Fabulous place ... glad to bee here!

[ScottAz]

First (intro) post:

I thought I would post a short note to say hello (from SE Wisconsin). I have been learning to navigate the site and I’ve seen a wealth of great ideas … as well as constant loads of encouragement for beginners and an outright passion for beekeeping. Thanks!

In fact, I have just this afternoon received my first shipment of “woodware” and other gear. After reading all of the available books at our local library (and “The Beekeeper’s Handbook” currently), I went with ALL 8-frame medium supers so that they can be fully interchangeable and not so heavy when full of brood or honey. I have screened bottom boards and the usual “telescoping” covers. I need to nail/glue each unit into its proper form and paint them (if I really need to paint – mixed signals depending on the source) but I have plenty of time until I actually pick up my bees … next April! So, I will (eventually) have two hives on seven acres with room to grow as I learn.

Meanwhile, I have joined the Racine/Kenosha Beekeeper’s Association and very much enjoyed my first meeting. I am also trying to figure out if there are any local regulations (and/or inspection requirements) as well as speculating as to the merits of latex paint over exterior stain & polyurethane.

Anyway, enough said. Hate to ramble on, but I am certainly excited to be here and I look forward to learning a great deal from everyone!

Scott

[AllenF]

Welcome to the forum and with painting your hives, it don't matter.   Most use latex paint.    Look for anything cheap.   Free paint is better.   Stain is nice also.   Some don't coat their boxes  at all. 

[JP]

Sounds like you are off to a great start Scott!

As for painting, staining or sealing your boxes you will have them last longer if you do. If you are using cypress its a much more forgiving wood in regards to weather. I have some old pine boxes that are holding up ok but they need lots of paint to make it through more than three seasons.

Top covers and bottom boards take the most abuse from weather. Telescoping should hold up much longer. Be certain your bottom boards are painted or sealed very well if they are pine. I've had some pine bottom boards that were painted with three coats of exterior latex with mildecide not hold up past two seasons.


...JP

[Picobrew]

Welcome, from Wisconsin's North Coast.

[ScottAz]

Wow! Thank you for all of your (speedy) replies. I am going to have to spend a lot of time here, getting to know everyone and getting up to speed on al I need to know! Thanks for all of your advice (much appreciated) and for simply taking the time to say hello!

Scott

[SerenaSYH]

Hi, and welcome to the forum!