In article <[log in to unmask]>, Bill Miller
<[log in to unmask]> writes
>Are Pierco 1 - piece frames the way to go?
>
>As I threw out my 1996 catalogs, I can't confirm the prices, but as I recall,
>a new wood medium frame with plastic foundation was more expensive than a new
>all-plastic medium frame (I only use mediums).   Add to that your assembly
>time for the wood frame and potential for wax moth damage, and I contend the
>all-plastic frame wins the cost analysis hands down.
>
>W. G. Miller
>Gaithersburg, MD
 
Prices as per Mann Lake's 1996 catalogue:
 
        6 1/4" wood frames                      = $0.78 each
        5 5/8" permadent foundation             = $0.76 each
        5 5/8" duragilt foundation              = $9.45 per 10 sheets
        5 5/8" wired beeswax foundation         = $5.10 per 10 sheets
 
        6 5/8" Pierco frame/foundation combination      = $2.55 each
                                                        (for 10-20)
[Pierco frames are not yet available in the UK, but I understand that
Thornes may carry them from next year onwards].
 
Labour cost is a *BIG* variable!
 
However, these were not the figures quoted in the BEE BIZ article. My
comments were addressed to the project appraisal method adopted in that
particular article. It may well be that all-plastic frames work out
cheaper in the long run but we should always question the assumptions
behind our investment decisions.
--
Paul Walton
Email   : [log in to unmask]
Toddington, Bedfordshire, England.