Shallow Foundation in Medium frames?

[Mountaineerfan]

Ok, here's a question I've not really seen here, but I think it would work:
I am currently moving to all mediums, and have some extra comb honey foundation in the shallow size. Would there be any problem putting the shallow foundation in a medium frame? I would think that I would need to secure the top of the foundation well (wedge-top frames), and possibly use some wax to "glue" it into place. Would the bees have any problem extending the foundation into the rest of the frame? My instinct says no they wouldn't, since they make their own comb naturally anyway, but I thought I'd ask!
Thanks!
Steve

[ June 22, 2006, 08:51 AM: Message edited by: Mountaineerfan ]

[Sundance]

Depending on the type of
foundation......... the
attachment to the top bar
can be just a wedge. If the
foundation is all wax, wax
tube it in with a cross wire
embedded.

And yes, shallow will work
just fine.

[Mountaineerfan]

Bruce,
It's thin foundation, unwired. I figured this was like using a starter strip. Do I need to wire it?

[Sundance]

I would wire and embed the wire.
In addition, I would use a wax
tube to "weld" it into the top
bar groover. Even medium frames
fully drawn will pull out.

Others may disaggree, but I hate
when comb collapses (been there).

[Michael Bush]

It will work fine except that the surplus foundation is pretty fragile. I'd cut it up for starter strips instead. But then I prefer starter strips ESPECIALLY for comb honey since I want clean wax if I'm going to eat it.

[Mountaineerfan]

Michael,
How many starter strips can I expect from a standard shallow foundation? In other words, what size should the strips be? That may be the way to go, as I don't think I have enough for all nine frames.
Thanks guys!

[ June 22, 2006, 11:35 AM: Message edited by: Mountaineerfan ]

[Sundance]

Starter strips can be 1" or less.
The just need to protrude down a
bit from the groove.

Waxing them in still remains an
option you should consider. As
well as running at least one
horizontal wire. The bees will
build around the wire and give
the comb support.

[Michael Bush]

I cut mine about 3/4" to 1". I prefer waxing them as it's quicker and more reliable (doesn't fall out), but you can use the wedge to nail them in too.