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Author Topic: Small cell regression  (Read 3428 times)

Offline amymcg

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Small cell regression
« on: November 30, 2005, 02:03:06 pm »
About starter strips. . . what would happen if I took regular foundation, and made starter strips. . would they just build large cell? or would some of it start to get smaller?  The reason I ask is that I have 30 sheets of large cell foundation, and I would like to use it if possible, but I am also planning on regressing down to small cell.

Offline Michael Bush

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Small cell regression
« Reply #1 on: November 30, 2005, 10:29:22 pm »
>would they just build large cell? or would some of it start to get smaller?

I haven't actually tried it myself, but according to Dennis Murrel if you let them build comb from scratch the top will be about 5.4mm anyway and then smaller as they go down.  Since "normal" foundation is 5.4mm that should work.  I've only used blank ones (with no embossing) or small cell ones) when I was trying to measure cell size and I was more interested in measuring it in the center.  But the first few small cell starter strips I did were 5.1mm at the top, which is smaller than 5.4mm.

My guess is it would work out fine in the long run, either way.
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Offline amymcg

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Small cell regression
« Reply #2 on: December 01, 2005, 07:39:06 am »
I guess the other thing I could do is cut it in half and use it for the honey supers.


Thanks for the info Michael.

manowar422

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Small cell regression
« Reply #3 on: December 01, 2005, 01:06:36 pm »
Amy, I'd suggest using the foundation as shallow strips
of about 1/2" deep, installed in the groove in the top bars, the
depth of the groove will determine how wide to make the strips.
You only need to provide a couple of rows to start their work on.
That little strip of wax will be more than enough for a guide and
the amount of wax sheets you have, will complete a lot of frames.

I've had good luck putting frames with fresh strips in between frames
that have a few rows of drawn comb already started. My Italians
have made really nice comb this year using this method.

I should say that I have been using 4.9 to make the strips though :wink: