Wood working / honey bees question?

[nao57]

So when I watch videos on Youtube about honey bees, people are always using deeps, supers, etc made with the interlocking finger joints at the corners.

I wanted to figure out how much stronger this will make the box compared to just using screws?

What do you think? Is it much of a difference?

I don't have a table saw, but its too expensive to buy boxes instead of making them yourself. I have a normal saw, so I could make the same boxes without the interlocking finger joint design. But I'm wondering how much structural integrity you lose?

But on the other hand, I suppose it is possible to make up for that by doubling the number of screws joining the angles of the box together. I think this could work to overcome that, right? (What do you think about this also?) I think I could basically make up for not having all the tools by more attention and elbow grease into the design with screws.

 

[MarkJr]

Simple box joints work fine. They aren’t as durable, but with proper gluing and fastening they’ll give plenty of useful life.

I have simple box joints on a few supers that are 7-8 years old. They’ve been tightened up a couple times, and should realistically be good for 2-3 more years.

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

The reason it's done with the interlocking is because the frames full of wax and honey are very extremely heavy. I don't think your way will work, but if you do try it let us know how it works out for you.

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

Simple box joints work fine. They aren’t as durable, but with proper gluing and fastening they’ll give plenty of useful life.

I have simple box joints on a few supers that are 7-8 years old. They’ve been tightened up a couple times, and should realistically be good for 2-3 more years.

Well that's pretty interesting. At least we know it can work. Hopefully @nao57 you will be able to save some money!

 

[nao57]

Simple box joints work fine. They aren’t as durable, but with proper gluing and fastening they’ll give plenty of useful life.

I have simple box joints on a few supers that are 7-8 years old. They’ve been tightened up a couple times, and should realistically be good for 2-3 more years.

Do you have any guesses on the difference of life in terms of years, between simple joint and the interlocking joints?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[nao57]

Simple box joints work fine. They aren’t as durable, but with proper gluing and fastening they’ll give plenty of useful life.

I have simple box joints on a few supers that are 7-8 years old. They’ve been tightened up a couple times, and should realistically be good for 2-3 more years.

Also, can you tell us what kind of hive setups you like to do?

 

[MarkJr]

Some of my wooden ware was given to me by my mentor. He built them in early 2000’s. Probably going to retire them next spring. Aren’t fitting tight to super above and below anymore.

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

Have you looked into top bar hives too?

 

[MarkJr]

Also, can you tell us what kind of hive setups you like to do?

I run 2 warre garden hives, 14 std ten frame langstroth deep brood chamber colonies, and 4 eight frame medium Lang colonies. 1 four foot long top bar hive that even treatment free I cannot catch it empty so I can throw it out.

 

[nao57]

I run 2 warre garden hives, 14 std ten frame langstroth deep brood chamber colonies, and 4 eight frame medium Lang colonies. 1 four foot long top bar hive that even treatment free I cannot catch it empty so I can throw it out.

Wow. You must have an interesting perspective then, since you've tried all of the different types.

Its curious to hear what you might say about what you like.