Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => EQUIPMENT USAGE, EXPERIMENTATION, HIVE PLANS, CONSTRUCTION TIPS AND TOOLS => Topic started by: capt44 on March 30, 2013, 06:55:28 pm

Title: Retired and building hives and wooden ware
Post by: capt44 on March 30, 2013, 06:55:28 pm

I retired and now can devote a lot of time to my bee's or I thought I could.
I put the word out that I was building hives and parts.
I've had a good turnout for customers.
Geesh now I'm in the wood shop full time from 830AM til 5PM.
I'm going to have to put my foot down so I can devote some time with my bees.
Right now I have 17 complete hives to build, 20 screened bottom boards, and 45 deep boxes not counting 20 telescoping tops with inner boards.
I'm working harder now than I was when I was a Captain on a towboat.
I love working with bees but I thought I'd supplement my income with wooden ware, boy was I surprised.
Anyhow I was just ventin' I guess.
Word of mouth is about to get to this ole man. lol
Now I'm waiting for swarm calls too.  :-D

Title: Re: Retired and building hives and wooden ware
Post by: Simon on March 30, 2013, 07:11:33 pm

Sounds like you don't have enough time to be retired  :-D  ...better put your prices up a bit to discourage a few customers.

I enjoy building bee equipment and it sounds like you do too.  It must be pretty satisfying that so many people like the quality of your work.

Simon

Title: Re: Retired and building hives and wooden ware
Post by: specialkayme on March 30, 2013, 07:48:49 pm

I had a similar situation capt. Although I'm NO WAY close to retirement  :-D

I made up some equipment for the season, and cut up a few extras of just about everything. I looked over some of the on-line retailers of beekeeping equipment, took the lowest price for each item, and discounted it a little (because I'm not a professional woodworker, and these aren't machined parts). I put an ad on craigslist trying to sell out of some of the extras. Everything was gone in 48 hours. Mostly to beginners.

So, I'll be spending my (non-retirement) time building back up my inventory and doing it again  :mrgreen:

Title: Re: Retired and building hives and wooden ware
Post by: Georgia Boy on March 30, 2013, 09:31:52 pm

Hey Capt,

Do you get your new jig for the finger joints set up yet???

If you did, do you like it and does it work well???

I am thinking about ordering one. How much is he charging?

Thanks

David

Title: Re: Retired and building hives and wooden ware
Post by: capt44 on March 30, 2013, 10:51:51 pm

Yep I got it Wednesday, but I haven't had time to get it set-up and calibrated.
I've got 8 more hive bodies to build then I will get it up and running I hope tomorrow.
I got the whole 9 yards of the Box Joint Jig.
The workmanship of this Jig is spectacular.
I also download some new videos he has made to show me updates.
I also ordered the metal guide bars to attach to it.
It comes with hardwood guides, but I'll be using mine soooo much I decided to go metal.
I'll let you know how it does.
I will say this, if it does as good as that hive handle jig it'll be well worth it.
I have 2 other finger joint jigs but using them is a slow process and one little bobble and you've ruined some boards.
This jig uses 2 guide runners so the jig can't bobble, it is square.

Title: Re: Retired and building hives and wooden ware
Post by: Rodger J. on April 04, 2013, 11:37:31 am

Hi Capt,
Would like to look at the jigs how about sending me a link?
Thanks

Title: Re: Retired and building hives and wooden ware
Post by: jrbbees on April 05, 2013, 12:17:25 pm

Hi Capt,

I would also love to get a link to the finger jig. sonds like the perfect thing for my 10".
Thanks.
Jim

Title: Re: Retired and building hives and wooden ware
Post by: capt44 on April 05, 2013, 01:09:46 pm

You can look down the forum list to   NEW BOX JOINT JIG by Carl Korschgen.
Watch the Video and at the end will be his contact information.
If you can't get it let me know and I'll get the info to you.

Title: Re: Retired and building hives and wooden ware
Post by: fshrgy99 on April 06, 2013, 09:33:01 am

Looking forward to your review of the jig Cap