The 5 frame nuc (nucleus colony), in my opinion, is a crucial piece of equipment for any beekeeper. They come in handy for catching swarms, making small splits, raising queens, etc.
The following is a simple how-to for making your own. This design is very similar to many other designs available on the internet, yet there are some differences that I have found useful.
CAUTION: THIS BUILD INCLUDES THE USE OF POWER TOOLS, ALWAYS WEAR PROPER PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
Materials Needed:
One 4x8 Sheet of 23/32 OSB (makes four 5 frame nucs)
4 Entrance Discs as found at many online beekeeping supply stores
1/8" Hardware Cloth
1" Brads or Screws
Wood Glue (Tight Bond II is a great choice)
1/4" Staples
Paint of your choice (any light colored outdoor paint, like what is commonly found in the "oops" section, will work)
Tools Needed:
Table Saw
Circular Saw
Drill
7/8 Spade Drill Bit
3" Hole Saw
Pneumatic Nailer/Stapler
STEP 1
Using a table saw, cut out the sheet of OSB in the following pattern.
TIP: If you get the OSB from the "Blue" or "Orange" store, they will cut the OSB into 22" sections as I have indicated on the below diagram. This will save you time and smaller sections are easier to handle on the table saw.
You will end up with a nice pile of parts.
STEP 2
Using the hole saw, cut 3 evenly spaced holes along all of the bottoms. Using an air stapler, attached square sections of 1/8" hardware cloth over the holes. These holes will provide extra ventilation and some drainage.
STEP 3
Attach the sides to the fronts and backs using wood glue and brads/nails or screws. You will attach the sides to the 9 1/2" long sides of the fronts and backs. Also keep in mind that they will not be the same height of the sides, so you will align them all to the bottom. This will allow the needed gap for the frame rests.
STEP 4
Attach the bottom to the "flush" side of the box using wood glue and brads/nails or screws. Keep in mind the bottom is longer than the rest of the box. Keep the extra length to one side. This creates the landing board at the entrance. Also keep in mind that the hardware cloth side will be in the inside of the box.
STEP 5
Attach the handles over the ends where the frame rests are using wood glue and brads/nails or screws. The handles double as the frame rest end caps.
STEP 6
Attach the top end caps to each end of the top using wood glue and brads/nails or screws. They will lay in the same orientation as the top, meaning when looking from above they will be .75" wide. These end caps will help keep the top secure when in use.
STEP 7
Using the hole saw, cut one hole at one end of each top and attach a small square of hardware cloth over the hole on the inside side of the top. This will be used for a jar style top feeder that will fit a 3" wide mason jar. Side note, do not throw away the wood circle created when cutting out the hole. It is a good way to cover the feeder hole when you are not feeding your colony.
STEP 8
Using the 7/8" spade style drill bit, drill a hole for your entrance. This will be centered on the landing board approximately 1/8" above the landing board. Use an entrance disc as a placement guide, but do not attach it yet.
STEP 9
Crack a cold one, relax and pat yourself on the back. Most of the "hard" work is done. Allow the wood glue to fully dry.
STEP 10
Paint the entire exterior portion of the nuc box and top and allow to dry. Attach the entrance disc and test out a jar feeder.
WELL DONE! You have now created four 5 frame nuc boxes to add to your ever-growing pile of beekeeping equipment. Some people do not like to use OSB for projects like this out of fear of weather damage. However, I have some that I built 3 years ago that are still in use. Also, if you re-paint them every year, they should last a truly long time. If you have any questions involving this build, feel free to contact us.
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