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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
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.
More Information
Presentations
- Hive Frame assembly jig (YouTube video), by Roger's Shop.
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