I think the top feeder that was loaned to me sells for only about $15 bucks. I can't imagine that the time and materials involved to make one would be worth the trouble, nor could I imagine not spending $15-$20 bucks to get an efficient feeder - if my bees need one now. I can go on and on about the other short cuts I took to save money that actually became more costly when I had to redo or rebuy the right stuff that I should have got in the first place.[/QUOTE]
Part of the addiction of bee keeping is attempting to keep the cost to a minimum. $15 for 1 feeder is reasonable, but as your new addiction takes hold you will find yourself needing 10 to 20 feeders, more boxes, frames, foundation, lids, bottom boards, bee brushes with 14.95 shipping, foam cowboy hats, whirly gigs and gloves, things will add up. You can make a lot of this stuff yourself and save some coin.... I made 20 cedar boxes for 5 bucks apiece the other day. I figure I saved $130 over buying them, thats a lot of Budweisers for the fridge....