What did you do in the 'workshop' today

[Garry R]

This cold weather meant I was confined to my shed so knocked up some UFE’s for WBCs and also some new roofs.
Any suggestions for the waterproofing?
View attachment 35402View attachment 35403

I have used Barretine on my pallet made long hives and also on a handrail for set of steps in the garden. Oh yes and bin store. Mine was green and I guess I have done 3-4 coats to get a uniform colour. It's really runny stuff and soaks in well. The finish is waxy and really can't fault the stuff as the water runs off no problem. Most importantly the bees have no problem with it.

 

[Newbeeneil]

Very neat. Are you happy with that narrow entrance? I Stan make mine ours the whole width

I've never had a problem with the width of an entrance, in fact I've seen many colonies with a entrance reducer on all year which is about 25% the CSA of mine.
The problem I have had is wasps sneaking around the side and going up the outside of the cluster. This is not possible when the entrance is positioned close to the centre of the cluster.

 

[blackcloud]

All my hives have an inch wide entrance all year.
Never once seen them queuing up....
A swarm ,by their own volition ,will occupy a cavity via a pencil sized hole.
(then gnaw it away to about an inch wide)



Beautiful work
The glossy catalogues will be pestering you for bulk orders.

 

[Garry R]

Entrances 40mm x 9mm all year round and use the electric trunking guards for wasps and mice in autumn and winter

 

[Newbeeneil]

Beautiful work
The glossy catalogues will be pestering you for bulk orders.

Not at the prices I’d charge!

 

[Parsonage Bees]

Not at the prices I’d charge!

I don't put a shim on top of the floor. Good/bad idea?
My thinking is that there is bee space under the frames in a BS box placed on top.

 

[blackcloud]

Each to their own
Some folk put their frames tbs so they would need the rim

 

[Swarm]

I don't put a shim on top of the floor. Good/bad idea?
My thinking is that there is bee space under the frames in a BS box placed on top.

A little space doesn't hurt, especially if cells are drawn low on the frame.

 

[Newbeeneil]

I don't put a shim on top of the floor. Good/bad idea?
My thinking is that there is bee space under the frames in a BS box placed on top.

I only did that because the drawings I was copying (I think they can from the Scottish BKA site) had it.I may remove it as it’s only screwed on.

 

[blackcloud]

It keeps the bottom edge of the BB away from any condensation or rainwater pooling at the very least

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I don't put a shim on top of the floor. Good/bad idea?
My thinking is that there is bee space under the frames in a BS box placed on top.

I never put a shim on top of any of my floors, makes no issue to the bees - they still seem to draw QC's wherever they like, the underfloor entrance drawings I shared with the Scottish BKA a few years ago didn't have a shim on the floors either - although I did say they could be added - and would have to be for a TBS box.

 

[Erichalfbee]

I do make my floors quite deep as I have TBS and I like to vape over the OMF

 

[JamezF]

Spent some of today making up frames. Makes a change to get a bit ahead of the game for once. I think I'm close to 200 brood frames in now, though I still need to fit foundation for those frames that will have it or starter strips and fishing line, or just the supports for foundation-free ones.

James

 

[Moobee]

Took the opportunity to top up my reserve store of built View attachment 35209View attachment 35210brood frames, I'll probably knock up a few bundles more later on, then top up my flatpack stash at the spring conventions

Is that a purpose built storage rack? Looks very efficient.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Is that a purpose built storage rack? Looks very efficient.

yes, it is. I think it's years of working on the boats, making efficient use of 'wasted' space

 

[Newbeeneil]

Need a break from the shed today but not really looking forward to finishing the labelling on this lot!
One bucket from 6 different apiaries, 3 labels per jar!!!!!!

 

[Garry R]

Made a 14 x 12 silicone foundation mould. Will get it sent off tomorrow.

 

[plain_hunt]

yes, it is. I think it's years of working on the boats, making efficient use of 'wasted' space

We did the same, using slats across the roof to store made frames on makes a lot of sense. Providing you’ve got headroom and don’t have to duck..!

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

We did the same, using slats across the roof to store made frames on makes a lot of sense. Providing you’ve got headroom and don’t have to duck..!

the area where they are stored is where I keep buckets of honey and glass jars so it never gets walked on, but the shed ceiling is high enough from the mid stage so I even have them hanging above the workbench and the area where I stand

 

[JamezF]

the area where they are stored is where I keep buckets of honey and glass jars so it never gets walked on, but the shed ceiling is high enough from the mid stage so I even have them hanging above the workbench and the area where I stand

It looks like you even have them above the area where you sleep

James