Richard asks about bee space and how to get combs drawn.
 
Richard, the bee space can be either at the bottom or top, or split between
the two.  The bees do not care.  When beekeepers get in trouble with burr
comb, as you have, it is because they mix different equipment.  Usually this
means two or more different companies or people manufactured the equipment.
 
Right now, the best thing you can do is cut down the equipment so that you
reduce the > inch space to 3/8 inch.  Do it on a table saw with an old
blade, and go right through any nails.   WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES!
 
In the future look carefully at equipment you are buying and cut it down or
add strips before assembly, if possible.  It is real important that all of
your equipment be interchangeable between hives without causing excessive
burr comb.
 
When drawing comb, never put it on top of a super or hive body that is 75%
or more full of honey.  The best place to draw comb is directly over the
brood nest.  Next best (but a poor second) is over a super or hive body with
drawn but unfilled comb, providing that on top of the super with foundation
is a super 75% or more filled with honey.
 
Foundation must be drawn on a heavy flow or a light to moderate flow with
constant feeding.  You do not mention where you are, but to the best of my
knowledge there is no where in the US where you can draw foundation now.  I
believe the next opportunity will be in Florida or Texas from mid-February.
 
Good luck,
Lloyd
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Owner, Ross Rounds  the finest in comb honey production.