Top Bar Hive "Frames"

[bigbearomaha]

After watching "outofaclearbluesky"'s videos on YouTube,  I saw his effort at making a top bar frame using dowel rods.

That got me to thinking about trying my hand at a top bar frame.  As I was looking over a couple follower boards  I cut out, I got the idea to draw a line 3/4" all the way around from the outside edge and cut out the center of the board from that line.  This left me with a frame that fit pretty much exactly into the hive with a 3/4" thickness all around.   I attached these to some top bars and hope to get some use from them in the spring.  I made about ten of these so far.

I'll post again then to say if they work out or not.

Big Bear

[luvin honey]

Sounds like a great idea! There were a few times this past season that would have really come in handy. I'll be looking forward to hearing how they work. Could you post a picture sometime?

[bigbearomaha]

sure, soon as I get a camera.  ( I have one somewhere, now to find it)

Big Bear

[Michael Bush]

Could you post a link to the video?  Pictures?  I'm trying to picture making top bars out of dowels...

[bigbearomaha]

top bar frames

[Michael Bush]

Those look pretty nice.

[topbarslo]

Too much work....

[Michael Bush]

I don't think they are too much work for a cutout.  But I wouldn't build them for just regular bars in a hive.

[bigbearomaha]

no, me either.  I only made ten of the solid board cutouts figuring that should be a 'starter' pack.  I can make some as I need them but you are right, these a are not something you go nuts and make dozens of just because.

Big Bear

[RyanB]

I also saw that and made up frames for cutouts.  I am not sure if I can post links here yet though. I put up a post about this on another forum.