MillerThousand AnswersBeekeepingQuestions.pdf - BioBees

THOUSAND ANSWERS 105A. Your plan will work all right. But you don't need to haveany kerf in the bottom-bar, and then you won't need to have it asthick as the top-bar. Indeed, if you wax the foundation, top andbottom, you will not need kerfs either place. I have some frameswithout the split bottom-bar, and it works all right. You may sayyou want the kerf to hold the splint. I never yet put a splint ina kerf, and see no need of it. Of course, the top-bar must bethick, kerf or no kerf.Q. What is your opinion of the use of the Miller or "'metalspaced"frame with top-bars seven-eighths inch square for anylocation, either comb or extracted honey, the idea being that thecombs could be trimmed to the proper thickness with the narrowbar, while the knife would not work against the metal or nails,and at the same time the frame might be used for producing combhoney?A. It might work satisfactorily; but only after trial could onebe sure about it. How much the metal spacers would be in theway of an uncapping-knife would depend upon their construction.If there is metal at each end on each side, there would be trouble.As you know, I use common nails as spacers. These are only onone end on each side of the frame, and by starti'ng the knife atthe end where the spacers are, there ought to be little danger ofstriking the knife on the metal. I have seen in foreign bee-papersmention of metal spacers that were removable, being taken oflEfor extracting, and then put on again upon returning to the hive.Q. How thick should the follower be in order to hold theframes solidly together?A. Strictly speaking, the frames are never held solidly together.They are crowded closely together against one side, butthere is left a loose space at the other side between the dummyand the side of the hive. No possible harm can come from thisexcept that it allows a little movement when hives are hauledover very rough roads, but I have never had any trouble in thatway. The dummy is five-sixteenths of an inch thick.Q. How wide were the top-bars of the unspaced frame formerlyin use by you?A. Seven-eighths of an inch.Q. Did you find disadvantages in the unspaced frame otherthan those mentioned in your book?A. Yes, there was at least one other. As the frames hung entirelyfree, in time there was a little warping of some of the topbars.Every slight twist of the top-bar would allow quite a bit of