Anyone make an observation hive out of Metal?

[toekneepea]

All of the plans that I've found online for observation hives, are for wooden hives.

Has anyone used aluminum or other metal instead? I'm hoping to make a single wide hive with 5 frames, and was curious if everyone used wood, or has someone opted for other material(s) like aluminum or stainless steel?

Thanks,
Tony P.

[Specialkayme]

I havn't seen any hives, observation or not, made out of metal. I know metal can get alot hotter than wood. Other than that, I don't make mine out of metal just because I'm not very good at working with metal. Much better with wood. Plus it gives it that "show" look, rather than the cold impersonal look that metal has (at least, in my opinion).

But as long as the dimensions are alright, I don't see why you couldn't.

[willyC]

As an artist blacksmith I believe an iron frame with brass accents would make a very nice indoor observation hive. As stated it would be too hot in the summer and too cold in winter for an outdoor hive. My wood working skills are such that I always trade ironwork for any wood work that needs to look nice.

[Specialkayme]

If you lived closer to my willy that would be a MORE than fair trade

I can't find anyone around here that knows metal working very well (that isn't commercial or trying to charge me an arm and a leg).

[snl]

Hi....

Got any pics of the OH you've made?

[Specialkayme]

Metal or wood?

[snl]

Wood.....

[Specialkayme]

Sure, mine are three frame deeps (or four frame mediums, it fits both). I've gotten a little extreme lately, but here is a link to a thread where I built it, showing exactly how I went about it. I think it starts off with pictures of my second to latest OH, and ends with pictures of my latest OH.

http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,30161.0.html

I still have my second latest lying in my closet. Trying to find a good home for it is tougher than I thought, lol. I might just have to break it down (or run two OH's, to the "delight" of my wife, lol).

If you would like more pictures, just pm me. I can always take a few snap shots. I also have a much older one (I think it's referred to as Version 2.0, lol) that doesn't sit on a lazy susan swivel base. I don't have pics on hand of that one, but can take a few if you would like.

[snl]

Nice.............tks for the link............

[Specialkayme]

No prob snl . . . let me know if you have any questions on OHs, I love em!

[belliott]

I have never seen a metal observation hive. I think it would be a interesting project. I've seen feral bee colonies in old truck fuel tanks, so I do not believe the bees would have a problem with it.

Give it a try and post some pics