Waterside Bees

Dummy Boards

Dummy Boards are certainly one of the simplest items to make for yourself. Given that I was already using 9mm thick plywood sheet (actually measures at 8mm) for such items as the rooftop. I was able to cut dummy boards from the offcuts of this sheet. Dummy Boards can be used in both Brood boxes and Supers (different height required) to section off any space past the last frame thereby discouraging the manufacture of brace comb.

All cuts can be made simply with handsaw or table saw and a light sanding on the edges to remove splinters of wood (as much for your protection as for the bees), leaves the boards ready for use. The only care needed is to ensure that the frame lugs are not damaged accidentally whilst cutting the boards.

Clearly board can be saved when cutting more than one board by flipping alternate boards so that the lugs overlap the adjacent board. In this case a jigsaw will help when cutting out the boards.

• Parts List

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Non-Structural-Hardwood-Plywood-9-x-1220-x-2440mm/p/110111