Inner Cover...Needed?

[Shizzell]

Hi,
Currently I'm planning on splitting today, and I'm short one inner cover. And I don't want to pay another 10 dollars for shipping to get another one. Plus, one of my cousins, a commercial keeper doesn't even use any inner covers on any of her hives. So, my question is, why even use one? I have heard bunches of things, however they all seem sort of sceptical:
- Providing Ventilation
- Enabling them to move over the top of the frames, instead of going around the bottom

Should I even use one?

Thanks

[TwT]

the main reason for intercovers is to stop the bee's from putting bur comb to the top (outer cover) so it is easier for you to remove, a lot of people are going without intercovers now days because of SHB's, I live in Ga. and have had any trouble with SHB's in 4 years, you can go without one but if you wait more than a few weeks to open the hive then you might pull frames with the top when you remove it. 

[bluegrass]

I don't use them except for setting jar feeders on because I being able to fill the feeders without opening the hive., If you are worried about getting the cover off you can use a peice of burlap or somthing until you can get one.

[Dane Bramage]

Which side down on inner covers?  Flat or opposite (beveled)?  My bees are starting to build a bit of comb above and below the vent hole.

[TwT]

Which side down on inner covers?  Flat or opposite (beveled)?  My bees are starting to build a bit of comb above and below the vent hole.

the fat side up, they will always build bur comb on the intercover but it isn't that hard to clean, when you put it this way you can cut the ribbing of the intercover for a top vent or entrance, then just get a piece of wood to prop the outercover up.