Foundationless frames

[Finsky]

.
GOOD HINT:

If you use foundation, make 8-10 mm gap between lower bar and foundation. Wax enlarges in the heat of hive and it needs space. If gap is too small, the lowest part of comb will become curved.

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[Finsky]

Now Finsky, you know that we first/second year beekeepers learn by posting here and being refuted by people in the know!

Linda T :-D  :?  :roll:  :evil:

 :mrgreen:

[buzzbee]

Good idea on trimming the foundation Finsky!
I saw this happen on a couple frames only. But if it happens on a couple,it could happen a lot. 8-)

[Zoot]

Finsky,

Good to have you back old boy. Your advice about trimming foundation - would that apply to frames in honey supers as well as brood frames?

[Finsky]

.
I use medium frames in supers. I have not found problem there and it dosen not distur because cell are used for honey.
In brood area bees cannot use twisted cells.

If you want to straighten the  curve, cut 10 mm comb edge off and twist comb plate in right position. You may cut a bigger piece and bees use it as drone zone. In late summer bees make only worker cells.

[Ross]

One word -- foundationless.

The center one is what I do now.
http://www.myoldtools.com/Bees/frames/sled5.jpg

Using the sled, I can cut a 100 in 15 minutes safely
http://www.myoldtools.com/Bees/frames/sled4.jpg

because the blade is buried in the cut, never exposed.
http://www.myoldtools.com/Bees/frames/sled2.jpg

The bees like just fine, and no strips to fall or warp.
http://www.myoldtools.com/OBhive/OB1.jpg

[Zoot]

Ross,

Not sure what I'm seeing in the top photo. What's the purpose of the apparent bevel at the top of the frame?

[bluegrass]

Its for foundationless comb. Gives the bees a starting point. What you are looking at is the bottom of the top bar befor the frame is assembled.

[bluegrass]

well i knew that my question as to which way is up would turn out to make me look dumb after i posted it but if it made any of you smile it was worth it.

There is an up and down according to some.

[tillie]

iis there a "this side up" on starter strips?

randydrivesabus, there is some work on Housel positioning that would suggest that there IS an up or down to the starter strips (any foundation).  I used it in the last box I put on a hive which had been building messy comb from starter strips in hopes that it would help....we'll see. 

Here's a reference:
http://cordovan-honeybee.com/housel/index.htm

I believe that Michael Bush has not found it to be particularly necessary and has some interesting pictures on his site about confused up and down comb
http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php?topic=2826.msg20221#msg20221 - you can search the beemaster site for more on housel positioning, however and read more about it.

Linda T in Atlanta

[livetrappingbymatt]

small nails/big fingers problem solved,electric brad nailer from lowes.
bob