Lets make another “Can of worms” chart! There’s so many variables, you can not fairly say one hive is better or worse than another one but you can note and explain individual characteristics of each hive/box . The chart doesn’t make the comparison, it simply shows the sensor results. Variables to consider which make comparisons […]
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I’ve added a couple of new products to the list. Doug Irvine uses the Intergrain Heavy Duty finish on his finger joint boxes so I thought I’d give it a try. I’ve also recently been trying the Weatherfast Poly Clear and it seems quite good. The best long lasting coating is exterior white paint but […]
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Roof Testing – Full Sun – August – October 2021 I’m having a look at a some roof designs and trying to gauge how effectively they reduce box heat in summer. You might think it’s obvious that a roof will help keep a hive box cool, but how effective is it? It could end up […]
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This article is about the sensors, not specific boxes or tests. There will be other articles that follow the progress of particular boxes in more detail. The Sensors Sensors I’ve used here are called: INKBIRD Bluetooth Temp Humidity Sensor Digital Data Logger Thermometer Recorder. These sell at $35 each (April 2022 – price has gone […]
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Box Temperature Comparison – 15 November 2021 Box temperature comparison between an empty box and a live colony. These two boxes are beside each other in full sun from 7am to 2pm. Boxes are 25mm thick Hoop Pine standard boxes with a wood roof painted white. The ambient sensor is in a patio area so […]
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Wood Sample Test – Exposure to the elements I thought i’d throw a few samples of different wood together for some weather exposure tests. Alex of Spicers Hollow Native Bees is trialing some Paulownia and donated a few left over samples and also some PVC board that some box makers use, the rest of the […]
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This article is about moisture content and wood only, not humidity conditions for bee colonies. Woodworkers will want their timber to be well dried before making furniture. They’ll aim for a Moisture Content (MC) around 6 – 10% in the timber. A live standing tree would be considered to be 100% moisture content. Wood will […]
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Just out of interest I’m testing some of the finishes I have collected for various projects over the years, including some light duty oil mixtures, linseed Oil, Tung Oil to marine grade varnishes and clear coats. Of course we already know that if you want a long lasting protective finish you just use exterior paint. […]
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What kind of timber should you use for making Native Bee boxes? Most people will just be using what ever they have or are familiar with which is ok. I’ve used Hoop Pine, Cypress, Cedar, Victorian Ash and they all have made nice boxes. The Cedar is very soft and easy on the tools where […]
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