Size of migratory tops

Bob Wilson · April 26, 2020, 05:53:57 PM

Is it alright if a migratory top overhangs the edge of a hive? I never see it done. Tops are always flush with the hive body's sides. Would an inch overhang all around be a problem?

cao · April 26, 2020, 05:58:49 PM

The reason migratory tops are flush is so they can be stacked next to each other on a skid. If you aren't strapping them together and moving them, then it really doesn't matter the size of the top. Although too much overhang can catch more air on a windy day.

Ben Framed · April 28, 2020, 02:40:02 AM

This following information may possibly help you. I have been using Advantech (from Lowes) laid on top cut to fit. Recently, I have switched products, to Legacy LP 23/32 from Home Depot. I have had some strong winds with nearby trees uprooted while both were in use, yet not a slight movement out of position of these tops.

Nock · May 05, 2020, 01:32:00 PM

The HD here doesn?t carry it for some reason. I?ll check and see if they can get some shipped to store

Acebird · May 06, 2020, 08:56:22 AM

Most migratory tops that I have seen overhang on the front and back sides.

JurassicApiary · May 06, 2020, 01:45:46 PM

Hi Bob,

As Cao mentioned, the migratory top evolved for easy of transporting lots of boxes as it allows them to stack next to each other fully assembled. I recently built 4 NUC's that were designed with migratory tops and I am modifying the tops to be telescoping lids to prevent rain intrusion as it rains a lot where I live. If transporting lots and lots of them is not foreseen, I see no reason not to modify them to suit your needs.

Nock · May 10, 2020, 02:06:26 PM

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I made couple yesterday along with some bottom boards. I allowed about 1/2? over hang.

Ben Framed · May 10, 2020, 11:44:45 PM

Quote from: Ben Framed on April 28, 2020, 02:40:02 AM
This following information may possibly help you. I have been using Advantech (from Lowes) laid on top cut to fit. Recently, I have switched products, to Legacy LP 23/32 from Home Depot. I have had some strong winds with nearby trees uprooted while both were in use, yet not a slight movement out of position of these tops.

These are of the LP Legacy

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Ben Framed · May 10, 2020, 11:53:30 PM

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Bob Wilson · May 11, 2020, 10:32:12 AM

Thanks Ben, Nock, and you others.
The Advantech looks like composite particle board, which falls apart in the rain. Although i know the glues they use (like Gorilla glue) make all the difference. I may build my next hive out of a sheet of one of those.

Ben Framed · May 11, 2020, 12:21:54 PM

Quote from: Bob Wilson on May 11, 2020, 10:32:12 AM
Thanks Ben, Nock, and you others.
The Advantech looks like composite particle board, which falls apart in the rain. Although i know the glues they use (like Gorilla glue) make all the difference. I may build my next hive out of a sheet of one of those.

Your Welcome Bob, I use the LP Legacy or Advantech for tops and bottoms only. I go conventional for everything else. One more thing I would like to add. I make sure to use the more heavily glued, (yellowish side for the exposed side of my tops), as I feel this side is the side with the more glue protection. I hope that helps also.

Michael Bush · May 11, 2020, 01:53:22 PM

The main point of a migratory top is to be able to put the hives all up against each other...