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What's everyone building this winter?

17K views 59 replies 27 participants last post by  Gypsi 
#1 ·
Since it will be too cold to work bees for many of us real soon attention turns to the shop. What are you all planning on building this winter?

I'm building more med supers which I also use for hive bodies. Thinking right now somewhere around 100, buying frames and making sure foundation is installed and ready to go so I don't have to install foundation before supering hives or catching swarms. Bottom boards nd migratory tops are also on the list, probably 10-15 of each. Also going to build more nuc boxes and/or creative ways to get two colonies in hive bodies and stack 2-3 high.
 
#2 ·
Going to build more deep hive bodies, i'm going back to two deeps for brood boxes, it just seems to work better for me.one of our club members makes frames for $1.00ea. and they are glued and stapled ready to go:thumbsup:,all i have to do is put foundation in them,don't think i could save much by making them my self for that? Also going to make more migratory lids and both solid and screened bottom boards, and top feeders.For the past several years i have built more deeps and med. boxes thinking i'll not use all of them? and end up having to make more or going through and reusing old equipment that i was going to burn.:roll: Jack
 
#4 ·
I am building more hives trying to get some put back for the spring sales.
But it seems as fast as I build one it's sold.
But I need to build Deeps, Mediums and a few shallow boxes.
I need more 7 frame hives for the trap-outs.
I need more single deep box hives for swarms next season.
I am right now building a no drown miller type feeder.
It seems to be doing great, no drowned bees yet.
I've got to get my foundations ordered before cold weather.
They won't ship in cold weather.
Got to build another timing box for queen rearing.
oh yes and a lot of folks are wanting those Queen introduction frames that sit in a hive like a frame.
I've got orders for 16 hives in March, screened bottom board, 2 deeps, 2 mediums, vented innercover, and telescoping top covered with aluminum.
Other than that I don't have much going on.:|
 
#6 ·
That's a good one Andy, I use my vac often. Nice to have when you need it. I am building some bottom boards and covers. May try building migratory lids like Jpthebeeman uses. I need to ask him how he constructs them in keeping the rain off of them. Possibly building a few deeps for honey supers. I am still sprite enough to lift them. I am sure the list will grow.
 
#7 ·
I'm rebuilding a 1949 BSA M20 this winter, and maybe a 1953 BSA Bantam - but that's probably not actually what you were looking for :wink:
 
#8 ·
Working on an apple scratter as we type (apple grinder to go with my apple press). I have two Morris chairs that have been kicking around my shop for a couple of years and then…More deeps. I built 8 with a center divider last year I was going to overwinter my nucs in this year and have run out of deeps before nuc season. Every nucs in my swarm traps and plywood queen castles. I Have never used even half of my supers but yet it seems that I build more every year.
Somebody post pictures of the feeder? I just do the 6 qt container with some plywood and window screen floating on them.
 
#9 ·
I'm rebuilding a 1949 BSA M20 this winter, and maybe a 1953 BSA Bantam - but that's probably not actually what you were looking for :wink:
Finally someone on the forum that is not obsessed with bees! Whats wrong with you Chris?
Iddee Will be working on his tractors. Although he hasn't posted anything on them for a while, Must still be busy with his bees.
 
#12 ·
I think I'll have to go to work finding nice jokes for "The lighter side" threads. As the outside work "goes to sleep" this thread gets really active and keeps us smiling through those depressing winter doldrums. :lol::rolling::rotfl:
 
#13 ·
I think I'll have to go to work finding nice jokes for "The lighter side" threads. As the outside work "goes to sleep" this thread gets really active and keeps us smiling through those depressing winter doldrums. :lol::rolling::rotfl:
Have to get some of the members south of the equator posting and sharing photos of their spring and summer beekeeping. (Don't be shy all contributions will be deeply appreciated.)
And get Zookeeper back as his beekeeping year starts in December. Where is Zoo He has been MIA for too long. I enjoyed his posts, Picts, and his custom names for the lines of bees.
 
#17 ·
With your success at bringing home the added bees, you certainly want to be ready for "everything they will have to offer" as the next season wakes up. You are going to be busy all year round. Wow!
 
#18 ·
I'm going to be building medium boxes and frames myself. And semi-related, I'm going to be building raised beds for a large backyard garden, and a greenhouse, all in the same backyard as my ladies.

One thing I'll mention, though you may not have had this issue, I've had hives that absolutely *hated* foundation that wasn't fresh. No matter when I put those frames in, if it were older foundation on a super or a deep frame, they wouldnt' go near it. Once I swapped out for a fresh foundation, they were all over it. So, I don't foundation until early spring each year (though I'm transitioning to foundationless. But even in that case, the bead of wax I put at the tops for guides, I wait to do until about a day before I'm installing those frames.)
 
#24 ·
To Perry and any others planning to build out buildings,no matter how big your honey house (or storeage building) is, IT'S NOT BIG ENOUGH.:roll: We bought two John Deer riding lawn mowers (in case one broke down the wife had another one):thumbsup:,we was keeping them in the barn, but we had a 25 ft. by 30 ft. building built behind the house( last year) for them and and other equipment. It's full already:shock:, i'm going to build a work bench and shelves in it this winter along the north wall and probably the south wall for my come in handy items and other junk.One of my brothers say's if he has something laying around he hasn't used it for a year, he either gives it away or sells it.:???: I ask him who would want him.:lol: Jack
PS. he didn't think that was funny.:lol:
 
#25 ·
I know what you are saying Jack, I haven't even come close to finishing my honey shack and I already know I could use one 3 times the size. :shock:
I may do that on the property we picked up, but that will have to wait till I make my fortune selling honey and stuff from the new one that's not finished yet. :roll: :lol:
 
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