Measured Drawings for Modular AZ style hive using Langstroth Deep Foundation
This is not a step by step guide. It contains measured drawings for experienced wood workers to plan and build their own hives.
All wood thicknesses listed are based on true measurements. If you use wood that is listed as ¾” thick but the actual thickness is 23/32nds some of the measurements will be off. You can adjust or modify the plans to suit your needs and materials but remember to keep a 3/8” bee space for optimal performance. Wood is subject to movement when exposed to heat and humidity. I recommend you treat the exterior of the hive with a bee friendly coating. You may also wish to treat the inside as well. I have made the inner screen doors out of cedar to minimize expansion/shrinkage/warpage. You may need to adjust the inner covers as material moves.
I recommend that you cut and test fit pieces as you go. I left space in the screened bottom for you to add a small tray if you wish. Standard hinges work fine for the back door but you will not be able to place the hives against each other due to the swing of the door. I installed my hives with a trim strip between each hive when using standard hinges but have switched over to the Slovenian pintle style hinge.
Additional Info
Wood required for a 3 chamber hive
(3) 1”x12”x8’ (3/4” nominal)
(1) 1x4x8” Cedar for inner screened cover
ACX or marine grade ¾” plywood 17”x 34” and 17”x 26”
150 linear feet of 5/8” x 1” stock for frames (I cut this from 5/4 alder stock but you could use 1x4-about 7, 1x6-about 4-5 etc. I would use cedar or hardwood to help prevent warping, if you do not have planer you would need to cut them into 1” strips then cut those strips down to from ¾” thick to 5/8”.
45” of 3/8” by 5” stock for rear spacers
You will need additional material for the solid/slotted/ queen excluders, feeders
You will need the following hardware to make a 3 chamber hive
(12) 10 slot Slovenian Frame Spacers
(36) #2x 3/8” stainless steel screws
(2) door hinges-I use Slovenian pintle hinges
(4) Screen clips (I used 7/16” as that was what was readily available but 9/16 works better)
(4) #10x1” screws for screen clips
(30) 1.5” pocket screws
(8) 1 5/8” Deck screws
(6) ½” Aluminum angle 19” long
(18) #2 x3/8” stainless steel screws
(2) 15/16” screen clips
(2) #10 x2” screws
1/8” hardware cloth 23”x 18” and 4”x10”
(9) Screen mesh 10”x 12”
(30) Rite Cell deep foundation
(9) 3/8” fiberglass rod 15 ½” long
(6) inner cover latches, can be made from scrap wood and 3/8" dowels or 3/4-1" aluminum angle or purchased from Slovenia
Glue, staples, brads, sandpaper
Tools used
Table saw
Chop Saw
Drill Press
Planer
Jointer
Router and table ¾ or 1” cove bit
Drill
Drill bits including 3/8” Forstner bit
Saber Saw
Belt Sander
Palm Sander
Brad Nailer
Staple Gun
Compressor
Drill guide
Bandsaw(Metal)
Tape Measure
Square
Jig for frame assembly
Clamps
Hole Saw
Pocket hole jig