Why don't bees make messy comb in a top-bar hive?

[user 20297]

I'm already running a bit short on standby kit, so I'm adapting a small, wooden hutch as a bait hive. I don't even want to use up spare frames, so I'm topping it up with a few odd top-bars I have left over. I'm aware that people say that foundationless frames need the guidance of an interleaved, frame with foundation in order to avoid chaotic (to human eyes) comb-building. So I'm expecting a mess, should my rudimentary bait-hive succeed in attracting occupants; but why doesn't the inside of a top-bar hive get messed up?

 

[rolande]

It does sometimes. I know!! The addition of some kind of comb guide does help no end though. Lots of different ideas as to what's best and everyone will have their own personal preference. Myself, I think Wyatt Mangum has it right when he refers to foundation starter strips as the 'gold standard' of guides.

 

[Murox]

 

[madasafish]

I used to use a triangular comb guide - waxed- fixed under the top bar.
But they occasionally cross combed - a real pia
Empty bar between two drawn bars ensures straight comb