8-Frame box construction questions

[SoMDBeekeeper]

Hi All,

I have constructed a batch of 8-frame mediums and wedge-top frames to go with. The problem is there is a gap of space that I was not expecting. See the pictures below.
http://somdbeekeeper.com/images/8FrameShowingSpace.jpg

http://somdbeekeeper.com/images/8FrameShowingSpaceRulerFromBoxEdge.jpg

And as you can see in the image below the gap left over is too small to insert another frame, not that a 9th frame should go in an 8-frame anyway...

http://somdbeekeeper.com/images/CantFitAnotherFrame.jpg



I thought these were supposed to fit pretty close together so the frame beveling takes care of bee space.

I'm I missing something here? :scratch:

[RayMarler]

No, that is the correct spacing of the frames. In my 8 frame deeps, that is the spacing. I squeeze all frames to the center, leaving a little space on each side. The frames tend to spread as the bees build them. It gives you a gap so don't roll bees so bad when pulling the first frame during inspections. It gives a gap of space so no need for follower boards, for those that use them in 10 frame equipment.

[beemandan]

Same with my 'store bought' 8 framers. I do as Ray said and center the frames in the box. The bees seem to draw the outside of those end frames better. I wish my 10 frames had the same extra.

[SoMDBeekeeper]

Won't this extra space bee a welcome mat for burr comb?

[BigDru]

like the others, that is how my 8-frame looks. One benefit as mentioned is that the bees don't roll; which as I pull the fames out they are less unhappy with me. As for the extra brace comb you are concerned about, Have only seen that across the top on occasion. But I have also seen that in a 10 frame as well. For me the big benefit and reason for the 8 frame is the decreased weight when compared to the 10 frame.

[splank]

Michael Bush and others plane their frame widths from 1 3/8 in to 1 1/4 in. the thinking is that smaller bees dont need comb quite so thick. if you do it this way you can fit a 9th frame into the box.

[ErnieW50]

Where can I find plans for the eight frame boxes?

[Michael Bush]

That's the normal spacing of a 8 frame box. You can take 1/16" off each frame and put in 9. You can make a dummy board to fill the space (very handy for not rolling bees) and put it on the north side to create an air space for insulation. You can just center them and not worry about it (the simplest). I have a lot of PermaComb and it has no spacer, so often, with regular 1 3/8" frames, I put one PermaComb in the center to get 9 frames in it.

I do like the 1 1/4" frames, plus I like the nine frames. I get more brood in the box and less bees can cover it.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesframewidth.htm

[bennybee]

I've been making everything for my hives except for foundation for a lot of years including frames which is laborious and dangerous task. I am a trim carpenter so this is no big deal although it is time consuming but am usually off in the winter. I have been thinking of doing some 8 frame hives because I am 60 years old and everything is heavier. the way I figure it, an 8 frame hive should be 13.5 " to the outside to keep the spacing the same as a ten frame hive. I use all in hive feeders so I like the extra space as is in a ten frame hive. the thing is, in a ten frame hive I use 9 frames and a feeder, so in an 8 frame hive I would only have 7 frames and a feeder in the top deep so I'm guessing I would need 3 deeps of 8 frame hives. I live in northern IL and the temps in winter are bitter cold. If I have to use 3 deeps it would not be cost effective. I need some thoughts from cold area beekeepers.

[Grant]

I've been making everything for my hives, the way I figure it, an 8 frame hive should be 13.5 " to the outside to keep the spacing the same as a ten frame hive.

The industry "standard" (yeah, LOL) is actually 13.75 inches.

Unless you're the Walter T. Kelley company, they have some other measurement because their saws/machines couldn't do this 13.75 standard.

If you're going to make everything yourself, you could do what ever size you wanted. If at any point you're going to buy some 8-frame equipment or parts (like tops or bottoms) then you'd be better off going with the 13.75 standard.

Grant
Jackson, MO

[Grant]

Where can I find plans for the eight frame boxes?

You don't really need plans. The length and the depth are the same. Make the width 13.75 inches across the front/back and you've got the "plans."

Everything else is the same so it fits your standard frames.

Grant
Jackson, MO