First I apologize if this has been gone over. I've looked and searched and although I've found bits and pieces of what I'm looking for below no posts covering everything. If such a posts exists feel free to redirect me to it.
My brother and I have decided we'd like to try and raise a few hives of bees.
I've been doing research on equipment, bees, hives etc etc etc. However the more I research on frames the more options I'm running into and the more confused I'm getting.
If I'm understanding correctly I have the following options in frames.
Wood, groove
Wood, wedge
Plastic.
Also if I'm understanding correctly I have the following options in foundation.
Wax thin, surplus
Wax, surplus
Wax, with vertical wires.
Plastic core, wax cell (Duragilt)
Plastic core & cell
Plastic Core & cell wax coated.
To compound my confusion there are several different cell sizes.
Again if I'm on the right track if I use wood frames with a grove I have to match that with a foundation that has a plastic core of some sort. The wedge wooden frames are for wax and especially wax wire foundations.
I've also read several articles and posts here with many varied opinions on the various frames and foundation combination's, which of course adds to some of the confusion.
All other things aside, much of which I'm only beginning to comprehend, I like the idea of complete plastic frames from the aspect of ease of use and less labor, not to mention possibly cheaper. However there is a nostalgic part of me that likes the wood...besides who wants to live in a plastic house?
What I guess I'm really looking for is a "DON'T DO THAT" type of answer.
Seems to me that most of the combination's will "Work", each with their drawbacks and bonuses. But what should a person DEFINATELY not buy. What cell sizes to completely avoid, what frame/foundation combos to avoid and so on.
The goal for the first year is to start with 3-4 hives, deep and medium combo, and just see if I can get them to live and thrive.
Any help would be appreciated.
Suggestions on a book or two that would cover much of this stuff as well as "General bee knowledge" would be very helpful as well.
Thanks
~Matt
My brother and I have decided we'd like to try and raise a few hives of bees.
I've been doing research on equipment, bees, hives etc etc etc. However the more I research on frames the more options I'm running into and the more confused I'm getting.
If I'm understanding correctly I have the following options in frames.
Wood, groove
Wood, wedge
Plastic.
Also if I'm understanding correctly I have the following options in foundation.
Wax thin, surplus
Wax, surplus
Wax, with vertical wires.
Plastic core, wax cell (Duragilt)
Plastic core & cell
Plastic Core & cell wax coated.
To compound my confusion there are several different cell sizes.
Again if I'm on the right track if I use wood frames with a grove I have to match that with a foundation that has a plastic core of some sort. The wedge wooden frames are for wax and especially wax wire foundations.
I've also read several articles and posts here with many varied opinions on the various frames and foundation combination's, which of course adds to some of the confusion.
All other things aside, much of which I'm only beginning to comprehend, I like the idea of complete plastic frames from the aspect of ease of use and less labor, not to mention possibly cheaper. However there is a nostalgic part of me that likes the wood...besides who wants to live in a plastic house?
What I guess I'm really looking for is a "DON'T DO THAT" type of answer.
Seems to me that most of the combination's will "Work", each with their drawbacks and bonuses. But what should a person DEFINATELY not buy. What cell sizes to completely avoid, what frame/foundation combos to avoid and so on.
The goal for the first year is to start with 3-4 hives, deep and medium combo, and just see if I can get them to live and thrive.
Any help would be appreciated.
Suggestions on a book or two that would cover much of this stuff as well as "General bee knowledge" would be very helpful as well.
Thanks
~Matt