The Honey Factory

[Sally PB]

See if they will draw deeper comb to store more honey. I figure it's worth a shot from what I've seen and read.

What if they make cross comb? We had an issue with that with 8 frames in an 8 frame box.

 

[5Australorpasaures]

What if they make cross comb? We had an issue with that with 8 frames in an 8 frame box.

Possibility. I think the risk would be there more if I wasn't using drawn comb. They do bridge from frame to frame now, only on the wood though. Gambling, not counting, on them concentrating more on packing in the stores for winter in the heat of the fall flow. The ol' I won't know until I try.

 

[R2elk]

Are you going with the 9 frame system in a 10 frame box. We're going to try this on our hives. See if they will draw deeper comb to store more honey. I figure it's worth a shot from what I've seen and read. Frees up 6 medium frames for a head start for the fall flow.

You will not believe how much more honey they will put in 9 frames than they put in 10 frames.

Another advantage is that the cells are higher than the frame and in my opinion they are easier to decap.

 

[R2elk]

What if they make cross comb? We had an issue with that with 8 frames in an 8 frame box.

The problem with the 8 frame hives is that the super is a little too wide for 8 frames with undrawn comb. Looks like they were designed to hold 8 frames with already drawn comb.

You cannot get away with 9 frames with undrawn comb in a 10 frame hive. Anytime you violate the "bee space" whether too narrow or too wide, you will have problems.

Some people will take the frames from a 9 frame in a 10 frame super and then space them to fit 8 in a 10 frame super.

9 frames in a 10 frame super works really well for me so I don't try to work it down to 8.

 

[WallyG74]

I’m doing 9 frames this year. I think there was talk of it on here last year? But definitely a lot of the You Tubers use this method for honey supers. This reason plus I bought a ton of used equipment that already had 9 frame metal spacers nailed into several of the boxes. I think this year is going to be great. I’m slowly getting my drawn comb built up but have a loooong way to go.

 

[5Australorpasaures]

You will not believe how much more honey they will put in 9 frames than they put in 10 frames.

Another advantage is that the cells are higher than the frame and in my opinion they are easier to decap.

Exactly

 

[jerryse]

Exactly

I started 9 frame spacing this year to make uncapping easier.

 

[Apis mellifera]

What if they make cross comb? We had an issue with that with 8 frames in an 8 frame box.

What kind of foundation did you use?

 

[Sally PB]

What kind of foundation did you use?

Plastic foundation.

I recently bought (3) 8-frame deep boxes. I found that 9 frames will fit. Should I put in a 9th frame?

We started with used equipment, and they guy had built the boxes. They are about 1/4" narrower than boxes purchased from Mann Lake or Dadant. The hive opening on the homemade boxes is also a little short, top to bottom. An entrance feeder will not fit.

 

[Apis mellifera]

Plastic foundation.

I recently bought (3) 8-frame deep boxes. I found that 9 frames will fit. Should I put in a 9th frame?

I would stick with the 8 frames. Push them together, centered in the box. I always get heavy waxed foundation or add extra wax to it. It stops the cross combing.

An entrance feeder will not fit.

Thats okay, you can always use mason jar feeders over the inner cover hole. I think they are easier to use and swap out and you won't get robbing. I can post a photo of the jar feeders if you want.