My SBB & Hive Rail Design - Pics

[NW IN Beekeeper]

Hey I tossed together a quick website to host to some pictures of my custom screened bottom boards and the hive rail system I'll be using the 2006 year. I've included prices where appropriate (cheap!)

http://honeybee.netfirms.com/sbb/index.htm

These are based on 8 frame boxes but you can modify for 10 frame or even doubles.

The rest is explained on the site.

I may produce a PDF for it but its really simple enough that its just not necessary.

Let me know what you think.

Jeff

[Focus on Bees]

NW..looks like a good idea. I might try it on the hives this year.

[mpjourdan]

Those hive rails are beautiful. Treated wood is on sale right now at the Menards in my area, I think this weekend I’ll stop and see if I can justify the cost. Is the height of it OK for you, what about when you get 5 supers above your brood boxes? Did you consider patio bricks instead of cement blocks under the wood? Thanks for the pictures - Mark Jourdan

[NW IN Beekeeper]

If I had to I stand on the rails, or even a cinder block behind and be no worse off than if they were on the ground.

This is splitting yard for rearing. I don't expect these boxes to ever be very high. Your suggestion to be on patio blocks is good advice for a high yield honey yard though. Thanks.

Glad you enjoyed the pics.

If you want extra support, consider running a bolt up through the bottom of the joints into the upper longer beams. A carriage bolt would be ideal, I am considering this for my next set. Upwards will keep the weather off the bolt and not impose against sidewise movement on top of the long rail.

Happy shopping,

Jeff

PS - take a few heavy blocks with you as a counter balance to keep the 16' beams flat in a pick-up truck bed.

[Ross]

Too expensive for me. Here's mine made with 80 cent fence pickets. They set flat on the ground without blocks. They knock down flat for transport. I use whatever bottom board is available. You can get 3-4 hives on them. Simple notched interlock joints.

http://www.myoldtools.com/Bees/stand/stand2.jpg
http://www.myoldtools.com/Bees/apairy.jpg

[ March 17, 2006, 06:46 PM: Message edited by: Ross ]

[NW IN Beekeeper]

Ross,

I was glad to see your portable design, this was exactly what I was planning for if/when i drop off hives for pollination. Very good performance from very little weight. Thanks for the nice pics (mine are still just mental pictures).

My plan above is for a permanet yard (in my backyard) and so a little investment into a little more solid stands doesn't hurt so bad (plus it improves on aesthics).

Jeff

[Michael Bush]

Mine are just treated eight foot long four by fours leveled by using a shovel and a few scraps of wood. smile.gif

[Ross]

Here's a few pictures of building them.
http://www.myoldtools.com/Bees/stand/