Hive stand

DIY project from NZ Gardener magazine

Jacob Leaf buzzes with excitement over a foldaway double hive stand.

Learn how to create a hive stand

You will need

Materials:

5m x 90mm x 45mm H3.2 radiata
8 x M6 x 90mm galv coach screws
1 x M10 x 1m threaded rod
4 x 10mm panel washers
8 x 10mm flat washers
8 x 10mm spring washers
8 x 10mm plain nuts

Cut list:

Base: long side bars: 2 x 1200mm
Base: short cross bars: 2 x 290mm
Legs: 4 x 440mm

Paint:

Resene Blackjack Lumbersider

Tools:

Tape measure
Pencil
Speed clamps
Speed square
Drill
4mm drill bit for pilot holes
12mm drill bit for threaded rod
Sandpaper
Mitre saw or hand saw
Angle grinder with cut-off disc or hacksaw
Bench vice
Paintbrush
Adjustable spanner

Cost: $120 excluding Resene products.

Instructions

Learn how to make a hive stand for your garden:

Step 1 & 1b: Cut your wood to size. Then sand, prime and paint. To assemble the base, drill pilot holes to stop the wood splitting then attach the side bars to the crossbars with 4 x M6 x 90mm galv coach screws (I set mine in 90mm from the ends to keep the overall footprint of the splayed legs within the dimensions of the hive stand).

Step 2: Trim the legs so they sit flush with the ground (I cut mine to 30 degrees).

How to make a hive stand - Step 1
Step 1

How to make a hive stand - Step 1b
Step 1b

How to make a hive stand - Step 2
Step 2

Step 3: Clamp the legs in place, then drill 12mm holes for the threaded rod through the centre of each side bar and through to the centre of each leg.

Step 4: Cut the threaded rod to fit through from one side to the other, leaving just enough extra on each end to fit the nuts. You need to deburr the cuts with a file to thread the nuts on.

Step 5: To attach the legs, push the rod through the side bars and into the legs with a large panel washer between them. This will allow the legs to easily fold away when everything is tightened. Lock each leg in place with a flat washer, spring washer and nut at each end.

How to make a hive stand - Step 3
Step 3