Build Your Own: 10 Frame Hive Body

Most Canadian beekeeping equipment is in 7/8th pine. This can create problems for us northern beekeepers as we spent time converting existing 3/4 dimensions. These plans are off existing equipment I received from a few different retailers. Consequently, I write down my plans on scrap paper and lose it; therefore I have decided to digitize it for myself and others. Download the Sketchup model: Here

The most economical way to build your own boxes is to purchase 1x12 rough pine. If you purchase it from Home Depot, it will come at an actual 1 inch, therefore you will have to plane one side to 7/8ths. Most of the 1x12 from Home Hardware however comes already jointed one side, and planed to 7/8ths. Currently it is $1.15 a foot, and is sold in 12 foot lengths. Using these plans you should get 2 Deeps out of one 12 foot length @$13.80 (or $6.90 a box).

This method uses rabbit joints and are rather easily accomplished with a table saw, or router.
Click Images to Enlarge.

Keep in mind the sawblade will remove 1/8th on each cut.

Step One 

Start by ripping down the 1x12 to 9 5/8ths. (keep the scrap for other hive projects.)

Step Two 

The next step is to cut our various pieces. This most easily accomplished with a compound sliding mitre saw, however just about any saw will work.

Step Three 

Put the side pieces (19 1/8") away for now. The next part is the most complicated step of the whole project, creating our frame rest and rabbet joints to the box. I would recommend using either a dado blade on a table saw, or a router table. For the sake of simplicity however lets assume you are using a table saw with a regular blade. Set the blade depth to 3/8". Set your fence to 3/4", and double check with a tape measure to ensure that the distance from the fence to the outermost teeth on the saw are at 7/8". If you set the fence to 7/8" your cut will be 1" due to the 1/8" thickness of the saw blade.

Now using our front and back pieces (16 5/8") run both ends through.You should end up with this:

Step Four 

Sandwich the two pieces together to the cuts are facing each other.  Adjust the fence so that 1/2" and confirm that the outside of the saw blade is at 5/8".This cut is very important.

Step Five 

Set your saw blade depth to 7/8" and your fence to 1/4 (confirm the outside edge of the blade is 3/8"). Run the ends off. Repeat setting the blade depth to 5/8". You will end up with this:

 

Step Six

Your box is basically done. The only thing left is handles. There are multiple styles of handles are are there ways to do it. Because of that reason I am going to leave handles out of this tutorial, as a quick internet search will yield you results. I did however mark the location on the main plan. Once you have handles completed all that is left is to assemble. Enjoy.