Last evening, I had a fellow beekeeper stop by and asked me how I was making my handles in hive body’s. I like “D” handles because it will not allow water to set on the hive body handle and soak into it. Thus, there should not be any rotted wood in the handle area!
I had tried two different ways of cutting “D” handles and I had witnessed, first hand, “kick backs” and decided there had to be a better way. I like my fingers and eyes!!!
I came across Carl Korschgen and his video. I decided to go ahead and purchase this jig from him. After using his jig to make approx. 175 hive body’s, it still works as good as the first day I purchased it. He sells the jig that enables you to cut consistent “D” handles consistently and without any harm to yourself. You will need to order the carbide head elsewhere. This carbide head is harder to find. It is called a “rubber hog” and it is used mostly in car tire centers to help round out tire defects. I purchased the jig, rubber hog, and plastic inner support (goes inside the carbide rubber hog), and it totaled approx. $175.00 three years ago.
Drill speed is important so do not discount this critical data in the video.
The rubber hog will get clogged up with resin from your lumber and all you need to do is get a propane blow torch and burn off the resin in less than 60 seconds. The carbide head is extremely durable.
I did some calculations and I can manufacture a hive body for about $5.00 each and that includes: lumber, staples, glue, saw blades, and paint! Making your own hive body….Priceless!!!
I hope this helps everyone that is looking to make their own hive body’s.
Ray
