Bob said, > With honey prices up replacing comb might be a excellent investment for the beekeeper. Mike said: Wouldn't replacing the wax combs be rather more economical when honey prices are down? Then you would be using low priced honey to convert into wax instead of high priced honey. Complicated question and not one answer fits all situations. The obvious answer to Mike's question would be yes but: Beekeepers in the Peace River district of Canada and the best honey producing areas of the U.S. (North Dakota)draw most comb on honey flows. The bees seem to do their best work when populations are at yearly height and flows are intense. Temperature is a big factor in getting comb drawn. Comb drawn in early spring with syrup always seems to be a problem. As temps warm up the comb drawing gets better. Syrup is without a doubt cheaper than honey today so getting comb drawn on syrup makes sense but trips to feed bees needs to be figured in and with plastic at times the bees simply plug the brood area and the bees make queen cells and swarm ( mainly a problem with beekeepers running many hives). When you check your bees you find the hive has swarmed and the super of plastic foundation has not been touched. generally speaking I agree with Mike but many beekeepers see drawing comb on a strong honey flow the best way to get the *best* brood comb. With plastic many beekeepers report problems with comb drawn in early spring (cold nights) with syrup. You get drawn comb but not perfect comb all the time.like you will when drawn in a strong honey flow. Supers are important to the beekeeper to catch a honey flow BUT your drawn brood comb is maybe of greater importance. Poorly drawn comb problems are forever as bees are not interested in tearing down drone comb and transition comb and replacing with nice worker cells. If they did then reducing to 4.9mm foundation would be easy. I believe I have covered the pros and cons of the issue. Comb drawn on syrup or on a honey flow both work with pros and cons. The high price being paid for honey today is certainly a factor to consider if beekeeping on a larger scale. Bob :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::