tends to be very good quality. Look for woodworking or mechanic supply places face shields.
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=56669&cat=1,42207

[Dallasbeek]

Flyboy, that looks like it could be adapted to use as a veil if you could fasten veil material all around and put a cover over the head.  But it looks to me like somebody aught to make one with just a small window of plastic over the eyes.

Gary

[AliciaH]

But it looks to me like somebody aught to make one with just a small window of plastic over the eyes.

That would be my vote.  I'm afraid I might get a bit claustrophobic behind a huge plate of plastic like that.  And it would be warm, even if the only plastic was over the face.  I love the idea, though!  The older I get, the harder it is so see into some of those cells.

[flyboy]

Maybe something along these lines?

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=48027&cat=1,42207
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=52368&cat=1,43456,43351,52368

BTW I do not work for this company. There will probably be a supply place near you that sells something along these lines.

[Dr. Cricket]

I would think that there would be problems with a plastic shield fogging up, either from breath or sweat. And if you get moisture on the inside, there's no way to wipe it off. That would really suck to get blinded inside your veil...could make a good three stooges sketch though.

[Billy B]

Compare a few different veils too ... they are not all created equal.  Some are easier to see through than others.

[Dallasbeek]

Yeah, if #8 hardware cloth blocks bees, why do they use what amounts to thick-threaded mosquito netting material to make veils?  I guess because holes could be larger than 1/8-inch wide, but maybe something a little less dense?

[RHBee]

I would think that there would be problems with a plastic shield fogging up, either from breath or sweat. And if you get moisture on the inside, there's no way to wipe it off. That would really suck to get blinded inside your veil...could make a good three stooges sketch though.

I'm thinking the same thing.

[Wolfer]

I believe the older ones with the metal screen was a lot easier to see thru than some of the new ones with the black plastic mesh.

I have a veil that I can see thru pretty good but sometimes let's a bee inside. I have a new jacket with attached hood and plastic mesh that I have a hard time seeing thru.

I'm considering cutting the front out and replacing it with #8 mesh. At my age and my eyes I need all the help I can get.

[Dallasbeek]

My wife recently had cataracts removed and now can read street signs two blocks before I can make them out.  Maybe that's what we need, Wolfer.  I like the idea of replacing a section of the veil with #8 hardware cloth.  But that stuff is awfully stiff and heavy. I have a full- face shield similar to the one Flyboy linked to, only cheaper, from HD or Lowes, that I use for mowing and weed-eating.  It doesn't fog up, but when I go to scratch my nose it sure frustrates me. 

[JackM]

I have often wished I had a view port in my hooded jacket.  Wearing trifocals is bad enough and through a veil it really is tough to see things like eggs.  Just a 4x6 window would be awesome.  I suppose with my Rube Goldberg skills I could make one up easily enough.  I just hate to cut up a hood on an expensive jacket

[Dallasbeek]

Flyboy, those glasses might be good at the pistol range, since they're polycarbonate, which is what sooting glasses are made from.  They look like they might work for locating and identifying the right age lavae for queen rearing. Thanks.  I'll keep them in mind.

Gary