I have tons of 10 frame deeps. It was the only woodenware available for sale locally in my area when I started out. But I love the 5 frame nucs and 8 frame deeps. So I use all three sizes for different reasons.
Ten frames deeps are great for dividing into nucs and still have other uses. Just pop in a follower board and you have any size you want.
It's funny, they will never cross that board and build burr comb in the empty space, as long as they are not horraby overcrowded.
Heres a 10 frame box turned into a 6+ frame nuc.
Heres that same box with a shelf routed into the side to accept mini frames:
Here is the hive shown above -now full of bees. Miniframes on ther right,made from combining mating nucs inthe fall, and small late nuc of standard deep frames on the left-3 over 3.
Sharing the warmth
this winter
So you can see your current 10 frame deeps are not a waste if you want to switch to 8 frames or 5 frame sizes for your production or standard hives.
Still, nothing wrong with ten frame deeps, if you can handle them. They do have the most bang for the buck.
On my small scale, I do enjoy having just the right sized box for the job.
And when you get your new 8 frame box's,take some time to put a good finish on them!
Here's my facebook page for instructions and photos showing how to do this crackle finish. It's an older post, scroll down until you come to it. It's a great winter time project.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Miller-Compound-HoneyBees-and-Agriculture/256954971040510
I'll add, Mann Lake's budget 8 frame and 5 frame deeps have been superior quality.
Just sayin'...And free shipping...
This is an 8 frame budget..no sanding..Just Watco stain and spar urethane.
In my opinion, Man Lake's budgets now are better than their selects were in 2011. No blow outs now on the hand holds-ever.