And for those of you who are using all mediums (or one-size operations), did you cut down all of your frames, or just a certain amount for use in the brood nests?
Would you recommend cutting down frames to make them narrow spacing?
I have been trimming down many of my frames to 1-1/4" width end bars, making the center-to-center frame spacing to 1-1/4". I haven't converted all of them because I'm basically lazy and many wider spaced combs are in use, making their trimming more difficult. However, I endeavor to trim down most new frames before I place them into service.
I have begun trimming frames. I have 100 Mann Lake PF-105s trimmed, 20 PF-120s, and 15 Kelley foundationless frames. Only a couple of the 105s are in service at this moment, but the rest will be next spring.
The narrower frames allow me to fit either eleven frames in a ten frame super, nine frames in an eight frame super, or eight frames in an eight frame super with side racks -->
I like to trim the top bars narrower and then the end bars on my band saw before they are assembled.
Yes Joseph, I remember that side rack design of yours. How many boxes do you use that side-rack arrangement on? Just bottom boxes? Or do you use it in more than that?
In theory I would love to trim them all. In reality I never have time, so some are trimmed and some are not. By all means, if you have to time, trim them all.
I built a frame jig and am preparing to assemble several hundred medium frames. I want to trim them down to a narrower width, but am afraid they'll split easier when I put the top bars in. We want to go nine frames in eight-frame boxes. These are Kelley foundationless frames, and it's tight fit getting the top bar in. Anyone had problems with narrower end pieces splitting easier?
I've done it with Kelley frames, those ears on the end bars that fit around the top bars (probably what you are referring to), will sometimes split or break-off, I've had it happen to about one out of thirty, or so. I haven't seen it happen with more after trimming them narrower, but either way they are easy to fix with a good wood glue and a few small clamps.
I trimmed 15 Kelley foundationless frames and encountered no problems. One thing I did notice though was that in the future, I want to trim the top bar as well. It doesn't need to be very much, just 1/32" off each side.
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