Frame/Foundation Wire

[nantmoel]

Where do fellow beekeepers get their wire from to wire foundation? I have had two reels now one was 250G and the other 500G and the are all but the same diameter. This is way too big, it I compare it with the wire that's in the foundation I'd say it was twice the size.

I foolishly bought a load of un-wired foundation in a hurry from C Wyn Jones.

 

[Hivemaker.]

Thornes, they sell two sizes in 500g stainless rolls, the cheaper one (about £5 ) we have used for wiring foundation in the W type pattern, the other (bigger diameter) is better for wiring frames, the crazy wire company also sell suitable wire.
You can also buy the much smaller diameter galvanised wire.

 

[Poly Hive]

I have a spool of stainless looking for a home if you are interested Pete?

PH

 

[mazzamazda]

I've seen it in most beekeeping supply places. 0.6 mm galvanised is what I use, I dont see any reason to go stainless and is cheaper. Sorry Poly Hive, just re read your reply, I'm sure you would do a good deal ;-)

 

[Finman]

I dont see any reason to go stainless and is cheaper. ;-)

After all, the amount of wire is not a cost issue in the frame, what ever the price is.

I use stong staeinless steel that I can use wires again after boiling the old frames.

 

[mazzamazda]

After all, the amount of wire is not a cost issue in the frame, what ever the price is.

I use stong staeinless steel that I can use wires again after boiling the old frames.

Have you tried galvanised? I cant find any differerence between galvanised or stainless, does it rust eventually? I'm aware stainless will outlive the wood but when the last lot I bought cost €20 for 25kg it makes frames very cheap at €0.12c each to make.

 

[Finman]

Have you tried galvanised? I cant find any differerence between galvanised or stainless, does it rust eventually.

I have not seen that stainless wire takes rust, but I have met many wires which has rusted useless.
.

 

[Hivemaker.]

Seen plenty of rusted galvanised wire in foundation, gives off some kind of black residue, honey is acidic... and if fumigating using acetic acid it quickly turns any exposed wire black, maybe the reason honey should not be extracted/stored in galvanized equipment anymore.

Some of the thin galvanized is rather more stretchy too.

 

[Finman]

.
One advantage in thick stainless steel wire is that it does not embed into wood. I do not use eylets.
.

 

[Finman]

.
I remember now a galvanized roll few years ago. It had started to rust already in the roll. Here an there black spots. Some wire qualities do not want to heat when I give electrict.

I bought once 1000 used frames, and they had many kinds of wires. And many kind of frames.

 

[mazzamazda]

I have to say I haven't ever seen my wires rust, I even leave them out in the rain and nothing, must be like stainless, different qualities. I dont use eyelets either and get no problems with 0.6mm

 

[Finman]

I have to say I haven't ever seen my wires rust, I w

As I said, I bought 1000 used frames. All wires except stainless were in black rust. Condition was out and I must replace almost all wires. If old frames have usable wires, they are quick to tighten.

Yeah. I will not try calvanized wires. Question is why. I use old frames as much as I can.

 

[mbc]

The bee farmer's association has great wire in their bulk buy scheme especially hand forged by elves, it's stainless, thin but doesn't stretch and only costs £50 for a roll.

 

[nantmoel]

Thornes, they sell two sizes in 500g stainless rolls, the cheaper one (about £5 ) we have used for wiring foundation in the W type pattern, the other (bigger diameter) is better for wiring frames, the crazy wire company also sell suitable wire.
You can also buy the much smaller diameter galvanised wire.

Bought a reel of 321 Grade Stainless Steel Wire - 0.32mm (320 Micron - 28 AWG)
Length - Select Spool Size:: 100 Metre Spool (330 Feet) from The Crazy Wire Company, £5.65 inc postage.

Thanks Pete..