[mrspock]

I can glue frames faster than I can nail them.

Is it safe (for the bees) to do this? I use only a small amount of glue for each joint.

 

[atayl0r]

I can't reply from experience, only from what I've read (and that's quite a lot). I ended up gluing AND nailing. The word is that frames suffer from abuse: having to pry them out after propolis and bridge comb effectively glue the frames to the hive body. They're prone to failure if it's not a VERY solid connection.
I used Titebond II on mine - waterproof and very effective from all my other woodworking projects. Haven't read anything anywhere cautioning away from any Titebond product. All Titebond water-based wood glues are considered non-toxic.

 

[mrspock]

That's good to know. In my testing, I've often found to be TB3 stronger than the wood it holds..

If there's no known caveats, that's good enough for me... I should get a brad nailer eventually, though.

 

[AmericasBeekeeper]

We had more luck with the stapler than the brad nailer and they are the same price at Harbor Freight. The head of the brads will pull through.

 

[mrspock]

Can you recommend a model/size of stapler that worked for you?

 

[Sundance]

Can you recommend a model/size of stapler that worked for you?

I use a crown stapler 1/4" X 1" for frames with
Titebond II. If you're doing a lot of frames (100's)
then get a decent one like Paslode. If just doing a
few frames a hammer and nail works fine.

As to your question regarding safe for food contact??
That is a good one and as of yet...... unanswered.

 

[waynesgarden]

Over this past weekend, I bought the cheap Lowes 99 buck special, Porter Cable 2 gal. compressor and a brad/staple gun. I cut and assembled about a hundred frames, 7 sbb and 7 inner covers, 7 outer covers. I also used it to build a frame assembly jig which lets me glue and nail 10 frames in just a couple of minutes.

This cheap set won't last forever of course but if it dies tomorrow, it has already paid for itself in the time saved.

(I'm using regular old Titebond glue (with no number) since Lowes had it on sale a couple years ago for next to nothing so I bought gallons of it.)

Wayne

 

[NasalSponge]

This is the crown stapler I have and it is supurb!

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

As far as Titebond 3....

Water cleanup & Non-toxic
FDA approved for indirect food contact

http://www.titebond.com/WNTitebondIIITB.asp

 

[mrspock]

Much appreciated, Nasal...

 

[johng]

I have the same stapler Sponge and love it. If you are gonna stay in bee keeping might as well get a decent one. I'm sure harbor frieghts are fine. I have some of there tools also. I got tired of nailing frames real quick. It don't take long to need a bunch of frames. Plus I like to use it to help hold hive bodies together before I put a few screws in them.

 

[NasalSponge]

Same here, definitely a fine stapler!

 

[EastSideBuzz]

Can you recommend a model/size of stapler that worked for you?

I use Tight bond 3 on each frame and 1 1/4 inch staples. I just got a RIDGID 1 1/2 In. Finish Stapler and I love it. It is the best stapler I have ever bought.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053 :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

You also need a 17 year old to do the assembly for you like I have.

 

[peacekeeperapiaries]

I also use TB3 and 1/4 in crown staples. IMO just gluing them is a mistake, I would glue plus staple or nail them, over time the prying and twisting will work against the glue.

 

[StevenG]

TB2 is usually cheaper than 3, and for bee purposes does just as good a job. Also, glue and nail. The crown staples work much better than nails, as they don't pull thru like nails do. Also i assume you're using a frame nailing jig? An excellent time saver.