Recent content by teapot

I obtained some cheap large ( 8ft x 4ft ) sheets of thin galvanised steel sold as flood damaged (blemished coatings) in 2012 and the people I bought it from (boat builders and fabricators) cut it on their large guillotine and bent it on their sheet bender in minutes, for very little money. I...

Interesting. I went for something rigid and wood-like assuming the bees would prefer it to man made materials but the monofilament seems to be a good solution. Unfortunately I don't think monofilament would survive my handling as I recycle my old frames through a steam wax melter I made, to...

I've been experimenting, for a few years, with foundation free frames and I am slowly replacing my old frames (wired foundation) with the foundation free ones. I have documented my successes and failures on my web site. There's also a short video on construction. I'd be interested to hear about...

Impressive Philip, and great pictures. I could have done with a chat with you before I built mine. Greater insulation on all my hives is on my to do list however I work on the cheap with mainly scavenged materials. Most of my nationals have kingspan covered crown boards thanks to skip...

Good effort Good one mate. I'm up for it if you need anyone in West Yorkshire. I'll email you as well.

Inspections, temperature & condensation Thanks for your comments and your question CVB. The ground drops away sharply about 18 inches from the high end so it’s easy to reach all the frames when stood alongside on the gentler slope, like playing a short keyboard. I felt it was important to keep...

I made an experimental badger proof hive which has worked well, and a frame hive carrier to support it. I have documented my experiments at queensandbeans.uk

Cold pressed soap There was an article in the BBKA Journal (British Bee keepers Association) Sept 2012, on making cold pressed soap from beeswax. All members receive the journal free and they are so useful that few throw them away, so if you know anybody who is a member of a local BKA they are...