At 10:20 AM 12/12/96 EST, you wrote:
>According to Joel Govostes:
>>
>> Someone on sci.agriculture.beekeeping asked about a simple method to wire
>> frames.  Here is my cheap and lazy technique, which usually works without
>> trouble:
>>
Here is another idea for wiring frames.  Suitable for doing a few or a few
thousand.
 
The technique is much as has been written about in recent messages - bend
the sides in, anchor the wire, and allow the sides to spring back to apply
tension.
 
I use only two wires that form a closed loop.  The standard holes might be
OK although I prefer to redrill for 2 wires only.
 
To bend the ends find a bench or plank - mine is supported at an angle to
make work easier but it does not matter.  On this fix a post to hold your
wire spool and a post to press the frame against. The frame lies flat on the
plank.
This is getting difficult to explain but let's carry on.
 
Cut a piece of plywood in the shape of the number '6' and drill a hole in
the circle part of the six so that it forms an eccentric with the upper
portion of the '6' as a handle.  Mount this on the plank so that when it is
rotated it presses the frame against the first post and holds it in place
with the ends bent somewhat.  Start a nail at both ends, in the edge of the
side bars and between the wire holes.  The wire goes in the top hole,
accross to the top hole in the other side, up and over the nail, down and in
the lower hole, accross to the lower hole in the oringinal side.  Twist
around the nail 2 times, now tighten slightly and twist the other end of the
wire around the same nail.  Hammer both nails in.
 
Do not snip off - this leaves wires to draw blood and cause pain.  twist off
the wires one at a time.  When you release the '6' eccentric your frame will
be ready for foundation.  By passing the wire over these two nails it is not
likely to cut into the wood under pressure and become loose.
 
To embed.  Do you have a battery charger?  Touch it to the wire on each end
bar.  It will quickly get hot enought to melt the wire into the wax.  This
can be improved by placing a weight on the wax.  If the weight is slightly
curved - like a car spring - so much the better.
 
I have made thousands of frames like this and have been very satisfied with
the method.
 
I hope it is at least a little clear to those that would like to give it a try.
 
Eric
 
Eric Abell
Gibbons, Alberta Canada
(403) 998 3143
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