So, I guess you figured out pretty quick that new comb not on foundation is VERY soft. How warm was it when you tried to cut it out. This is a case where colder is better. I doubt you had much of a chance for success no matter what steps you may have taken. Key points are to get them in a hive as best as you can and never set a bait hive with missing frames. Been down that road and got hit by that bus too.
:bus
:bus
