> I always  cut  old comb off leaving just 1 inch strip on top.
> Such frames has always been built perfectly on condition that
> they had been placed into a hive BETWEEN TWO COMBS.
<snip>
> The only 'disadvantage' of this practise was
> that combs were often half or even all drone combs.
 
If only worker comb is desired, use small (nuc) colonies.  They make 100%
worker comb - usually.
 
In case it is believed that a strong colony is necessary to make comb,  it
is absolutely amazing how much comb even a *baby nuc* can make with only a
handful of bees if there is a good flow and warm weather.
 
Allen