Before starting to assemble your new Florizontal® hive it is best to get a first coat on all the surfaces which will be exposed to the weather, some of which will be inaccessible after assembly. A first coat of oil (we recommend Gilly’s Alfresco timber oil – 500 ml will be more than enough), or a coat of primer sealer undercoat (we recommend Zinsser 1 2 3) if painting. This includes all surfaces on the two flow frame access doors and roof, but mainly applies to the 4 main sides which, if you lay the pieces flat on a bench with the outside surface upwards, means any surface that is not touching the bench.
If using tung oil or similar, complete all coats as per manufacturer’s instructions before commencing assembly.
If painting:
- Attach the 6mm base to the cleats (uncut side to base) using 6 x 20mm button head screws. Use the spacer included to ensure the screws engage centrally in the cleat and that the cleat does not encroach on the entrance opening (high side, back left). Glue is recommended.
- Assemble the 4 sides of the box (using the 8 x 45 mm screws) while sitting them on the base to make sure it is square. The back of the box goes on the high side of the base. The box has been pre-assembled to ensure a good fit.
- Turn the box over and attach the base using 9 x 20mm button head screws. Note that a screw is not required in the position below the entrance.
- Attach the entrance landing strip using the 2 x 35mm button head screws.
- Attach the 4 ant proof feet using the 16 screws packaged with them. Engage all 4 screws before tightening fully. Turn the hive over to sit it the right way up.
- Mount the knobs on the two flow frame access doors. This is probably the ideal time to continue painting the hive. Remember it is critical to coat both sides of the roof at the same time to lessen the chance of it warping due to one side only being sealed. Add subsequent coats of paint to all the primed surfaces. Be sure to picture anywhere water may impact negatively on the timber and coat it to preserve the timber. If using Tung oil wait a few weeks before introducing the bees.
- Once you have finished painting/oiling you can now mount the Perspex viewing window. PUT YOUR DRILL AWAY. For the balance of the assembly use a hand held screwdriver to avoid stripping the timber. Mount all the hardware on the lid and box. This includes hinges (attach to the lid first), hasp and staple, and door turnbuttons. Now mount the roof to the box via the hinges. Lift the lid and attach the stay.
- Attach the aluminium vent to the brood box lid. Have the vent positioned towards the front of the lid with the openings towards the front so you can smoke the bees before opening the brood area (if required).
- Push the two round plastic vents into the back of the box from the outside.
- Move your frames across from your flow hive, or add your new brood and flow frames and introduce your new colony.
Enjoy having your whole hive at a comfortable working height and not having to lift off heavy supers of honey to attend to the health of your colony.
Mark and Sue
Horizon Beehives 