Alternative to standard rabbeted frame rest to avoid bee crush

[kalium]

It never really occurred to me that there may be an alternative to the bee crushing that inevitably (well,
almost) happens when replacing frames.

I saw recently a hive that had a bit of perspex sitting maybe 1/2" above and along the length the rabbet for this purpose
(allowing a space for the bees to go when the frame is put in).

I use a router for doing my rabbets, and thought perhaps I could use a bit similar to this http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/graphics/photos/tools/rcklredgbitsrvu/setinnie300.jpg

It seems it might also your fingers to get a better purchase on the frame.

Does anyone else do something similar ?

Cheers.

[BeeMaster2]

Are you making a pointed edge Ora V slot.
Do you have a picture of one completed?
Jim

[BlueBee]

I crush far more bees in the mating surfaces between boxes when I put a hive back together than I crush in the frame rests, but I do see your point.  It’s not a bad idea, but I think an inverted V rest made out of wood would be problematic…eventually.  The problem is you eventually have to scrape the frames rests to remove some of the built up propolis.  I suspect scraping an inverted V rest made of wood would end up ripping up the wood.

[kalium]

Are you making a pointed edge Ora V slot.
Do you have a picture of one completed?
Jim

No I don't. I don't actually have the right router bit yet either. I just looked like it might  offer
a couple of advantages.

[capt44]

It sounds like a good idea but.
In this part of the country the small hive beetles love places like your inverted V slot to hide in.
I believe it would turn out to be a problem in that respect.
It's kind of ironic that we cringe when killing one honey bee when the commercial beekeepers crush and mame thousands.
One illustration is in the movie "More Than Honey" which is a very informative movie.
I recommend folks to watch it.