Mats asked "Bill, i have heard beekeepers claim that the first box to go on in the
spring must have built comb (no foundation) because the bees will not build
comb in the early season and end up congested and prepare tg swarm. "

What a topic!  Pages could be spent in response, as well as many different opinions.   

Mats, the statement is definitely not true, but that does not mean that the advice is poor.  Producing comb honey is largely an exercise in swarm control.  That said, bees absolutely will build comb early in the spring and I have harvested many a super of comb honey produced on dandelion!  However, this is also the time when bees are most likely to swarm, so swarm control methods are required.

Having the first super be drawn comb is one of several lazy man's way of swarm control, but is not absolutely necessary and may be undesirable if the object is to produce comb honey.

Lloyd
Lloyd Spear, Owner of Ross Rounds, Inc.
Manufacturer of round comb honey equipment and Sundance pollen traps