Designing Bottom Boards

[Jon McFadden]

I don't remember where the design came from that I use for my bottom boards. It may have evolved over the years. I may have copied it from a Killion design.
I use the reversible concept. The deep part is 1-1/2". The shallow is 3/8".
The 1-1/2" is to allow the use of a Killion board. The Killion board prevents mice access to the hive proper while allowing maximum ventilating for the bees.
The rim is dadoed to allow insertion of the bottom board. I use ½“ CD plywood. I use two pieces of plywood. The first piece is glued and nailed into place. It comes within two inches of the front edge of the hive. A second piece is slid into the groove and creates the landing board. If this piece needs replacing, it is pulled out and a new piece slid in.
Jon

[Ross]

I make mine two sided as well. One side is a normal 10 frame with a 3/4" opening. The other side has a two inch opening on each side and a grooved center strip for a divider board. It is blocked on each end. This is for two 5 frame nucs with entrances on each side.

[Jon McFadden]

Ross,
That's a great idea. I won't have to do 5 frame nucs. Is this something you came up with on your own?
Can you give greater detail to a picture?

[Ross]

I'll shoot a picture and post it as soon as I can. The bottom side is just framed all the way around the dimensions of the box. I notch each long side about 2 inches wide to make an entrance. No landing porch, but they seem to do fine. I set a strip down the middle about 1/2 x 1/2 or so. I have some of my boxes grooved to accept a 1/4" divider board. I put a groove in the strip to match.

[Jon McFadden]

Ross,
OK. I think I have the idea. Do they have a place to post pictures on this site? I have been placing pictures on the beekeeping group on Yahoo because I am ignorant of a way to do it here.

[Ross]

I have my own hosting, so I do it there. I don't think they have picture space here.

[Lew Best]

Hey Jon

I posted mine on photobucket.com & then you can add a link to them here.

Lew

[MichaelW]

Here's a cheap one I make from found 2X4s, usually disasembled pallets:
Lay 2X4s flat in a sqare, the edge being the size of a super. The joints will have notches to facilitate srewing the boards together. Make it a little long with an extra 2X4 in the front for a landing pad. Nail strips along sides and back to raise the super up the proper height off the bottom board. Screen in the hole. Very sturdy and cheap. However there is not a way to use a sticky board as designed. I'm going to try one with the 2X4s on their edges to make a larger screen area.

[Jon McFadden]

Thanks for the information, Lew.

MichaelW,
Have you considered using the pallets for stands/bottom boards. Kevin, Jester Bee Company, uses pallets with cleats outlining the hive bottom. This is repeated in a pattern that allows four hives to be placed with their doors in different directions.