Where to get a Smith Hive

[nemphlar]

The sweinty poly national can be converted to top bee space and fit smiths poly with some simple mods. They're a fraction of the cost

[drumgerry]

Or...if you're just starting out get Swienty poly Nationals and save yourself the bother! (Smith short lugs are a pita in my opinion)

[nemphlar]

Not nearly so much a pita as bottom bee space and the short lug in this case will stop you crushing bees.
I've never really understood the secure grip argument unless you want to hold it in the palm of your hand

[prakel]

I've never really understood the secure grip argument

Agreed, they're hangers not handles.

[drumgerry]

A bit of care stops you crushing bees. Never really got the top versus bottom bee space argument although I understand all the pro and con arguments so please don't repeat them for my benefit. You learn to work with what you've got. Can't imagine ever wanting to hold a frame of bees in the palm of my hand - national or smith. The point I was making is I find national frames less of a fiddle to remove and replace.