For those few who may be interested, it is entirely possible that both Allen
and I are right...perhaps even likely, given the personalities.

Our shorthand of "5-mesh", "6-mesh", etc. refers, of course, to the numbers
of squares to an inch (apologies to all those using the more advanced metric
system).  However, there is another ingredient that also affects the size of
the opening.  That is, the size of the wire.

My 6-mesh screen uses wire with a diameter of .020".  Bees do go through it.
I believe a thicker wire size might still produce six openings to the inch,
and have a smaller opening size that bees cannot go through.

I formerly used six mesh as a pollen stripper, but believe that so little
pollen got through that brood production suffered.  My screen directly above
the pollen collection drawer is make of 7 mesh, which the bees definitely
cannot go through.

Allen, why do you use six mesh for the reasons mentioned?  Eight mesh is
less expensive, and much more readily available.  What are the rest of us
missing to justify use of six mesh?


Lloyd
Lloyd Spear, Owner, Ross Rounds, Inc.  The finest in comb honey production.
www.rossrounds.com