First it should be large enough for your bees.
Simple top bar hive plans.
Use shims of various widths for the other end of the hive to make a tight seal.
Mar 22 2015 beehive design plans special projects uncategorized woodworking here s a how to video on building a new top bar beehive using thermally treated poplar.
Since each top bar accounts for only half of the bee space required between combs a spacer should be placed between the first bar and the side of the hive.
A very good idea.
Lastly the top bar should be 32 to 33 mm or 1 1 4 inch wide.
Second it should be small enough for you to lift and move if necessary.
The top bar hive could be constructed with materials that were readily available.
A ventilated roof on your hive.
You can also print the complete design plans and parts list which is posted below to build your own hive.
There are only three critical measurements for your top bar hive.
New beekeepers did not have to find and purchase special items.
This hive style was developed in kenya.
Place a strip of bee foundation inside each of the top bar grooves.
With a top bar hive the combs can become very soft and fragile if the hive is overheating.
The top bars are then added into the hive and a top wooden cover is placed on top.
Warre hives are the middle ground between langstroth and top bar.
A small nail tapped into the top bar prevents the side panel from slipping off.
38 langstroth top bar and warre hive plans 1.
The spacer should be 3 16 to 1 4 wide and 19 long.
Whether it is a cathedral hive or a regular top bar hive proper ventilation from a roof is needed.
Using wood glue or melted beeswax for a nontoxic option fasten the foundation into the grooves.
The first item which is required as the name suggests is the 55 gallon barrel or drums which is going to be the foundation.
Now let s begin with the first beehive plans.
Top bar hives are perfect for small scale beekeeping or hobbyist who doesn t want to lift more than 40lbs.
The follower boards represent the inside and now you are about to add the outer skin.
The hive is built upside down and inside out.
The colorado top bar beehive.
A mesh screen is added to the bottom of the hive to allow debris to fall out of the hive.
With timbers the frame of the beehive should be made and then the roof and top frame.
The bees will build their comb onto this foundation which will hang down into the body of the hive.
If you want to build the most simple beehive possible most beekeepers would tell you to choose a top bar hive.
This is a top bar barrel bee hive plan which is very simple to make.
3 feet high is the recommended height for a top bar hive.
