assembling the inner cover

1634 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Neubee, Apr 28, 2006

longarm

Discussion Starter · Apr 28, 2006

here's a beginners question for you..
I have assembled the inner cover and am now not sure that I have put it together correctly .. or if it is oriented correctly on the hive. The one I bought (from Glory Bee) is a piece of masonite with a smooth side and a rough side.. and the frame it is sandwiched in. Which side faces the bees, smooth or rough?
Also, the framing pieces that sandwich the masonite are not symmetrical. I mean that when assembled the masonite is not equidistant from the top and bottom of the framing pieces so that when installed on the hive in one position there is more space between the top of the frames/foundation/bees than when it is flipped over and installed the other way. So which way is right? Closer to the bees or further?
Sheesh..
Longarm

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Neubee

· #2 · Apr 28, 2006

I don't think it matters if the side facing the bees is smooth or rough. The cover should be ( I think) closer to the bees so that the framing pieces are on top. That keeps the outer cover elevated and creates a "dead air" space for insulation.

Are you going to the Willamette Valley Beekeepers Association meetings?

Neubee

[ April 27, 2006, 09:50 PM: Message edited by: Neubee ]

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Redneck

· #3 · Apr 28, 2006

Bee space is what is important. The deeper side of the inner cover should be turned up towards the top of hive. The shallow side down towards the bees. This gives the bees room to move over the top of the frames as well as above the inner cover. If I use menthol packs on my bees in the fall on top of frames, then I flip the inner cover over so it will fit over the package.

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Jim Williamson

· #4 · Apr 28, 2006

Also, the framing pieces that sandwich the masonite are not symmetrical. I mean that when assembled the masonite is not equidistant from the top and bottom of the framing pieces so that when installed on the hive in one position there is more space between the top of the frames/foundation/bees than when it is flipped over and installed the other way.

I believe the inner cover you have is made that way due to some frames and boxes having more space at the top and others at the bottom. The different space on the top and bottom of the framing pieces allows you to maintain proper bee space so your bees don't build burr comb or propolize frames to the inner cover.

Measure from the tops of your frames to the top of your box. Flip your lid to the corresponding side which adds up from 5/16 to 3/8 inch.

Clear as mud, right?

[ April 27, 2006, 10:02 PM: Message edited by: Jim Williamson ]

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iddee

· #5 · Apr 28, 2006

Ideal space is 3/8 inch above and below inner cover....get as close to that as you can

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longarm

Discussion Starter · #6 · Apr 28, 2006

fantastic - this forum is a very cool resource, thanks for your responses.
whadya know... I put it on the right way!

Neubee - can you send me a bit of info/link re: the Willamette Valley Beekeepers Assoc meetings? Sounds just right - as long as folks don't mind entertaining a novice.
Longarm

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Neubee

· #7 · Apr 28, 2006

Here is the WVBA forum: http://www.orsba.proboards27.com/index.cgi?board=WillametteValley

The next meeting is on may 22nd at 7pm at Chemeketa Community College in Building 34.

There is a great mix of people there everyone is very helpful. This is just my 3rd year as a beekeeper so I have lots to learn.

Neubee

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