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 [log in to unmask] Owner, Ross Rounds the finest in comb honey production.