Next Hive
Next Best Ever Top Bar Hive
Shorter
Since building my first top bar hives, my priorities have changed. I haven't found much need to raise queens or nucs in the far end. The queens last three years and overwintering loses have been minimal. And I prefer harvesting at several, frequent intervals. So, I'm reducing my top bar hive height by one board to decrease its volume. The broodnest will be re-positioned in the center of the hive, with honey storage on each end.
Getting Square
All my top bar hives, except one, have sloped sides. I admire those beautiful sloped top bar hives built by other beekeepers. Since, optimized material and reduce the number of unique parts/cuts without sacrificing functionality, each of my top bar hives has been easier to build than the previous one. And, I must admit, a little more ugly.
Since sloped sides don't reduce comb attachments, my next hive will be have vertical sides. Top bar lengths will be decreased to accommodate this change.
Top Bars
The top bars will remain the same, at 1" x 1 1/4" x 21 1/4", with a saw kerf down the center of its bottom surface.
A large cell sized plastic foundation will be used as a starter strip. Only 1 cell will be exposed below the top bar.
Spacer Cleats
The spacer cleats will be permanently fastened to each end. As a result, they are rectangular in cross section.
Cover
I'll replace the OSB and tin cover with one made of lumber. Several cleats will be set back from the cover's edge to allow efficient stacking. The cleats, on the end of the hive body, will be staggered for the same purpose.
Construction
With this design, four 6' boards are glued together for the cover and the bottom. Two 6' boards are glued together for the sides. And two 6' boards are glued together for the ends and a follower board. This should greatly reduce the prep time.
Two Box Combo - The Best Bet?
My two box combo hive is a very close approximation to this top bar hive. It is a great choice if a beekeeper wants some compatibility with standard frames and equipment. Since I always find myself with a mix of equipment, I should probably standardize on this one.
If the two box combo hive is used primarily as a top bar hive, two wood strips 3/8" x 5/8" x 31", can be fastened into the frame rests. This will inhibit comb and propolis build up there when it's used as a top bar hive. The strips can be removed and frames used when the need arises.