Hi Thom
If you worry about the bee space, put your frames in the super and you
should have 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch above the frames and no space under.
From what you say, you have 1/2" to play with so shave 1/8" top or bottom
and you will have the bee space respected.
I would take care of that for brood chambers more than for honey supers
Enjoy, Normand.