Beehive and frame construction

[escib]

Hi All. I bet this topic has been discussed countless times. I was asked by my son to construct some hives for his new hobby. I searched the net for plans and measurements.
Building the boxes was simple enough. I have used the British National plans. 18 1/8 ins square outside, 8 7/8 ins deep, and 3/4 inch pine. My problem came up with finding the right measurements for the frames. I have searched the net and could not find the right sizes to match my boxes. I get the feeling they need to be around 16 1/4 ins long (top bar). what would be the length and width of the side bar? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[sonofabeekeeper]

https://www.devonbeekeepers.org.uk/hive-dimensions/This has frame dimensions too.

 

[Ian123]

I very much admire your dedication, be aware that seconds frames can be purchased at £25 per 50. British Standard Hoffman Frame Dimensions

 

[escib]

Thanks for a quick reply. I have used this site and the dimensions provided. It seems I am doing something wrong and cannot seem to find out where i am mistaken.


If the hive is 18 1/8 ins long outside, and using 3/4 inch wood, the inside dimensions are 16 5/8 ins on one side and 15 1/8 ins long on the other side. How would the top bar fit if it is 17 ins long?
If the shorter side is 8 7/8 ins less 3/4 inch..,,thus being 8 1/8 ins deep, how would the side bar be 8 1/2 ins long? Allowing for bee space of 3/8 inch, I think it should be around 8 1/8 ins?
Somewhere I am making a mistake........Any ideas help appreciated.

 

[escib]

Progress so far......

 

[Gilberdyke John]

Hi All. I bet this topic has been discussed countless times. I was asked by my son to construct some hives for his new hobby. I searched the net for plans and measurements.
Building the boxes was simple enough. I have used the British National plans. 18 1/8 ins square outside, 8 7/8 ins deep, and 3/4 inch pine. My problem came up with finding the right measurements for the frames. I have searched the net and could not find the right sizes to match my boxes. I get the feeling they need to be around 16 1/4 ins long (top bar). what would be the length and width of the side bar? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Buy a first set of DN3 brood frames and copy them? You may discover it's not worth the faffing about unless you have the right machinery and sufficient demand.

 

[drex]

Your problem is how you have made the top rail. Have a look at Scottish bee keepers association website.
https://scottishbeekeepers.org.uk/images/education/techdatasheets/TDS number 4 national hive.pdf

 

[Murox]

Your problem is how you have made the top rail. Have a look at Scottish bee keepers association website.
https://scottishbeekeepers.org.uk/images/education/techdatasheets/TDS number 4 national hive.pdf

I'm guessing that will be the issue - illustration 3.

 

[escib]

yes......you are right......my mistake for trying to cut corners......back to the drawing board for me