Frames

[MJB]

Hi,

First frames made. Had a bit of an issue with getting the frame nails down into the lower end of the frame as it was splitting the rails so i ended up nailing them through the bars rather than down. I suppose the only issue i can see with doing this is that when id need to change the wax its going to be tough to do so?

Apart from that pretty pleased with my first effort

 

[JC47]

I'm probably not the person to advise but are you using gimp pins ( frame nails ) ?

 

[wightbees]

Tap the point of the nail to slightly blunt it, this will help stop the splitting.

 

[B+.]

I suppose the only issue i can see with doing this is that when id need to change the wax its going to be tough to do so?

Thats no problem. Just clean out the groove thoroughly and slide the wax in the slot. Don't bother trying to take them apart. They'd probably break anyway.
One thing I did notice: it looks to me like you've only got one nail going through the side bar into the top bar. You need nails in both joints from both sides or the frame will twist. I can't see properly but they look ok

 

[JC47]

I made up 30 frames today because I was bored and did not split any side bars and have never in the past. My eyes are failing due to Macular Degeneration and the need to blunt nails only applies to oval nails. That is an old carpenters ' trick . I learnt in the 1960's, if you use gimp pins you do not have a problem. You need 11 nails per frame.

 

[MJB]

I'm probably not the person to advise but are you using gimp pins ( frame nails ) ?

Yes thats right Gimp Pins

 

[MJB]

Tap the point of the nail to slightly blunt it, this will help stop the splitting.

Ahh yes- school boy error! i shall do this on the next lot i make up thanks!

 

[MJB]

Thats no problem. Just clean out the groove thoroughly and slide the wax in the slot. Don't bother trying to take them apart. They'd probably break anyway.
One thing I did notice: it looks to me like you've only got one nail going through the side bar into the top bar. You need nails in both joints from both sides or the frame will twist. I can't see properly but they look ok

Ok i see what mean . i only put one nail on each side of the top bar as one side is shaped and one side is flat. So i just put a nail in the flat bit.

 

[MJB]

I made up 30 frames today because I was bored and did not split any side bars and have never in the past. My eyes are failing due to Macular Degeneration and the need to blunt nails only applies to oval nails. That is an old carpenters ' trick . I learnt in the 1960's, if you use gimp pins you do not have a problem. You need 11 nails per frame.

Ok, thank you for the tip. I was following the Thornes video
https://youtu.be/1V5ryOrUyys

but ill go and count how many nails I've used....

 

[JC47]

I've just watched the video and this seems to be ' another ' way of making up frames, perhaps the many experienced members of the Forum would like to comment on the video.

 

[nantmoel]

Looking at your picture I see you have nail through the side bar across the two bottom bars, I alway nail each through the bottom bar into the side rails, so 4 nails. This makes it easier to remove the bottom bars if needed. I always put two nails each side of the side bar into the top bar, I nail one through the angle side of side bar. Perhaps a little over kill but have never had a frame fall apart with the weight of the brood. Another little piece of advice I always use the black thin frame nails.

 

[MJB]

Looking at your picture I see you have nail through the side bar across the two bottom bars, I alway nail each through the bottom bar into the side rails, so 4 nails. This makes it easier to remove the bottom bars if needed. I always put two nails each side of the side bar into the top bar, I nail one through the angle side of side bar. Perhaps a little over kill but have never had a frame fall apart with the weight of the brood. Another little piece of advice I always use the black thin frame nails.

Ive been using these Gimp Pins from Simon the beekeeper.

Ill add another two pins to each frame on the angle side as well as i only have 9 pins per frame and it was suggested i use 11 pins

 

[wightbees]

I don't use that many pins, about half that lol

 

[B+.]

I've just watched the video and this seems to be ' another ' way of making up frames, perhaps the many experienced members of the Forum would like to comment on the video.

If you find the wax a bit tight sliding it down through the bottom bars, you can leave one of them off (the one on the rebate side) until after you've attached the tack-strip. Just lay the frame flat and nail the sheet of foundation in. Then, nail in the bottom bar.
With practice it will come and you'll find the way that works best for you.
When you get a bit more experience, you may consider using a pneumatic/electric nailer/stapler. These speed the job up quite a bit.

 

[wightbees]

I have been looking out for a better electric nail gun. Been looking at tacwise I think it is called, fires up to 35ml Brad

 

[MJB]

Im beginning to learn that theres always something to spend you ££ on.....

 

[B+.]

I have been looking out for a better electric nail gun. Been looking at tacwise I think it is called, fires up to 35ml Brad

Yes. That gun is quite good for firing brads but possibly a little under-powered.
I use one of those for the bottom bars. I have a 3hp compressor and a stapler (https://www.sipuk.co.uk/sip-07329-professional-air-nailer-50mm-stapler-2-in-1.html) for the top bars. A single 1 3/8 " staple down through the top of the top-bar replaces the 2 gimp pins from either side. They are fixed rock-solid after that and never come apart

@MJB: You have learned the most important lesson. Beekeeping can be a money-pit. As your hobby grows, you'll want more and more kit and some of the items are quite expensive

 

[MJB]

Yes. That gun is quite good for firing brads but possibly a little under-powered.
I use one of those for the bottom bars. I have a 3hp compressor and a stapler (https://www.sipuk.co.uk/sip-07329-professional-air-nailer-50mm-stapler-2-in-1.html) for the top bars. A single 1 3/8 " staple down through the top of the top-bar replaces the 2 gimp pins from either side. They are fixed rock-solid after that and never come apart

@MJB: You have learned the most important lesson. Beekeeping can be a money-pit. As your hobby grows, you'll want more and more kit and some of the items are quite expensive

 

[Little John]

I don't use that many pins, about half that lol

Some of us don't use any ...

This is the age of rapid-set, 100% waterproof glues - no real need to use nails anymore.
LJ

 

[linoleum bonypart]

Can you give us the name of such a glue that you use LJ