I used to make these and used fine mesh hardware cloth instead of screen for strength and longevity. But if using screen, I would think the aluminum would work better and last longer than plastic. They work great and better than those obsolete squeeze through metal things! Your idea of more space underneath is excellent.
Yes. I found the bees can get their heads through the common #8 hardware cloth. If they do, they get stuck and die. I believe the extra depth helps mitigate this problem. Using the aluminum screen eliminates this issue but as you stated, it's not as robust as the galvanized hardware cloth so appropriate care must be taken. I've never used plastic screen.
Have you tried the 'vortex' design? I was going to make some of the 'vortex,' (but the square design), it's just that YOUR bee escape is SO much simpler!
Thanks - I think I can replicate these based on your video. I guess the height there isn't critical as the escape board is only on there for a very short time and they aren't going to attach it to the frames with comb overnight. Did you glue the panel into the dado or is it free-floating?
I glue everything but it's not necessary. If I were to build these again, and I will be building another round, I would make the bottom space even greater to give the bees more room to cluster under the escape board. I would think at least 2" below the escape would be reasonable. They do build some comb but you're right, the escapes are not on long enough to cause too much trouble that way.
Quick question, is there any chance you priced out what it cost you in materials to make these? I’m just wondering how it compares to buying them. I know you’re a very handy woodworker and I’m sure you enjoy making them yourself. Just curious, thank you Brad!
That's a good question, and I do know roughly what my input costs are. You've touched on the two main reasons that I build equipment like this and also why I do not build boxes. The plywood is easy to calculate and you can calculate the lumber down to a "board feet" figure and cost it from there. Add in window screen, staples and glue and that's a pretty accurate number to go by. I never build boxes because there's no economy in it and I really hate building boxes.
@@ThatBeeMan thank you for letting me know. I’m thinking eventually I might try my hand at making some of the equipment, but boxes is not one of those things either. I have a couple 8 frame escape boards so I’ll have to do some measuring. Right now the cost of wood is crazy so we’ll see.
@@sunsetheritage Yes, the cost of wood is crazy! I have not purchased any wood since the prices went up. Fortunately, last winter I calculated my requirements incorrectly and ended up with a surplus of six sheets of very nice 3/4" plywood. I felt silly at the time but I'm feeling thankful now.
I used to make these and used fine mesh hardware cloth instead of screen for strength and longevity. But if using screen, I would think the aluminum would work better and last longer than plastic. They work great and better than those obsolete squeeze through metal things! Your idea of more space underneath is excellent.
Yes. I found the bees can get their heads through the common #8 hardware cloth. If they do, they get stuck and die. I believe the extra depth helps mitigate this problem. Using the aluminum screen eliminates this issue but as you stated, it's not as robust as the galvanized hardware cloth so appropriate care must be taken. I've never used plastic screen.
Good handyman, good job.
Have you tried the 'vortex' design? I was going to make some of the 'vortex,' (but the square design), it's just that YOUR bee escape is SO much simpler!
I've never heard of that. The triangle is not my design, I simply copied one I bought at bee supply. Thanks for watching!
Nicely done!
Thanks - I think I can replicate these based on your video.
I guess the height there isn't critical as the escape board is only on there for a very short time and they aren't going to attach it to the frames with comb overnight.
Did you glue the panel into the dado or is it free-floating?
I glue everything but it's not necessary. If I were to build these again, and I will be building another round, I would make the bottom space even greater to give the bees more room to cluster under the escape board. I would think at least 2" below the escape would be reasonable.
They do build some comb but you're right, the escapes are not on long enough to cause too much trouble that way.
@@ThatBeeMan thank you for the info!
Quick question, is there any chance you priced out what it cost you in materials to make these? I’m just wondering how it compares to buying them. I know you’re a very handy woodworker and I’m sure you enjoy making them yourself. Just curious, thank you Brad!
That's a good question, and I do know roughly what my input costs are. You've touched on the two main reasons that I build equipment like this and also why I do not build boxes.
The plywood is easy to calculate and you can calculate the lumber down to a "board feet" figure and cost it from there. Add in window screen, staples and glue and that's a pretty accurate number to go by.
I never build boxes because there's no economy in it and I really hate building boxes.
@@ThatBeeMan thank you for letting me know. I’m thinking eventually I might try my hand at making some of the equipment, but boxes is not one of those things either. I have a couple 8 frame escape boards so I’ll have to do some measuring. Right now the cost of wood is crazy so we’ll see.
@@sunsetheritage Yes, the cost of wood is crazy! I have not purchased any wood since the prices went up. Fortunately, last winter I calculated my requirements incorrectly and ended up with a surplus of six sheets of very nice 3/4" plywood. I felt silly at the time but I'm feeling thankful now.
@@ThatBeeMan funny how God provides for us in the strangest ways 😉
@@sunsetheritage He does just that, and so regularly. Our challenge is recognizing it.
Inscrito, Tmj 👏🤝