-----Original Message-----
From:   Lloyd Spear [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Wednesday, August 04, 1999 12:11 PM
To:     Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues
Subject:        Cut comb honey

There have been many comments lately about foundation for cut comb buckling
or becoming wavy.  Kent Steinburg's comments were, I thought, especially
worthwhile.  I produce about 20 supers of cut comb a year and thought I
would add my thoughts.

I talk to a lot of comb honey producers and wavy cut-comb foundation is a
prime concern to all.  The biggest problems are when the wave is so
pronounced that it cannot be fit into a standard 4 1/4" box.  Those who
produce a lot of cut comb incorporate some or all of the following
techniques to assure that the foundation is held as firmly as possible:
1. Use heavy foundation.  Kelley and Dadant are the two large producers of
foundation.  Both produce foundation that runs 28-33 sheets to a pound for
section comb, where the foundation is held much more firmly than it is for
cut-comb.  For cut-comb foundation, use the foundation that is 17-18 sheets
to a pound.
2. If using wedge top bars, never use the same wedge in the same frame.  If
the nails go back into the same holes there is not enough hold to keep the
foundation from slipping.
3. Use split top bars, not wedge or grooved top bars.  As far as I know,
these are only made by Kelley or Rossman, but they are made specifically for
cut comb honey.  Almost all serious producers of cut comb use these bars.
Buy foundation that is slightly too wide for your frames, and fold over the
excess onto the top bar.  This helps hold the foundation firmly in place.
If buying new bars, be certain Kelley or Rossman sends you the instructions
on how to open the bars to insert the foundation.
4. One producer I know not only folds over the strip, but also uses a small
propane blowtorch to melt the wax inside the split top bar.  I am going to
try this next year.  I know another producer who folds over the strip and
then puts a staple into the top bar to hold the sides tightly together.
5. Opinion varies on the type of bottom bar to use.  Many prefer the split,
and I know a few who use a grooved.  Both are terrible to clean!  (The split
top bar is a cinch to clean.)  Personally, I use a solid bottom bar and have
the foundation just barely touching it.

Some waviness will always be there, but with a combination of the above
techniques it can be kept under control.  A thin strip of foundation
certainly works well in that it is not likely to wave at all, but I think it
takes the bees longer to draw and fill and I don't know of any commercial
producer now using them.

Lloyd
Lloyd Spear, Owner, Ross Rounds, Inc.  The finest in comb honey production.
www.rossrounds.com