Trouble with SBB

[SgtMaj]

I'm having a terrible time designing my screened bottom board, and wonder if someone can help me a bit.  My problem is in trying to design it so the bottom board can slide in and out from the back.  I'm trying to design it to fit on one of those hive supports with the angled "ramp" on the front (name is escaping me for lack of sleep), so a front opening for the bottom board would be difficult to manipulate, and me being lazy, would like to design it so I can work the bees later with as much ease as possible.

[Michael Bush]

If you make the side rails 3/4" taller than the front and back you can set this on blocks, bricks or four by fours for a stand.  Then you can use the political signs and cut a piece that will fit and slide underneath resting on the bricks.

[SgtMaj]

Yup, I think I got it now... and it's almost done.  One question though, was it ok for me to use window screen material, or are the holes too small for the mites to fall through?

[Ross]

http://www.myoldtools.com/Bees/bottomboard/bottomboard.htm

[Brian D. Bray]

Yup, I think I got it now... and it's almost done.  One question though, was it ok for me to use window screen material, or are the holes too small for the mites to fall through?

Window screen is fine if all you're after is ventilation.  If you want to use the SBB for sifting mites #7 or #8 hardware cloth is best.  #1 hardware cloth is 1 square per inch vertically, #2 is 2 squares per inch or 1/2 inch, #4 is 4 squares per inch or 1/4 inch...etc.

[SgtMaj]

Dang.  Of course I want mite control, too.  Looks like I'll be headed back to the hardware store again today.

[randydrivesabus]

i suggest you call ahead to see if they have it...it seems not so readily available. if you find it buy way more than you need.

[SgtMaj]

Too bad I didn't read your post yesterday, would have saved me some time.  Lowes nor Home Depot had it, but I did find it at a local crafts store called michael's in West Knoxville, though it wasn't labelled as #8 hardware cloth, I was able to count it out thanks to Brian's info.  Thanks Brian.