Favorite Modification?

What have you done differently and what is your favorite mod? I did a few things differently. When I made my boxes I used 2 x 10 inch wood. So the boxes are slightly taller than the standard Warre. I didn't see a huge deal about increasing the height as the real important part is the length and width.

Another mod I mad was sumps. I have 3 full sumps. I also have about 4 floors with a box that can be placed on the floor to act as a sump. The biggest thing I like about the sump is the ability to feed if needed without bothering the bees. Varroa counts can also be done.

I made some slatted racks, but not sure if I will use them or not quite yet.

I am also toying with half frames. Right now I have a mix of half frames and top bars. I messed up the side bars on my half frames so that the side bars don't have a bee space between the bar and the hive wall. So we'll see how that goes.

I would say that my favorite modification thus far is the sump. You barely notice the box size difference (although the 2x wood is heavy). I haven't used any half frames or slatted racks yet. So I have gotten the most use out of the sump. It also allows me to take a picture with my phone to see if I need to add a box or not as I don't have windows.

This first year I am following the plans pretty closely but next year I may try some new things. It sounds like you are really having fun!

Sometimes it seems like tinkering out in the garage can be just as fun as beekeeping!!

Bush_84 wrote:

>I made some slatted racks, but not sure if I will use them or not quite yet.

Are these, aka, Vertical/Slat TBs/TopBars?

>I am also toying with half frames. Right now I have a mix of half frames and top bars. I messed up the side bars on my half frames so that the side bars don't have a bee space between the bar and the hive wall.

With a full frame in a Lang, beespace may be wise.
In a Warré with partial frames, I feel you are better off not having said beespace.
BillSF9c

[quote="Bush_84"]
Another mod I made was sumps. I have 3 full sumps. I also have about 4 floors with a box that can be placed on the floor to act as a sump.

What dimensions are the sumps? Are they just short boxes?

[quote="pmsharman"]

Bush_84 wrote:

Another mod I made was sumps. I have 3 full sumps. I also have about 4 floors with a box that can be placed on the floor to act as a sump.

What dimensions are the sumps? Are they just short boxes?

Mine are 1/2 boxes. You can easily make them a full box if you'd like. There are plenty that use a full box. I would make sure you have a way to remove that back however.

Bush_84 wrote:

Sometimes it seems like tinkering out in the garage can be just as
fun as beekeeping!!

- - - I quite agree. - - -
-Presently I am working on designs for the corner joinery.
-Also in my mind is a better window design.
-I've long been a fan of vertical or so-called, slat TBs/topbars. I've elected to use
large paint stir sticks for the time being. I haven't determined the rebate design however. It's hard to design something that is complex to be easy and simple, LOL!
But therein lies the challenge. ;>)
-Also under consideration is using the grain, vertically.
-And for the topmost tier, a "dome" box with non-horizontal TBs, that the bees will keep.

BillSF9c