Permacomb problem

[Bill Ruble]

I purchased 30 permacomb frames this year to try out. I like them a lot and will keep using them, however I have 2 observations I can make about them that I do not like.

1. when you use the plastic spacers that come with them, then you are not able to exchange wooden frames because the wooden frame will not fit the plastic spacer.

2. I put some packages in without an inner cover. When I lifted the lid on the hive, the bees had glued the permacomb unto the lid so much that I acatully lifted out 2 frames and they fell to the ground covered with bees. i do not know yet if I lost the queen or not. I never had that happen with wooden frames becausae the are glued down faster I guess.

Other than these 2 concerns, I love them. Andthe second problem can be asily fixed. The first one can be if you don't use the spacers, but then the frames are harder to get to stay where you want them.

Bill

[BULLSEYE BILL]

>1. when you use the plastic spacers that come with them, then you are not able to exchange wooden frames because the wooden frame will not fit the plastic spacer.

Not a problem when you use all PC in a box as it is intended, but when I want to mix wood with it as I am now with some foundationless small cell experiments, I just whip out the pocket knife and trim off about an 1/8 on each side of the end bar. If you are going to mix undrawn wood with PC, be sure to use the ten frame spacing.

>2. I put some packages in without an inner cover. When I lifted the lid on the hive, the bees had glued the permacomb unto the lid so much that I acatully lifted out 2 frames and they fell to the ground covered with bees. i do not know yet if I lost the queen or not. I never had that happen with wooden frames becausae the are glued down faster I guess.

I've never tried to use a telescoping cover without an inner cover, didn't feel like the right thing to do. Then again, I don't like migratory covers either for the same reasons you described.

[ April 19, 2006, 11:38 PM: Message edited by: BULLSEYE BILL ]

[Patrick Scannell]

>1. when you use the plastic spacers that come with them, then you are not able to exchange wooden frames because the wooden frame will not fit the plastic spacer.

The plastic spacers are soft. I take a utility knife and widen the slots so they will fit a wooden frame before I install them.

[Michael Bush]

>1. when you use the plastic spacers that come with them, then you are not able to exchange wooden frames because the wooden frame will not fit the plastic spacer.

True. That's why I don't use them. Or I use them as a comb instead of having them in the hive.

>2. I put some packages in without an inner cover. When I lifted the lid on the hive, the bees had glued the permacomb unto the lid so much that I acatully lifted out 2 frames and they fell to the ground covered with bees. i do not know yet if I lost the queen or not.

Yep. You'll have to get in the habit of reaching in with the hive tool and pop every frame loose in case.

> I never had that happen with wooden frames becausae the are glued down faster I guess.

Or not at all.

>Other than these 2 concerns, I love them. Andthe second problem can be asily fixed. The first one can be if you don't use the spacers, but then the frames are harder to get to stay where you want them.

Try. But take a one by two and drill a 5/16" hole every 1 3/8" and glue a 5/16" dowel in the hole and you'll have a comb to space them with. smile.gif

I have forced wood frames into the spacers but it is not easy.

[ April 20, 2006, 03:22 PM: Message edited by: Michael Bush ]

[hrogers]

Howdy all --

I do not recommend it to everybody, but I got
about 1,500 Permacomb in a trade. Didn't like the engineering, so I cut the comb section from the frame and installed in a standard wood frame.
Works like a charm, but is a little more work.

Doc

[BULLSEYE BILL]

>I cut the comb section from the frame and installed in a standard wood frame.

That's a good trick, but PC doesn't have a frame.

[admiral_d]

"I do not recommend it to everybody, but I got
about 1,500 Permacomb in a trade. Didn't like the engineering, so I cut the comb section from the frame and installed in a standard wood frame.
Works like a charm, but is a little more work."

Perhaps you are thinking of Perrco Plastic frames....Hmmmm?

[BULLSEYE BILL]

>Perhaps you are thinking of Perrco Plastic frames....Hmmmm?

Probably.