Cheap Material for Outer Covers

**applefan** · 03-23-2011, 04:59 PM

Hi All!

I had some ideas for building a cheap homemade nuc—plywood supers, ⅛ in. hardware mesh for inner cover and bottom board, etc. I was wondering if there was some sort of a cheap material for outer covers. I've seen some videos where the nuc has a thin metal piece with the edges bent that fit snuggly over the nuc—which looks interesting. Does anyone know of any sort of cheap outer cover?

Thanks!

**BeeCurious** · 03-23-2011, 05:07 PM

Mine are wood and covered with flashing material from Home Depot.

http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=244421

**applefan** · 03-23-2011, 05:18 PM

Neat! I'm trying to make it as cheap as possible—the flashing sounds like a really good idea. Are you using solid or screened inner covers/bottom boards?

**AR Beekeeper** · 03-23-2011, 05:36 PM

Treated plywood makes a good top for a telescoping cover.

**ArkansasBK** · 03-23-2011, 05:41 PM

Go to your local newspaper and get some of the thin aluminum sheets they use on their printing presses. They are large enough to cover a full size telescoping cover, but are easily trimmed to whatever size you need. You have to clean a little thin layer of grease off the good side and a little ink off the other. Paint thinner works well. My newspaper sells them to me for $1 each.

**BeeCurious** · 03-23-2011, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by applefan

snip
Are you using solid or screened inner covers/bottom boards?

I use traditional inner covers, with a variety of bottomboards.

My "Contemporary Hive Stand" has a SBB and a Smarted Rack combined into one assembly.

http://s275.photobucket.com/albums/j...t=MVI_8022.mp4

http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=243281

**Grant** · 03-23-2011, 07:45 PM

I've done the used aluminum printing plates over wood salvaged from used pallets. The sheets of aluminum cost me $2.00. I made them into telescoping covers.

I've had really good success with 1" "styrofoam" (blue or pink). A sheet costs $19.99 at Lowes and you can cut 10 migratory-style covers from it. I cut them 17" by 21" to give just a little overage for a drip line.

Downside? After three years of usage in my full-sun yards, they show a little UV degredation and it takes multiple bricks to hold them down.

I cut them out on a table saw and the time involved is very minimal. I cannot speak to their insulating value.

Grant
Jackson, MO

**Kingfisher Apiaries** · 03-23-2011, 08:06 PM

I have made a lot of nuc boxes the past year...close to 40 or 50. I have used it all. If you can afford it the way to go is a one by 10 ripped for the lid. The next better option is 3/4 ply. After that 5/8s ply (what i use). IF you can find it, Steel ply knocks all of them out of the ball park! No painting, does not warp, etc.

mike