Natural Beekeeping International Forum

[SamH]

Hi All,

I'm getting organised this year!

So far my three TBHs have been built from 18mm marine ply offcuts left over from when I relined the inside of my fiancés stables a few years ago. Last year I had to build two hives in a serious hurry and want to avoid having to do that again this year if I'm fortunate enough to make increases. During the Christmas break I bought a full sheet of 18mm marine ply and made good use of my fathers new table saw, mitring a few of the angles far better than I ever have before without it! Aside from the roof panels, I can make two whole hives from one sheet of ply and it was nice working with good straight clean material, although I did like recycling the offcuts before.

Here's a few photo's of todays assembly out in the crisp clear weather we had this morning. All edges sealed with waterproof PVA, joints held with exterior wood glue and stainless screws.

(please excuse the state of the patio and conservatory doors)



I've not been able to mitre the joint between sides and floor on my previous hives, which leaves a birds mouth which the bees no doubt find difficult to clean and patrol for pests. Here you can see the mitre closes the joint nice and snug, and is also stronger.


It's much more relaxing and enjoyable building hives at this pace

[Adriaan]

Hi Sam,

what do you mean by 'off season'? This is hive building season

friendly greetings

Adriaan

[SamH]

Prepping my flower pot bait hives today. Just need to remember where I put my insulation off cuts that I lay on top the bars...

[SamH]

And made a start on hornet traps today...