I've bought boxes and I've built my own boxes. I'm, by no means, great at carpentry but the boxes I built 7 years with a mini table saw and still going strong. They're, actually, lasting longer than the boxes I built years later with finger joints with the help of a carpenter. I'm going to explain how I made these boxes despite not owning a full size table saw and the hand holds you can make. This does require at least a mini table saw (which can be bought for under $100), but doesn't require the use of a dado blade.

How to build a shallow honey box with a rabbet joint:
• cut 2 pieces of wood 16.25" long and 6-5/8" tall
• cut 2 pieces 19.25" long and 6-5/8" tall
• take the 2 shorter pieces and make the joint on either end - set blade at 3/8" high and 3/4" from the blade and pass through.
• lay wood flat and pass through with blade 3/4" high and 3/8" from the blade.
• do steps 3-4 on both ends of the shorter pieces.
• Make ledge on shorter boards by cutting 5/8" down and 3/8" deep.
• Glue and nail together making sure to have ledges on both sides facing up (watch video for tip on gluing).

Bee boxes ledge dimension - 5/8" x 3/8"

I'll also talk about the boxes, overall, that last the longest and why.

Keep in mind this is Hawaii, which means beekeeping year round and a hot sun because we're closer to the equator.

**If you choose to make your own equipment, please take all necessary precautions to operate your tools safely!! Do not use these tools if you do not feel comfortable operating them.

свернуть