Version without tray		"A-Z" INDEX &   SEARCH Open Mesh Bee Hive Floor with Removable Tray

The Grain should run along the longest dimension of any part.

Dimensions have not been included... make to suit the size of equipment that you use. This version is drawn as two separate components, a "normal" mesh floor and a tray stage that can be placed underneath. Suitable strips of planed timber are readily available from DIY stores or woodworkers' suppliers.

Although I have drawn galvanised 8 mesh, other metal screens are suitable, providing the mesh is not large enough to admit bees or wasps. (Old fireguards have been suggested by Chris Slade.) The Plywood that is used for the tray itself should be 9 mm in thickness (thinner material warps and sags).

The under rim of the upper component should be made first, gluing and screwing the corners.

The mesh should be stapled in each corner and along the exposed front edge,
then the upper rim parts are added using 38 mm Csk twinthread woodscrews through the bottom rim into the top parts so that the heads of the countersunk screws are underneath.

The tray stage can be made in a very similar fashion using broader strips for the tray to rest on.

An entrance block of 421 mm x 21 mm x 21 mm (Thorne's size) has been drawn, but you will need to use whatever size fits your hive type

The version as drawn is simple to make. If petroleum jelly is used on the mating surfaces and the runners and edges of the tray and linseed oil is used on the other wooden parts, (take care that the linseed oil does not block any of the holes in the mesh panel, as it will dry to a rubbery consistency).

A description of how and why these items are used is given by Ken Hoare in the document Open Mesh Floors.

Generated... Autumn 2001, Revised... 20 February 2002, Upgraded... 25 May 2005,