Rearing Frame Stands

A grafting frame stand (grafting stand) is a work set-up that holds the breeder comb steady at the desired angle during grafting and often carries the cell bars or the grafting frame alongside it. It removes the need to hold the comb by hand, makes it easier for light to fall on the bottom of the cells and speeds up grafting. For any beekeeper who does long grafting sessions in queen rearing and royal jelly production, it is a simple but very useful piece of equipment.

What is a grafting frame stand for?

Grafting involves working with two frames at once: the breeder comb the larvae are taken from, and the grafting (transfer) frame, or its bars, where the larvae are placed. Without a stand, the comb is either held by a helper or laid flat on the table. A hand-held comb trembles; with a comb lying flat it is harder to see the bottoms of the cells, and your neck and back soon tire.

A stand solves these problems:

• Stability: The comb does not move; the tool tip slides under the larva with more control.
• Angle: The comb is tilted so that the bottoms of the cells face the light and your line of sight.
• Free hands: One hand uses the tool, the other the cell bar or the magnifier.
• Speed: Because comb and bar sit side by side, the movement needed for each larva is shorter and the time spent exposed is reduced.

Types of grafting frame stand

Breeder comb stand

An angle-adjustable hanger or cradle that holds the hive frame by its side bars or lugs. The comb is usually tilted back from vertical so that the bottoms of the cells face up towards the light. In a good stand the comb can easily be turned so that both faces can be used.

Cell bar and grafting frame holder

Slots that hold the grafting frame, or cell bars that have been removed from it, with the mouths of the cups facing up. In frames with rotating bars, the bar is turned over and fixed in this position. The holder is placed right in front of or beside the breeder comb, within easy reach of the hand.

Combined grafting station

Set-ups in which a comb stand, bar holder, light and magnifier arm are brought together on a single base. They are installed permanently in an enclosed grafting room. Some have a cover that can be placed over the comb or a rail for a damp cloth; this delays drying of the larvae and the comb.

Portable field stand

Light, folding stands that can be set up beside the apiary, in a car boot or in a tent. In the field, protection from wind and sun matters more than the stand itself; a portable stand should be paired with a shade or windbreak.

What features should a good stand have?

How do you graft using a stand? Step by step

1. Set up: Place the stand in a cool, shaded, wind-free spot. Prepare the light source, magnifier, damp cloth and grafting tool.
2. Fit the bars: Put the cell bars in the holder with the cup mouths facing up.
3. Bring the comb: Brush the bees off a comb with young larvae from the breeder colony and hang it on the stand without delay.
4. Set the angle: Tilt the comb back far enough that the bottoms of the cells face the light and your line of sight.
5. Graft: With your wrist resting on the support, transfer the larvae into the cups one after another. When a bar is finished, cover it with a damp cloth.
6. Finish up: Fit the bars into the frame and give the frame to the colony without delay; return the comb to the breeder colony.

Can you make your own stand?

Yes. A simple stand can consist of a wooden frame with two slots cut between two uprights for the frame lugs to sit in. Making the uprights tiltable with a hinge and a lockable support lets you adjust the angle. A notched strip is added in front for the cell bars to rest in.

• Material: Odourless wood with no varnish or paint, or stainless metal.
• Dimensions: Take the inner width from your hive frame; if you use more than one hive type, make adjustable slots.
• Safety: Once seated in its slots, the comb must not slip and fall; keep the base wide.

Cleaning and hygiene

The stand comes into contact with combs from different colonies. Do not hang a comb from a colony showing signs of disease; if in doubt, do not put another comb on the stand until it has been cleaned.

• After each session, scrape off honey and wax remains and wipe the surface with lukewarm water.
• Dry wooden parts completely; damp wood goes mouldy.
• Do not use scented cleaning products or chemicals; do not store the stand in the same cupboard as treatments.

Common mistakes

• Setting up the stand in the sun: The comb and larvae dry out; always use the stand in the shade.
• Leaving the comb too upright: The bottom of the cell cannot be seen and older larvae get chosen.
• A wobbly stand: The tool tip trembles and the larva is damaged.
• Putting the bar holder too far away: A long hand movement for each transfer increases the risk of the larva falling off the tool.