Standard Hive Body & Super Sizes

[CentralPAguy]

I have been looking at building my hive bodies and shallow supers and need to ask the experts.

The Hive Body Frame from Dadent is 9 5/8 inches high -- However, when I go to buy a 1 X 10 X 10 at the Lumberyard, it is 9 1/2 inches wide.

There is a 1/8 inch difference. If I am putting 9 1/8 frames in, will it matter.

Has anybody used the standard size lumber when building the hives or supers.

Thanks..:)

[iwombat]

Yes, it matters. You need to use the 12" and rip it down to size.

[Michael Bush]

Make all mediums. :) a 6 5/8" medium comes out much nicer with less waste from a 7 1/4" one by eight than a 9 5/8" deep from an 11 1/4" one by twelve.

[CentralPAguy]

Thanks. I'll be ripping them down.

I wonder what the history was for these particular sizes for the height of the hive and supers.

I wonder if any manufacturer has tried to make frames and foundations to match the 1 X 8 (7 1/2) inches. I am thinking that it would make it easier for beekeepers who build their equipment.

[Michael Bush]

It's easy. A one by ten used to be 9 5/8". :)

[iwombat]

The ripped pieces can be used to make cleats, bottom boards, inner covers, telescoping covers etc. I usually have very little in terms of waste after all is said and done.

[Stevedore]

I wonder what the history was for these particular sizes for the height of the hive and supers.

I read somewhere that Rev. Langstroth based his hive on an old wine case he had laying around.

[Michael Bush]

>I read somewhere that Rev. Langstroth based his hive on an old wine case he had laying around.

I read it was a kerosene box...