Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => EQUIPMENT USAGE, EXPERIMENTATION, HIVE PLANS, CONSTRUCTION TIPS AND TOOLS => Topic started by: Ibmerlin on December 20, 2008, 05:27:05 pm

Title: Newby with a queston- extra place in a 8 frame box
Post by: Ibmerlin on December 20, 2008, 05:27:05 pm
I started to build my 8 frame hives and after building all the boxes I started on the frames. After I filled the first box I notices that there is almost enough room for a 9th frame. Is this right? With all the extra space wouldn't the bees fill the space with unwanted comb?

Thanks in advance

Merlin
Title: Re: Newby with a queston- extra place in a 8 frame box
Post by: poka-bee on December 20, 2008, 06:13:59 pm
That is right, you just insert the frames & maneuver so they are the same distance from each side.  If you goof like I did & put the side of the box w/hand indentation facing in, not out like you are supposed to they will build comb in that space!  I use those (2)for brood boxes cause I'm not having to lift them all the time.  I've also heard you can shave the end pieces & fit 9 in there but how would they get onto the top of the frames to get to the next box? :?  Someone more knowledgable than me will have better answers!  J
Title: Re: Newby with a queston- extra place in a 8 frame box
Post by: Michael Bush on December 20, 2008, 08:33:37 pm
There is, almost.  So I shave a hair off of then end bars of the frames and put nine in.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesframewidth.htm
Title: Re: Newby with a queston- extra place in a 8 frame box
Post by: David LaFerney on January 05, 2009, 11:05:56 am
There is, almost.  So I shave a hair off of then end bars of the frames and put nine in.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesframewidth.htm

So your 8 frame hives are really 9 frame hives.  I was just having the exact same experience as Ibmerlin and had been on that page on your site, but I didn't pick up on using 9 frames. 

I'm assuming then that the wall frames having half as much bee space on the ends with the hive so full of frames isn't an issue.

I'm so convinced by your site (obvious personal experience backed up by references to other authorities) that I'm implementing your scheme pretty much entire - "8" frame mediums for everything, plain beveled wood starters with no foundation or waxing at all, top entrances, let it work, etc...

Thanks for a great resource. Wish me luck.

Dave
Title: Re: Newby with a queston- extra place in a 8 frame box
Post by: Michael Bush on January 05, 2009, 08:00:22 pm
>So your 8 frame hives are really 9 frame hives.

Mostly.  Some are 8.  Just push them to the middle and leave the gap on the outside edges.

>  I was just having the exact same experience as Ibmerlin and had been on that page on your site, but I didn't pick up on using 9 frames.

You don't have to.  I just like to:
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesframewidth.htm

>I'm assuming then that the wall frames having half as much bee space on the ends with the hive so full of frames isn't an issue.

If you shave them down to 1 1/4" the ends will have a full beespace.

If you shave them down to only 1 5/16 maybe not.

I'm so convinced by your site (obvious personal experience backed up by references to other authorities) that I'm implementing your scheme pretty much entire - "8" frame mediums for everything, plain beveled wood starters with no foundation or waxing at all, top entrances, let it work, etc...

Thanks for a great resource. Wish me luck.