In my 5th book of the Building a Slovenian Hive series I go over how to convert Langstroth deep frame components into actual AZ hive frames.

Here I am going to show you how I make AZ frames from scratch.

Making the components for the AZ frames is easier if select white or yellow pine is used. But due to the cost of lumber right now I will be using these scraps to make my components.

And these.

My goal is to make 24 AZ frames. If this is not enough, I have more scrap lying around.

I use my jointer and planer to create nice flat stock. The planer is used to actually get the componet thickness pieces to the correct size.

The sides need to be .32” thick. The top and bottom pieces need to be .57” thick. If I am removing a lot I will use my bandsaw to split the pieces into thinner pieces before milling to the correct thickness.

The stock is then cut to width. All components are .97” wide. I like to cut them all at the same to get consistent components. This will make milling the joints easier.

The sides are cut to a length of 9-1/8”

The top and bottom components are cut to a length of 17-3/4”

I originally built this router table for milling the finger joints in the frame components.

A crank was used to move the clamped component into position for each cut. It was accurate and worked well.

I used it to make 50 or more frames. The problem is that it was tedious and prone to mistakes.

I created this jig for one of my CNC machines. It holds enough components for two frames.

It mills one side at a time and takes about 7 minutes. While its milling I can do other things to the components.

I mill the slots in each component so that the other component sticks through about 1/32 of an inch. Later after the frames are assembled, I can sand these smooth on a belt sander.

The foundation slot is 1/8” wide, and 1/4” deep. I do this on my table saw.

Here are 10 frames ready to be assembled.

I built this fixture to help me square the frames while the glue sets. I give them about 15 minutes then I remove and add the next.

Once the glue as set and the joints have been sanded smooth, I use a 1” cove on the top and bottoms.

24 finished AZ frames.

I don’t recommend this process for making the AZ frames unless you are a seasoned woodworker and have all the proper equipment.

Converting Langstroth deep frames is a much easier process.