Hi Chris,

I agree with all of your points except using top bars instead of frames. 

You don't have to build a top bar hive, you can re-use your Langs by screwing three/four of them together and use a large holesaw to provide easy access between the boxes. 

If you want to build a top bar hive sized to use frames there is no need to convert to top bars. 'Coffin' or 'horizontal' hives have been used in Europe and elsewhere with success for centuries. 

For covers I've been using a 'migratory' top made from 1/4" Hardy Board used for bathrooms.

Hi Mike, 

I agree, a frame at a time requires nothing more than a couple of spare boxes, and did that for a couple of years before using the boxes to build long hives.

Working the long hive has no bending over, and it does not disturb the bees. 

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