Building in an observation window.

[jeremy_c]

I am an amateur wood worker (I have built 2 so far and they work but are by no means perfect). The two I have built I used a router to create an inset on the inside of the hive, and then used self tapping sheet metal screws with flat tops to screw the plexiglass into the hive side. This works fine, however it creates a gap between the false backs and the observation window, enough so that bees can sequeak by. To solve that problem, I used some of the screen material and attached a small "puffy" section of it to the front side where the window is of the false back to the back side of the false back on the window side... Poor ASCII graphics:


/-|-------------------|
| |                           |
\-|-------------------|

So, it creates a wiper effect and the bees cannot pass. This works, but I don't like it. The |---------| is the false back looking from the top down on it. The /, | and \ characters make up the "screened wiper" I am speaking of.

What method do you use to put in the observation window? I have another one to build before Wednesday and would like to use a better method.

Thanks!

[RyanB]

Use a router and set the depth for the same amount as your window. Then use a bit that put in a recess. Cut your plexi to fit i nthe recess and then hotglue it in.  Sits flush with the sidewall and follower boards have no problems.

[jeremy_c]

Hot glue is all that is required to hold it in place?

Jeremy

[mtbe]

I did same as what RyanB suggested.

With router, depth should be same as plexiglass thickness.

I used a waterproof sealer, I think the same used for aquariums, and just glued it in.

I also used glass, not plexiglass.  I was afraid of cutting/scratching the plexi when scraping off comb.

I don't know if hot glue would survive very long outdoors.

[mtbe]

Also wanted to say that my follower board was to small for the interior, just a bit.  The bees can get through....but they don't. 

So I didn't build any screen to prevent them.