12/31/2023 0 Comments Topbar bee hives![]() There are lots of ways to do this and I have given an example of four in the picture below: 1) My preferred method, and the one championed by Phil Chandler (of Biobees fame) is using a wooden strip either a half round or triangle. This is tells the bees where they should be building their comb otherwise they will build it across the top bars sticking them together and making it impossible for you to get them apart and get at the honey. When making top bars it is important to include a comb guide of some kind. ![]() Top bars are the de facto top of the hive. ![]() Raw linseed oil and beeswax for weatherproofing. Sundries: Wood screws, nails, waterproof wood glue, M8 nuts and bolts for leg attachment. 25mm x 50mm (1” x 2”) is acceptable depending in preference and local weather conditions. I recommend making this on the hive so the lengths are based on what is required for a snug fit. A board 890mm x 280mm (35” x 11”) will make three follower boards. winter floor: 1220mm x 180mm x 25mm – 48” x 7” x 1” Follower boards: 3X ply wood or wooden board attached to top bar. The “ecofloor” which is growing in popularity also does not require the mesh). (Although a mesh is recommended some prefer just using a solid floor in which case ignore. Alternatively aluminium (aluminum J) craft mesh can work well at a lower cost, though it is less badger resistant. Stainless steel options are available from custom wire mesh suppliers specifically for top bars hives at around £25 for 5 (~$42) already cut to size. top bars: 430mm x 38mm x 25mm – 17” x 1 ½” x 1” mesh floor: Mesh with gaps of ~2 mm (8 holes per linear inch). legs (if wanted): 4X 100mm x 50mm – 4” x 2” at a length comfortable to you. ends: wooden planks or boards or 25mm thick (1”), 300mm wide (~12”, formed as above), 450mm long (~17 ¾“). Build list: sides: wooden planks or boards or 25mm thick (1”), 300mm wide (~12”) which can be formed from 2X 150mm or 3 X300mm and 1220mm long (48”), 915mm(36”) is an option but if you are in any way successful you will wish you had built a bigger one. This is a basic guide with a few suggestions of “upgrades” and really is a woodworking project of the simplest kind. These instructions are based on the Kenyan top bar hive popularised by Phil Chandler of Biobees. For those wishing to hear a little more about more reasons for using this sort of hive then please take a look at my earlier article “ Are bees for me?” as I would like to keep this simple and just about the building. This is simple guide for whomever wishes to keep bees for the sheer joy of it without spending the earth on vast amounts of equipment.
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