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Re: What are you currently making in the shed/garage/kitchen/patio/living room that's bee related

PostPosted:17 Aug 2019, 16:49
by Chrisbarlow
Has any one made their own Ashford feeders, if so, what have you done to seal the wood

Re: What are you currently making in the shed/garage/kitchen/patio/living room that's bee related

PostPosted:17 Aug 2019, 17:02
by Patrick
I sealed the joints with bathroom silicone sealant and painted the insides with primer then gloss.

I think exterior varnish would be better though. It worked ok but I have to say I think the plastic tray “English” feeders are actually a better feeding option. Any unsourced leaking joints / knotholes/ loose srcrewholes/ in a wood version and at best you start an external robbing frenzy and at worse leaking internally over the cluster and night, night colony. You may guess here I am not a natural cabinet maker.

Big advantage of making your own however is that you can design to whatever capacity suits you (Sir), simply on the basis of higher sides.

Re: What are you currently making in the shed/garage/kitchen/patio/living room that's bee related

PostPosted:17 Aug 2019, 17:59
by Chrisbarlow
Patrick wrote:
17 Aug 2019, 17:02
Big advantage of making your own however is that you can design to whatever capacity suits you (Sir), simply on the basis of higher sides.
Thank you Patrick, this is one of the reasons I want to make my own, so I can dictate size.

For sealing the joints I will use egger d4 joint and joists wood glue. It expands and I have used it before and it's an excellent wood glue. I believe it will be superior to sealant, however I am yet to prove that statement.

I was just wondering about sealing the interior wooden surface. I was thinking possibly a wood oil. I would love to fry one but don't have a big enough steal box.

Re: What are you currently making in the shed/garage/kitchen/patio/living room that's bee related

PostPosted:31 Aug 2019, 17:41
by Chrisbarlow
Making up syrup, started using thymol this year. So stuck some of that in. I make it up in 5gallon buckets using a drill and paddle

Re: What are you currently making in the shed/garage/kitchen/patio/living room that's bee related

PostPosted:31 Aug 2019, 19:01
by Japey Edge
I've been making some of that up today too Chris - need to make some more as it all went into the colonies!

Also been knocking up frames today. Got myself a polystyrene sheet about 50mm thick and some foil tape to make a dummy board:
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Re: What are you currently making in the shed/garage/kitchen/patio/living room that's bee related

PostPosted:01 Sep 2019, 08:30
by Chrisbarlow
That's a great use for kingspan. Excellent idea.

Re: What are you currently making in the shed/garage/kitchen/patio/living room that's bee related

PostPosted:01 Sep 2019, 08:42
by NigelP
Chrisbarlow wrote:
17 Aug 2019, 16:49
Has any one made their own Ashford feeders, if so, what have you done to seal the wood
Life's too short and my woodworking skills are nonexistent.
So I'll be popping down To Abelo's later this week and blow some honey money on these delights.

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Re: What are you currently making in the shed/garage/kitchen/patio/living room that's bee related

PostPosted:01 Sep 2019, 16:42
by Chrisbarlow
I've got some already and they're great, it's a shame they only 10litres but the thing that stands out for me is the bees take syrup from them for longer than any other feeder. However, I would still like to make my own.

Re: What are you currently making in the shed/garage/kitchen/patio/living room that's bee related

PostPosted:02 Sep 2019, 01:12
by MickBBKA
Chrisbarlow wrote:
01 Sep 2019, 16:42
I've got some already and they're great, it's a shame they only 10litres but the thing that stands out for me is the bees take syrup from them for longer than any other feeder. However, I would still like to make my own.
Surely the bees will only take feed until they have filled their requirements regardless of feeder type ? The insulation of this feeder will prevent it being warmed from the brood area so it won't be really any warmer than the ambient temps. I have never had any issues using my home made wooden feeders. I am not sure what you mean ?

Cheers, Mick.

Re: What are you currently making in the shed/garage/kitchen/patio/living room that's bee related

PostPosted:02 Sep 2019, 01:16
by MickBBKA
Chrisbarlow wrote:
17 Aug 2019, 16:49
Has any one made their own Ashford feeders, if so, what have you done to seal the wood
Bathroom silicone sealant, if my kids attempt to replicate Shamoo is anything to go by I am on safe ground. No leaks yet...… Feeder or Bath !

Cheers, Mick.