alfred
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« on: May 07, 2009, 08:58:29 AM » |
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I was wondering what anyone thought about using OSB to make boxes? I got a sheet of it the other day for $11 at home Depot. It looks like I can get 5 maybe 6 mediums out of it. Cheep Cheep. Any reason not to use OSB? I already have made tops and bottom boards out of ply seems to work great.
Alfred
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Robo
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« Reply #1 on: May 07, 2009, 09:08:42 AM » |
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I think you will have problems with it absorbing moisture like a sponge and expanding.
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Two Bees
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« Reply #2 on: May 07, 2009, 09:12:23 AM » |
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I don't know if I trust the chemicals. Could have problems like the sheetrock being imported from China!
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"Don't know what I'd do without that boy......but I'm sure willin' to give it a try!"
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JP
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« Reply #3 on: May 07, 2009, 09:17:56 AM » |
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As Robo mentioned OSB is very absorbant, the main issue I see is it rotting out on you.
...JP
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alfred
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« Reply #4 on: May 07, 2009, 09:26:49 AM » |
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Not being very knowledgable about these things I am wondering if Plywood would work? I have used it for tops and bottoms and they seem fine and do not absorb moisture much. I paint them of course. For that matter wouldn't painting protect the OSB?
Just so much cheeper than boards, and so far seems a lot easier to cut than ripping boards to proper width.
Alfred
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JP
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« Reply #5 on: May 07, 2009, 09:45:58 AM » |
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Alfred, I don't paint the inside of my hives for acceptance reasons but if I used OSB I would, but would have to let them air out an awful long time before use.
By all means experiment with it if you like, its just that OSB is extremely absorbant and has a tendency to rot fairly quickly. Then there are warpage issues you may run into as well.
...JP
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contactme_11
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« Reply #6 on: May 07, 2009, 03:56:28 PM » |
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I salvage almost anything wood I find. Part of the fun in this hobby for me is spending as little as possible. I am also a contractor though and I know building materials pretty well. That said, I have not and would not use OSB for boxes. After letting it air out I do sometimes use it for tops and inner covers. I use solid wood for boxes but would use plywood for sides of boxes if I had solid ends on them. I also use plywood for tops, inner covers, and bottoms. I do not ever use MDF, it is junk and a waste of time and money even if it is free. If I use OSB or plywood I paint both sides.
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asprince
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« Reply #7 on: May 07, 2009, 10:55:31 PM » |
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I got a sheet of it the other day for $11 at home Depot.
You paid to much. I saw it for $5.98 per sheet at our Home Depot. Steve |
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Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resembalance to the first. - Ronald Reagan
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SgtMaj
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« Reply #8 on: May 08, 2009, 02:19:54 PM » |
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It's ok if you're absolutely desperate for a box to catch a swarm in, but don't use it for more than a few days.
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nella
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« Reply #9 on: May 08, 2009, 03:00:54 PM » |
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OSB won't hold up to the weather very well.
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alfred
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« Reply #10 on: May 08, 2009, 08:36:28 PM » |
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Well since the overwhelming consensus is not to use OSB I gave up on it and bought some pine boards and I'm going to use that. Thanks everyone for the input.
Alfred
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asprince
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« Reply #11 on: May 08, 2009, 08:54:17 PM » |
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You Sir are a wise man!  Steve |
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Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resembalance to the first. - Ronald Reagan
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bugleman
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« Reply #12 on: May 09, 2009, 11:53:03 PM » |
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Bees don't like OSB. It is toxic. I used some OSB for emergency lids and they propolysed the entire area exposed to them. Additionally, too much airing out OSB makes my head spin.
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alfred
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« Reply #13 on: May 10, 2009, 08:58:16 AM » |
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Made 8 meduims yesterday out of #3 pine. Turned out ok. I think I spent $30 on the boards. Probably could have gotten 9 out of it if I hadn't messed up a couple of cuts, also the #3 grade had a few rough spots that I couldn't use. Need a few more but I am also thinking about frames.
Alfred
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bee-nuts
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« Reply #14 on: May 10, 2009, 05:06:02 PM » |
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I was a roofing contractor for about ten years. OSB will hold up better than plywood when rained on any day of the week. A new roof with plywood can warp easily if rained on in one day and ply's may separate. I have seen more than one roof on a home being built that had OSB on it come through winter unprotected (due to builders losing credit of funding from bank) still flat and un-warped after all the snow ice and rain. Unbelievable but true. That said I would not advise using for bee supers but have seen nucs maid of them and see no reason not to use osb for that. I would make sure I painted all sides and put smooth side in to prevent propolis buildup. Yes it will absorb moisture over time if not protected and is full of chemicals (glue) so paint well.
Just thought Id share what I know. Beek on, Beek's
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The moment a person forms a theory, his imagination sees in every object only the traits which favor that theory
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fermentedhiker
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« Reply #15 on: May 10, 2009, 09:16:55 PM » |
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Just something to keep in mind. Not all OSB is created equal. It has an exposure rating. An exposure rating of 1(i thnk) indicates that it can survive unprotected for a period of time. Interior grade OSB will not and will start to swell and flake almost immediately. That said there are several grades of plywood that can stand a good bit of moisture as well. The most indestructible stuff I have seen is Advantec brand subflooring(not their regular siding/roofing OSB). Doesn't take a degree to realize that the more weather resistant it is the more glue it is impregnated with, not too mention they are really heavy when compared to the usual pine or cypress hive body.
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asprince
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« Reply #16 on: May 10, 2009, 09:56:04 PM » |
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I use scrap Advantec to make bottom boards and hive tops. The tops do not blow off in the wind!
Steve
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Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resembalance to the first. - Ronald Reagan
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Need2BEE
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« Reply #17 on: May 25, 2009, 12:07:12 AM » |
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What about using Cedar fence boards? I have a couple dozen of them ...Will the bees not like the smell of cedar.
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alfred
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« Reply #18 on: May 25, 2009, 08:23:43 AM » |
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I've never looked at the old fence boards I have around. Of course if you buy them new they cost more than the pine I am now using. I'm not sure of the dimensions of the boards, I'll have to look might be a great idea.
I did use that piece of osb to make tops and bottom boards seem to work great. Although I have been doing ssb's untill now these bottom boards will do fine untill I can make more of those and the tops I made are perfect with the stuff.
Alfred
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Michael Bush
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« Reply #19 on: May 25, 2009, 10:39:38 AM » |
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I've used it when I could get scrap for free. It does not age well.
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