> It will take approx. 5 gallons of honey/syrup (60lbs) to draw
> foundation in a deep hive body.

Keep in mind that the bees will not draw comb unless there is something to
put in it.  That fact makes the calculation very difficult.  You'll need to
supply enough feed to fill, as well as build the comb.

Moreover, there is not actually much wax in newly drawn foundation.  Maybe
two pounds added by the bees per super?

The type of foundation will have a huge effect, too, since some heavy
foundations, with lots of wax in the wall imprints can be almost half drawn
without the bees having to contribute much, if any wax in the process.

> 2.)The amount of time involved to draw this foundation will be
> relative to the hive condition and health.(Did not receive much
> response about time factor)

Season and ambient temperature are also significant factors.  The number of
bees of various ages will have an effect on both rate and efficiency of
building.   Strain of bee may also factor in.

> 3.) Drawn comb- could produce 3x the amount of honey in a hive
> compared to foundation. Using approx. $1.25/lb US and a total amount
> of 120lbs this is $150.00 US/hive.

Sometimes there is little difference, and sometimes a great deal of
difference, depending on flow rate and other factors.

> 4.)  The cost of drawing foundation to comb (60lbs x $1.25US)or
> $75.00 US

There is a cost, but nobody can say for sure what it is, since it is seldom
twice the same.

allen
A Beekeeper's Diary: http://www.honeybeeworld.com/diary/

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