Rodney,

>Has anyone ever heard of putting paraffin on the end of top bars?

I have a top bar hive, and each top bar is somewhat triangular in shape.  The
apex (i think) or the "V" shaped part opposite the top is what the bees
build their comb down from.  I rub this with wax to give the bees a scent
that provides a starting point from which to draw the wax.  I happen to
use 50:50 beeswax parafin because I have it on hand for batik.  It melts
at a slightly higher temperature (due to the parafin) than bees wax
which makes it easier to work with on hot days.
Hope this helps.
Carol
Carol K. Malcolm
[log in to unmask]