window

[Hambone]

I was reading alot of the old post. Some people have cut a window long ways and glued plexiglass to it. Is this ok? If I did this does it need to be covered up when Im not looking at them.

[EngineeringBeek]

Yes, it will need covered up. I also think you will need to recess the window into the hive body so that it is flush with the inside surface.

[TheCheatOSX]

I'm building four hives this spring and I put a window in one. I think it will be a great opportunity to observe the bees as these are my first hives.

My main entrances are on the long side of the hive, so I put the window on the "back" long side. I took the cutout (made my plunging in a sabersaw) and just attached a short length of piano hinge I had laying around for a door. I added in a couple of turn buttons on top to keep it closed. To keep it flush, I made a rabbet around the inside for the 1/8" plexiglas (really just acrylic glazing) with a router and rabbet bit. Be sure to leave a little extra room for wood expansion and contraction, you really don't want that window popping out! I used some clear silicone to attach the plexi to the wood.

Pics can be seen in this post on my blog, toward the bottom of the post. (http://chris.norrick.com/bees/Norrick_Apiary/Bee_Blog/Entries/2008/3/21_Building_a_Top_Bar_Hive-Part_4.html)

[drobbins]

a couple more pics

http://www.drobbins.net/bee's/window/window.html

Dave

[Michael Bush]

>If I did this does it need to be covered up when Im not looking at them.

If it can get direct sunlight in it, absolutely. If not, I guess they may survive, but I think they'd be happier if you cover it up.

[Hambone]

After looking at drobbins pics. Should I attach some comb to the triangle bars or just let them start from scratch.

[Michael Bush]

>Should I attach some comb to the triangle bars or just let them start from scratch.

I'd just let them start from scratch.

[Beesilly]

Yes, it will need covered up. I also think you will need to recess the window into the hive body so that it is flush with the inside surface.

Do you have to recess the window? If you don't, what could happen? Would the bees be more likely to draw comb on the window? Thanks!
Beesilly

[Tim Hall]

^^^
One problem I can imagine having is your hive tool (or whatever tool you elect to use) might get hung up on the plex/glass while you're trying to cut away attachments.

[Michael Bush]

>Do you have to recess the window?

No. But it might be less likely to get as many attachments.