> so the # of sheets sent was close to what I wanted but the bill was
> certainly higher

Wax foundation is normally specified by dimensions and by sheets per
pound and that number can vary widely from thicker brood foundation to
foundation intended for comb honey production.

The colour varies from mill to mill, too, as does the amount of wax in
the cell bases and the cell size.

With the heavy bases, bees can draw out cells quite a ways without
adding any of their own wax.  Darker wax is usually used in brood
foundation than for comb and is sometimes specified in the product
description.

The actual dimensions of the sheets can vary, too, since different frame
styles require slightly different dimensions.

Vertical wiring also varies from none to wavy, to straight, and with
or without hooks.  Wire quality and calibre varies from supplier to
supplier.

As for the wax, some mills have been know to add waxes other than
beeswax.  I recall going into a mill once and seeing boxes of paraffin
wax in the entry.  Was he making candles?  I wonder.

The purity of today's wax is also questionable in other ways, as the
miticides -- both legal and otherwise -- that beekeepers use is wax
soluble and they melt brood combs and sell the wax.  Did you know that
some plastic frames thrown into a wax melter disappear entirely?  Solves
the disposal problem, right?

In my experience, it is wise to study the specs and obtain a sample and
try wax foundation before ordering a palletload.

Oh, and wax foundation from one batch will not be exactly he same as the
next.  Some firms are more consistent than others.

At least that is how it has been in the past.  I have not bought wax
foundation for 30 years, other than comb foundation, which is plain,
white, and as thin as they can make it.

---
Why go fast if you can go slow?

Allen Dick
Swalwell, Alberta, Canada
51°33'37.58"N  113°18'54.24"W
Semi-retired - 40+ years keeping bees - 4500 hives max
Currently running 20 to 100 hives
Hives for sale year-round
http://www.honeybeeworld.com/diary/

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