Plywood Details, please

chux · March 30, 2015, 10:05:01 AM

I want to make migratory covers as well as solid bottom boards for my hives this year, using plywood. When I go to the store and look on the shelves, I see several different widths and types available. Would you good folks be willing to specify what kind you use? 5/16? 3/8? Salt-treated? Indoor/outdoor use? Outdoor use only?

OldMech · March 30, 2015, 10:56:57 AM

I use 1/2 for everything.. inner covers, tele covers and bottom boards.. saves me time and trouble buying different thicknesses.. But I am also cheap, and ready and willing to replace it when it goes bad.
I use the 1/2 for my migratory covers on nucs, but I also run a brace down the center and across each end to keep the plywood from warping. Then I paint it well. Good pine well painted will last longer, and is the better option if you have half a dozen or less hives.

sc-bee · March 30, 2015, 09:41:18 PM

Quote from: OldMech on March 30, 2015, 10:56:57 AM
I use the 1/2 for my migratory covers on nucs, but I also run a brace down the center and across each end to keep the plywood from warping.

Got a pic of a braced top?

Michael Bush · March 31, 2015, 08:15:40 AM

I use 1/2" CDX as well. If it didn't hurt me to move 3/4" sheets around, I'd use 3/4" CDX. Of course there is no 3/4". Once they found out they could sell us a two by four that was 1 1/2" by 3 1/2" they started on the plywood. Now a 3/4" sheet is really 23/32"... before you know it a 3/4" sheet of plywood will be 1/2" (16/32"). They just have to keep stealing it 1/32" at a time...

iddee · March 31, 2015, 10:08:02 AM

Measure your 1/2 in. Here, it is 15/32.

sc-bee · March 31, 2015, 04:16:47 PM

Ok here I go... dang I hate to do this and give id the opportunity to carry me to the wood shed for a lesson/ You know wup me even if verbally

I admit I have no wood working skills at all and no concept making measurement adjustments. If I were to build the coates nucs from 3/4 instead of 1/2 will the cut out measurements change. Can I still use the template measurements?

BeeMaster2 · April 01, 2015, 12:00:54 AM

SC,
Yes it will change the inside dimensions. Depending on the actual thickness, you will have to adjust at least one dimension. Which one depends on which board is outside of the other boards. That is the one you will adjust to make it a little shorter.if the bottom is in between the other boards the inside will be a little deeper inside. This is not a problem. If it is under the side boards there is no adjustment required.
Jim

OldMech · April 01, 2015, 12:27:11 AM

Yes, keep; the INSIDE dimension the same and you will be good. your end boards will have to be slightly longer, the side boards will be the same, the top and bottom will have to be wider to compensate etc..
I make a lot of hive components out of 1" boards.. they are from old buildings and barns etc.. Back when a 1" board WAS a 1" board.. Same situation, I keep the inside dimension the same, make the inner covers, bottom boards etc just that much wider..
I will get the pics of the Nuc top to you. Got carried away going though hives today.. Ended up doing them ALL... the bees were building bur comb and I have a PILE of drone brood.. we are WAY ahead of schedule.. Kind of terrifying to think of having a week of 0 degree temps in April.........

rober · April 01, 2015, 11:35:03 AM

I use 1/4" plywood framed with 3/8" solid wood for inner covers & 1/2" for outer covers. I run a rabbet joint in the wood frame of outer covers so the ply is inset into the wood. makes for a stronger joint. make sure to use plywood is rated for exterior use as the glues can vary. the most economical way to buy it is to buy full 4'x8' sheets. the stores really jack up the prices on those smaller precut pieces.
I use 5/4" ( now actually measures 1"material for my bottom boards.