Plans for a native bee hive

[Andrew Cumberland]

I'm attaching a simple set of photos with measurements for anyone who wants to build their own hives.   This is just how I build a standard OATH hive.  

I HAVE LEARNED AT MY PERIL - NEVER, EVER BUILD IN PINE - NEITHER TREATED OR UNTREATED. THEY ROT AND WILL DOOM YOUR BEES.  HARDWOOD/CRYPRUS ONLY.  

[Valerie]

Looks really good. Rhys is looking forward to building his next set

[Andrew Cumberland]

Okay - I changed the plan.  I used to put a bottom on the honey super.  It worked for me because I didn't harvest the honey.  I have now moved it to the middle box.  The middle box has both a bottom and a top now. Updated the text in the pic to reflect that. 

 

[Andrew Cumberland]

Think of this as my Christmas present.  I found Bunnings at Warner stocked hardwood that is the perfect size for hive making (90 x 35).  At $13 a square metre is looks pretty good.  I bought 3 metres worth. Larger Bunnings stores should have it.  

[Christa]

Andy, Standard Oath measurements are 200mm X 280mm external measurement with the thickness around 30-45mm depending on what is available.   That's a good way to purchase the hardwood, they don't carry it at all times.  Good luck with your Hive making.

[Andrew Cumberland]

Christa - the front and back are 200.  The sides are also 280 made up of 210 + 35 front thick and 35 back thick.  Thickness is 35.  This is a standard Oath.. mate... oath mate. Fair dinkum and all.  

Oh, if my little circular saw won't cut the hardwood, I might need to give Ian and you a desperate phone call. 

[Christa]

You're right, as long as outside dimensions are 200 X 280.  Some people do different corners and have slightly larger bases.  We are going to stick to log hives if possible.  

[Andrew Cumberland]

The only bee hive I ever bought was from a professional - and it was the wrong bloody size!!!  Couldn't bee-leave it. 

[Andrew Cumberland]

Only the paint to go.  I have enough wood to make 3 more complete hives.  All my hives will move to this format.  Note the overhang on the floor and roof.  

[Christa]

Hope this one works for you Andrew, certainly will look good painted. Will you tape the joins?. Good luck for the next Bee Year.

[Andrew Cumberland]

Will tape the joins for sure Christa.  Siliconed everything that doesn't need to be seperated and will tape all the rest.