Most Profitable Part of Beekeeping Is?

[ooptec]

Hey Robo,

I just ordered one of the BeeMax poystyrene hives. They look to me like such a good idea, esp. here where the temps. from season to season vary here from +40°C to -40°C

How do you like yours??

cheers

peter

[Michael Bush]

>How do you like yours??

If they made them in eight frame I'd use them more.  I tried to use them to overwinter "nucs" (ten frame medium hives) and the condensation wasn't so great.  On the other hand a friend near here has some in a full blown three box medium hive and they were ready to split in March.

If only they made them in eight frame boxes...

[Robo]

Hey Robo,

How do you like yours??

Sorry Peter, missed this post.

I just started with them this Spring, so have no winter experience yet.  So far, I have really no major complaints about them,  I was skeptical at first, but decided to give them a try on Finsky's advise.  Painting was a pain until I started spraying instead of brushing.  I do notice more condensation as Michael mentioned.  I have a couple that I am using for double 5 frame nucs for this winter.  I have upper entrances and the capability to heat if needed. 

On a positive note, I am really pleased with the frame rest design,  they allow the bees to move under the frame tabs, so no smooshing bees.

[ooptec]

Hey Robo,

Thnx for reply.

As per my std. M.O. I agonized over the price ($280-300) shipping and taxes in but really fell for the insulating idea, esp. important here I think w/our 90°F summers and not unheard of -40°F spells in winter and decided to make my own 10 frame version (as M.B.post) using Dadent style frames but slightly modified as I subtracted 1/8 in. off the 'thickness' for S.C. regression.

Since you've had some experience with these and run a few would it be possible to get a few close up pics of the best points like the aforementioned frame lip/rest and any other 'high point'??

I am going to do the same as my horizontal hive which is a 1/4in ply skin w/1-1/2in styro lining for insulation. I was planning on dadoing out a 1-1/2 in wood strip on the top for a frame rest and leaving the outer skin 1/4in. 'proud' and recess the bottom 1/4in. so they 'lock' together.

I have a similarly built/insulated TBH and identical 3/4in. solid wood one to compare to the the insulated one, I didn't have it employed in the hottest part of summer as it is stocked w/a summer chimney removal, but especially in the fall seems that the ladies work longer and start earlier as I suspect the core temp. to be more constant. They also kicked out the drones 2 wks later which I take to support that hypotenuse....... but I've been wrong before    lol     I have both side by each in the city and even tho there has been a few 'soft' frosts and one (-5°C) hardish one they are still (both) pounding back the pollen and I'd suspect nectar. Country flowers have been gone for almost a month now with goldenrod and asters being the last.

Now busy making frame parts for I was anticipating 2 deeps for the nest and 4 meds. for the supers per hive. Do you think that would be sufficient??

The hard/long part is making all the jigs for the small ware but once done will carefully label and store together so the next one will be quite a bit easier and much faster.

Been taking pictures as I go and plan to add a 'D.I.Y.' page to the 'ooptecTBH' website as I cut down some surplus 1 X 6's for the Dadent Frames and figure the rest of the matl's will be somewhere in the $50-60 range.

$300 for pre-made is 60 pint jars or 80 lbs.of honey sales lost. Not that I'm doing it for a living but so far managed for O.P. to support hobby and I like it that way    lol

thnx
cheers 

peter

[utahbeekeeper]

For my neighbor, UtahBees . . . . thie is an old thread I know.  My experience in Northern Utah is that premium raw honey sells very well.  As I have underscored on my web page, I sell the old fashioned look, gussied up in mason jars with a chunck of comb in the wide mouth pints.  Those are all but sold out at $8.00 per, and the buyers get a reusable canning jar.  My quarts sold out at $14.00.  It will take me 2 more seasons to see black, but I have everything . . . 9 frame radial and all the rest.  Until I retire, I will enjoy selling my honey for top dollar around town, with an occasional online order.  I wish I had youth on my side like you do . . . . I'd try making and selling nucs.  Bee well . . . lets talk sometime.  JP