Planning on building a TBH?

[DaveWilliamsTX]

I built mine last year, and went for a sloped wall design 48 inches long. The best decision I made in designing it was adding a viewing window in one side as I saw some that were available for purchase had. Its enabled me to show friends and neighbors quickly and easily what the inside of a hive looks like, and I can check on how they're doing with a quick glance. Here are a couple of pictures from last year:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1324/1260602591_0ae87b1adb_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1328/1245161933_4c2890a221_b.jpg


I just cut out a 6 x 36 hole in the side, and bought four 8x10 inch pieces of Plexiglas from lowes, affixed them with a construction glue (none exposed to bees), and cut a 8 x 38 cover for the opening. I used a couple of latches to hold it in place.

Hope this helps someone

[BWrangler]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for sharing and posting those photos. Your tbh has the largest observation window I've seen. Looks like alot of fun.

Regards
Dennis

[Wojtek]

I also used Plexiglas in my first hive but I abandoned this material for normal glass. Window has to be cleaned from time to time in order to maintain its function. This is troublesome. It is easer to use razor blade but this may scratch Plexiglas easily if a blade is not perfect. This is permanent damage. Cleaning glass with such razor is simple.

By the way I am presenting a picture taken today.
http://homepage.interaccess.com/~netpol/IMG_2814_2.jpg
http://homepage.interaccess.com/~netpol/IMG_2816_2.jpg

What is interesting in it is, that in Chicago we have long and cold period of time. 2 of 3 days hardly above 70-ties. The rest was cold, windy, wet, in 50-ties or below, some days reaching 60-ties in mid days for a few hours. Despite such low temperature bees started to fly and gather pollen in temperature much below 60-ties. There was nothing green, no signs of starting vegetation, but somewhere bees were able to find pollen. Amazing! Now apple tree started to bloom.
Up to this day this family doubled its size or much better and quickly growing, getting almost ready to be split.
This hive is 48” long and internal width is 20” (top) There was absolutely no feeding. This family was split twice last year.
Wojtek

[DaveWilliamsTX]

The glass is a good idea, but the plexiglass was cheap and available. I don't know how often i'll get to cleaning it seeing as one side is covered with bees!

:)

[LtlWilli]

How interesting!..Now, I have to apply a window to one of mine when I build it. Being able to watch their progress will very captivating---I may as well place a chair in front of it, as I am certain that I will be spending my rest-times outdoors parked right there. :D

[Hambone]

LtlWilli. I just posted that question without seeing yours. Thats what I plan to do. The chair.

[Wojtek]

So, you both could imagine yourself in front of your hive instead of a man from the painting.
http://homepage.interaccess.com/~netpol/POLISH/Ule/Wojtekshives2.html
This is from painting of Hans Thoma (1839 – 1924). “Der Bienenfreund” ( “In Love with Bees”) (top)
This page is in Polish but you may find some interesting photos in internal links too
Wojtek

[LtlWilli]

I must say that the picture you provided exemplifies me completely. ...For long periods, I will sit and simply watch the comings and goings of the bees--I somehow find real inner peace when I do that. Some might label that as a bit addled, but beekeepers will know of what I speak. There is both grace and purpose in everything they do....If only we human beings could exhibit such dedication...(sigh)
Thank you VERY much for showing the picture. I am sure that others here will readily identify with the man depicted there.
You have a most pleasant day, and know that I give a tip of my hat to you.
All the best regards,
Rick~LtlWilli

[mxr618]

Wojtek -

Beautiful hives as well. You are truly a craftsman.

My mom was North side Polish (Belmont and Cicero) and my dad was South Side (55th and Kedzie). We were never able to learn the language from my grandmas.

Fabulous image.

[Wojtek]

Thanks for the nice words. All my pleasure that you like it. My bees seems like it too.
Craftsmenship? – trying to learn from my bees but they are still better in it.
Best regards,
Wojtek