Kelley's new frames

[kopeck]

Anyone take a look at Kelley's new frames? (http://go.netgrab.com/secure/kelleystore/asp/product.asp?product=266)?

I really like they're divided bottom/wedge style frames, in fact I'm using some that are 30 years old and still work well.

The concept is pretty simple, I might order 10 and see how it goes. Looks like you need to order different foundation though.

K

[rainesridgefarm]

I saw these at the WI meeting and you can use any wax foundation in it. I am planning on getting some for comb honey. no sagging of foundation

[JPK]

I suspect that you can use most any foundation in these new frames but will need to add support depending upon what foundation you use.

If you have standard wired/hooked foundation you will need to trim the hooks in order for it to slide down into the top groove and into the frame....and then the foundation will not be wide enough to engage the grooves on the sides necessitating the addition of pins or wires to support it.

The real benefit will come in the use of the 120-NH foundation they are selling to fit these frames....it does not explicitly say in their catalog but the frame description is "Deep grooved end and bottom bars with slotted top" and they are making foundation explicitly for this frame so its reasonable to believe that the foundation is wider to fit into the grooved end bars.

[odfrank]

Slotted top bars might be prone to breakage. If you drop the corner of a heavy super of honey on them you will have several broken top bars. And how about adding to brace/burr comb? A line of wax across the top bar sounds like an ideal start to comb up to the bottom bar. How long have they been out and tested?

[odfrank]

Slotted top bars might be prone to breakage. If you drop the corner of a heavy super of honey on them you will have several broken top bars. They have had slotted all the way through bottom bars for cut comb for decades, and I know I broke a lot of them. And how about adding to brace/burr comb? A line of wax across the top bar sounds like an ideal start to comb up to the bottom bar. How long have they been out and tested?

[kopeck]

Well, what I meant by different foundation is the -NH, which I'm 99% mean "No Hooks".

They don't have the NH type foundation listed on their site yet but I'm going to guess that it's the same size as normal foundation. The end bars are twice as thick, I think that's how the make up for the groove.

Now cut comb, that's a great idea! I think you just justified a set for me. ;) I was (and still might) going to try to get some bass wood boxes going this year but I can get a set of frames for what it would cost for me to buy the pieces I need.

K

[USCBeeMan]

I purchased 50 of the new Kelly frames. They are mediums. I can tell you without reservation that these are quality and well built frames. There is a lot of wood in these frames and I believe they will outlast any other frame out there.

I put plastic foundations in the frames. They just drop in place and will not come out as they go in very tight.

Now I am a newbie of sorts. But I do not when something is well built/heavy duty.

When I need some high body frames, I will purchase them all from Kelly. I need 5 right now so I am purchasing them from my bee master. He makes everything, including frames in his workshop. But purchasing in volume from Kelly is a much better price.