Frames
Overview
Langstroth Frame
In a Langstroth hive, the removable frame is used to hold the foundation which the bees expand to become storage areas. There are a number of variations:
- Those used to hold wired wax foundation. These typically have horizontal wires which are heated to fuse the wires in the foundation to the frame. The horizontal wires work with the vertical ones (in the foundation) to enable less damage to the comb during the extraction.
- Those used to hold cut comb wax foundation. These do not have any wires.
- Those used to hold plastic foundation.
- Plastic frames with built in foundation (e.g., the drone cell frames)
- Those which are not used with any foundation. These typically have a bulge in the frame's top bar as a base for the bees to build their comb, pulling it down towards the bottom of the frame.
Notes on Making One
This is still under construction
Be sure to glue the pieces together with all-weather glue (e.g., TiteBond III) in addition to the staples and/or nails.
When assembling frames, build a jig which allows for the assembly of many frames. The YouTube video noted below from Roger's Shop shows the process with such a jig.
The instructions are in these documents
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Wax-Coated Plastic Foundation
Frame parts for
wax-coated
plastic
foundation
The top and bottom bars for frames used for wax-coated plastic foundation look like the picture to the right (when used from the end).
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No Foundation
Frame parts for
no foundation
The top bars for frames used with no foundation look like the picture to the right (when used from the end).
More Information
Presentations
- Hive Frame assembly jig (YouTube video), by Roger's Shop.
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Disclaimer: eMail comments to me at BeekeepingBoK @ Gmail.com. The process of beekeeping can cause injury or be a health hazard unless proper precautions are taken, including the wearing of appropriate protective equipment. |