Natural Beekeeping International Forum

[Craig Howard]

As basis for my first TBH build I am using plans and instructions in the 'How to Build a Top Bar Hive - Barefoot Beekeeper'.

I am puzzled by some of the dimensions given!

The cutting list indicates the side boards 1100 x 300 x 25mm.

In the plans...the follower boards are to be cut to a vertical (top to bottom) measure of 11" and even 12". ie 280mm or 300mm.
This means the angled sides of the follower boards are longer than 300 mm

I dont understand how the side boards at 300mm can cover the longer angled sides of the follower boards.

All the photos of the jig construction method show a perfect match of angled follower sides and the side board inner side width.

This of course may be all down to my bad math or reading of the plans and I would be happy to be enlightened before I start cutting any timber.

[DaiGriff]

Hi Craig,

I had the same issue with mine...i will check the measurements later, but i did need to trim a little off the bottom. It will not be exact if you have a wire mesh floor as there is some give so it needs to be snug...the 12" i believe is where you have the ecofloor where you need the follower to press into the wood chip/leaves.

[AugustC]

well spotted, yes.
The follower needs to be cut to the profile of the bottom. If you are using mesh you will need to cut a curve in the end of the board to accommodate the bulge of the mesh.

[Craig Howard]

Thanx for confirming my "findings".

What I have done to measure the vertical height of the follower boards so they slightly extend below the 300mm side boards is a simple measuring jig. This also gives me the angle.

I used a large right angle roofing square and laid a top bar marked at 380mm on it at the top and marked a set square 128mm to represent a base bar.

I slid the base bar up and down the square until I got the 300mm measurement on the angle less the allowance for over hang into the eco floor. (8-10mm)

My floor will be mesh in a frame with 8-10mm space for eco litter up to the follower board bottoms. The frame will be fully drop off (removable) if required for maintenance/ cleaning if ever required. No need for curved bottoms to the boards hopefully.

It will also have a full floor on a hinge for ventilation needs.

I am committed to the exact 300mm sides because of the material I had on hand. I ripped a Lundia 1200 x 610mm shelf down the middle for them.