I did a search for this and got some good ideas, so I'd love some feedback on the list I put together from others' suggestions.
I live in NW Arkansas, and will be starting with two hives in the spring.
(12) 6 5/8 medium supers, 8-frame
(96) 6 1/4 grooved top frames
(96) 3/4" small-cell wax starter strips (not sure if I got this one right...and do folks prefer to cut their own to size or purchase these ready-made?)
(2) screened bottom boards
(2) migratory covers (where does one get an 8-frame migratory cover?)
(2) slatted racks (betterbee.com makes good ones?)
(2) hive stands
(2) 8-frame hive top feeders
large pro-smoker
smoker fuel pellets
zip-up jacket with veil
Italian or hook hive tool (many people said have several of these)
frame rest
BEES!
I used as one resource a
list that someone here made in Jan. 2010. There was a bunch of good info there. I'm not asking anybody to repeat themselves, just trying to build on good advice. Many thanks.
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I'm going to try and keep the list below updated as comments and suggestions come in:
(12) 6 5/8 medium supers, 8-frame
(96) 6 1/4 wedge-top frames with the wedge turned to act as a comb guide OR groove-topped frames with large craft sticks as guides OR Walter Kelly 17-F foundationless frames
(16) Mann Lake PF-120s to get bees started right and to intersperse in subsequent boxes
(2) screen bottom boards plus Ziploc baggies for feedings OR (2) solid bottom boards with screened openings for syrup feeding
(2) migratory covers
(2) slatted racks
treated or cedar 2x4s for a stand (see diagram below in post #7), or cinder blocks, bricks
large pro-smoker
zip-up jacket with veil (Golden Bee, Ultra Breeze)
Italian or hook hive tool (many people said have several of these)
gloves (latex dishwasher kind or leather)
BEES!