Our Method of Beekeeping
Frame Construction
The Thornes Method v Our Method
If you follow this Thorne’s YouTube method for the construction of a Hoffman frame (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V5ryOrUyys) you will find that you need nine frame pins for construction. Our construction method is, we believe, simpler and faster. It uses two frame pins and five 12mm staples and a slightly different order of assembly.
For our method you will need a good quality spring loaded stapler such as this example: Stanley FatMax from ToolStation cost £35 and you will need heavy duty 12mm staples – cost £3 for 1000. In the following images the stapler model we are using is no longer available. However for the many years we have been using it – it has never jammed hence why we are suggesting the replacement model. You can make your own choice but whichever stapler you choose it must be able to punch in 12mm staples.
Construction of a Hoffman Shallow Frame
Image: 1
Remove the wooden splint from the top bar and tap into place the two side bars and one bottom bar.
Image: 2
Lay in the wax foundation sheet so that it is in the two grooves running down each of the side bars and the wire retaining loops lay flush with the top bar.
Image: 3
Carefully tap/push in the second bottom bar. Ensure the wax foundation is now between the two bottom bars of the frame. The three end loops should be visible and the top line of the foundation wax.
Image: 4
With the top bar placed on a firm base position the stapler slightly forward and drive in the first staple. Using your fingers judge how far forward the stapler needs to be. This initially does take a little experience.
Image: 5
Both bottom bars are held in place with one staple. Repeat the process for the opposite end of the bottom bars.
Image: 6
Place the top bar splint so that the foundation wires are trapped under the splint. Place the stapler against the foundation wax in the middle of the frame…
Image: 7
…ensure the top bar of the frame is on a solid surface and drive in the first staple.
Image: 8
Drive in the left and right staples. Depending on the wood and any knots occasionally you may have to tap down the staples with a small hammer.
Image: 9
Drive home one frame pin into each end of the flat side of the side bars.
Image: 10
The frame is now complete. However, we create two holes in the foundation wax using an old apple corer so that the bees can easily access either side of the wax foundation. This is entirely an optional part of your frame building.