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Frame Making

Wooden frames with beeswax foundation are widely used in the UK and can be bought in self-assembly form.

Frame assembly

Frame assembly step 1
Remove the wedge from the top bar. Assemble the top bar, side bars and one bottom bar. Side bars have the groove on the inside.
Frame nailing step 2
Nail as shown – 2 nails for each side bar, and nail bottom bar up through side bar when nailing Hoffman frames.
Frame nailing step 3
Bend over long wire loops of foundation. Slide foundation along grooves onto top bar.
Frame nailing step 4
Nail the wedge onto the top bar, trapping the bent wires. Nail through each loop of wire at a slight angle. Fit and nail the second bottom bar.
Frame nailing step 5
When assembling Hoffman self-spacing frames, ensure the two ‘V’ shaped edges are in the same orientation as the diagram.

Hives can also be bought in self-assembly form.

 

National brood box or super assembly diagram

Hive Assembly Instructions

  1. Insert inner wall pieces into grooves in outer wall pieces.
  2. For supers with a frame spacer saw cut, the cut should be at the top and nearest to the outside (see diagram).
  3. Push locking bars into the rebates, bevelled bar at the bottom (see cross section).
  4. Adjust the inner walls to be flush with the rebates in the locking bars (see cross section).
  5. Nail through outer walls into inner walls as shown with 50mm (2”) nails.
  6. Nail locking bars to outer walls as shown with 50mm nails.
  7. Nail locking bars from inside using 35mm (1½) nails.
  8. Check the box is square (diagonals are equal).
  9. Attach the runners using brass escutcheon pins to give correct bee space.

A water proof glue can be used on joints if desired.