This morning, a new delivery has arrived, starting the 2024 season. Part of this order were flat-packed Dadant honey supers. There are a couple of advances in buying them flat-packed, like price per unit, shipping cost, and the ability to decide on which spacer to use to allow for 10,11 or 12 frames, i.e. have thicker drawn-out frames when going with less than 12 frames.
To assemble the honey super boxes, we need a few tools, 4 x Corner Clamps, to make sure that every corner is exactly 90 degrees and the entire box is square once clued and screwed together, wood clue, 4mm x 6mm wood screws and a try square. The actual “box” comes in 2 x 2 pieces, front and back, and two for the sides. The material is paulownia wood (very light, fine-grained, and warp-resistant, the fastest-growing hardwood, and it is used for chests, boxes, and clogs (geta)), and each piece has a cut-out for lifting the box. Knowing what is up and down is important, meaning the deepest, straight part is up, giving your finger maximum surface when lifting.
To assemble the four boards, simply apply sufficient wood glue, any excess should be removed with a damp cloth, match tongue and grove and apply the four corner clamps. Before screwing the box together using the supplied screws and pre-drilled whole, check with the try square if the box indeed is square.
The two spacer rails must be fitted in the final assembly step. Note that although the box can hold 12 frames, the spacer will distribute the space equally to hold 10 frames, allowing for 10 deep-drawn-out “fat” frames.
Here is the fully assembled box with ten frames.
The bee space is at the top, meaning the frame is flush with the box at the bottom. The observed bee space is exactly 8 mm between the two supers.
Although the honey supers are only out for a couple of months and exposed to the elements, treating the wood to have some protection and increase the life span is recommended. We decided to use boiled Linseed oil. Apply the first coat with a cotton cloth or bush and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Reapply and cover particular areas where the oil is well absorbed and leaves a “dry” spot. This is all done best at room temperature and in a room with good circulation. After two hours, wipe the surface with a cotton cloth and remove any excess. Let’s try for about 48 hours, but the wood will be touchy after a few hours. Depending on the exposure, the treatment must be repeated after 2-3 years. If you use wax or any other sealant afterwards and can not reapply the linseed oil.
Technical Details:
Dimensions honey super: 509 x 509 cm | Height 150 mm | 22mm thick
Frames (L/W/H):
Top bar: 482 x 28 x 13 mm
Side (straight): 141 x 28 x 10 mm
Bottom bar: 448 x 28 x 10 mm
Handles: 25 x 10 mm
Weights:
Empty super: 1.75kg
10 x sheet foundation: 0.542kg
10 x empty frames: 2kg
Total empty super: 4.3 kg