These solitary bee homes are made from 2x4's and long wood screws. Once all assembled, all that needs to be done is have a bunch of holes drilled into it for the Mason bees to use. I built a few dozen for project and set my camera to do a mix of video lapse and normal 1080p video. I added some music to it since the video lapse is lacking any sound. And I uploaded it to LBRY with the music so there wont be any issues.
Long 2x4's were cut down to size and then stacked four deep to give an ideal cavity size once drilled for the bees.
Using a spade drill bit I go as far down as possible. I did not have an extension for it so the last inch or so is not drilled. But the long screws should go the extra distance to secure it all.
Cutting the 2x4's with my miter saw. It made quick work of it and all straight cuts. Loving this tool more and more.
I measure using a cut board and just keep it as a template to mark the next piece to cut.
Slow motion animation of my miter saw cutting through a heat treated 2x4.
Once cut I use some clamps to attach the wood to the work bench. When all aligned I drill with the 1/4" wood spade bit.
My drills did great for the job, I think the bits got real hot. Probably time to invest in some new wood spade bits. Most I have are getting pretty dull, and I do not think they are of the quality that can be sharpened.
My power screw driver drove in the large wood screws into the pre-drilled holes. I do this so the wood does not split, its a large wood screw I am driving in so all of them are pre-drilled.
Once all attached they just need to have holes drilled into the face of the 2x4. I suggest using a ruler and marking them every few inches. It takes awhile to drill them all but once done this home will be great for solitary bees for a year or two. After that they need to be replaced, as they cannot be cleaned unless you took them completely apart. At that point I would just suggest building bee boards like I do. Otherwise it can be very time consuming trying to remove them. Bamboo tubes as well, that is where I prefer my bee boards.
