Making dummy frame?

[Alabamaeee]

I need to make up some dummy boards for two brood boxes. I have the basic dimensions for the board but what I want to ask is do you guys make the top of the frame the same dimensions as a normal frame?

My thinking is that a slightly narrower top bar would make it easier to extract the dummy board, but then there would be a small gap between the board and the end of the brood box

 

[susbees]

It would, but the bees won't bother with building in the space as it's too detached from the nest, except maybe for chilling

 

[harveyzone]

I need to make up some dummy boards for two brood boxes. I have the basic dimensions for the board but what I want to ask is do you guys make the top of the frame the same dimensions as a normal frame?

I just used an existing unused top bar and nailed a rectangle of ply to it.

 

[drstitson]

"I just used an existing unused top bar and nailed a rectangle of ply to it"

same here - frame sized sheet of ply screwed to a spare top bar. simples.

 

[kermit]

I don't even bother with using a proper top bar - just a bit of wood about the right size.