Foundation Suppliers

[Teemore]

OK, like a lot of folk on this forum I (and a few associates) are thinking about the 2011 season and have decided to put in a joint order for foundation to reduce shipping costs to Northern Ireland. As a group we have used foundation from various suppliers in the UK and Ireland. I thought it would be useful to glean your opinions on the foundation supplied by:
1. Kemble
2. Thornes (both Premium and Standard)
3. Maisemore
4. Other suppliers of wax foundation.

Are their wax foundations comparable in quality?
How readily will bees draw out their foundation?
Any other thoughts/advice?
I've already read good reports of Kemble on the forum and these match the experience of some of my associates .

 

[Adam]

OK, like a lot of folk on this forum I (and a few associates) are thinking about the 2011 season and have decided to put in a joint order for foundation to reduce shipping costs to Northern Ireland. As a group we have used foundation from various suppliers in the UK and Ireland. I thought it would be useful to glean your opinions on the foundation supplied by:
1. Kemble
2. Th**nes (both Premium and Standard)
3. Maisemore
4. Other suppliers of wax foundation.

Are their wax foundations comparable in quality?
How readily will bees draw out their foundation?
Any other thoughts/advice?
I've already read good reports of Kemble on the forum and these match the experience of some of my associates .

I like Kemble, and have heard good reports of Maisemore. If I use Thornes (which I try to avoid), I only use their Premium. I had some standard stuff that I had to return. It made the living room smell so bad the missus insisted I took it out - and it was orange-brown.

I heard other reports that year that several people had foundation that the bees wouldn't take too. Anecdotal I realise but I've avoided them since.

Adam

 

[Poly Hive]

For me it's a no brainer. I was pointed to Kemble many years ago by a Bee Farmer and I have never had a problem with them unlike some other suppliers.

PH

 

[Chris B]

I had a really good batch from Maisemore this year. Having said that I've never had an unusable batch from anybody and I've used them all. Adam mentioned Th£££rnes "Standard" and I've used this but it's inferior to everyone else. Their "Premium" grade is the same as everyone else's regular stuff.

 

[Chris B]

It's also worth mentioning that Wynne Jones sell Th£££rnes standard foundation cheaper than Th£££rnes themselves. It's a budget option if you need it. Not the best quality but arguably the best value.

 

[Queens59]

Last season I used National Bee Supplies in Okehampton - a bit of a drive but worth it. The bees seemed to like it, although they were slow to move onto it; I think it was more to do with having almost a whole hive of foundation! Hoping to try Kemble this year, as it gets many great reviews. Only problem is you can't buy online, but the phone peeps are great and v. helpful.

 

[Adam]

Only problem is you can't buy online, but the phone peeps are great and v. helpful.

And they don't take credit cards either. You have to post a cheque!

That said, delivery is quick, so they must be working on a lot of trust, as it was quicker than the time it would have taken to cash it.

Adam

 

[cheshirehives]

Thornes quality isn't that bad at all I've used it before no problem. Kemble is very good too. Check the weight 60g for deep national and 36g for shallow is about standard but heavier and lighter weights are available for more specialised uses such as cut comb. There are other suppliers of foundation too.

 

[mbc]

It's also worth mentioning that Wynne Jones sell Th£££rnes standard foundation cheaper than Th£££rnes themselves. It's a budget option if you need it. Not the best quality but arguably the best value.

Didnt know thats where the foundation I got from Wynne Jones originated. I've used it without a problem. Also maisemore do a good exchange rate for wax to foundation and I found their foundation good