Plastic outer covers

[sanders36051]

Do any of yall use the plastic outers like Walter kelley company sells?

[Grant]

I do. I picked up several from retired beekeepers along with their other items. Plastic inner covers warp like crazy but those outer cover are the best!

Grant
Jackson, MO http://www.25hives.homestead.com

[WVbeekeeper]

I have some as well. What I like about them is that they have a small rib built into the underside of the cover to keep it off of the inner lid a little bit. I don't have to worry about keeping sticks under them for ventilation. They are worth the initial investment because they outlast a wooden cover.

[Ross]

Don't you have more trouble with condensation? At $1 each, plywood migratory tops are all I'll ever use. I haven't tossed one yet, so they last at least 6 years.

[sanders36051]

What are the pro and cons of a migatory v a telescoping cover

[Jeffzhear]

What are the pro and cons of a migatory v a telescoping cover

10 migratory covers out of a sheet of plywood which you can buy for approximately 30 dollars new. Cost is probably the biggest pro...

[danno1800]

I'm back to wooden covers. Good luck! -Danno

[Ross]

You can get 14 if you scrimp. I cut mine 15 7/8" wide so I can get 3 across the sheet and 4 long ways, that's 12. It leaves a 15.5+" piece on the end that will make two more. They don't have to be flush with the edges of the box, just cover the opening. I use 5/8" plywood at $15 a sheet at lowes.

[odfrank]

I have Kelly plastic telescoping covers over two decades old and still serviceable.

[BEES4U]

Doen'nt the scrap tail piece make a perfect 8 frame cover?
I have measured the 8 frame width and here is what I get
1.0 14.0'
2.0 13 & 7/8
3.0 13.0'

Regards,
Ernie
Lucas Apiaries

[Ross]

They just have to be bigger than the inside dimension of the box, about 15" will work, more makes it easier to position. Boxes are 16.5" outside dimension with 3/4" walls. Making them 15 7/8" means they sit about 1/4" inside the box edge and still overhang the interior by a good 1/2". It's just less chance they get pried off by the wind and varmints.