Equipment List
At this time Walter T. Kelley is the only manufacturer who makes a specially designed Foundationless-style frame for beekeepers who have embraced foundationless natural beekeeping. All other styles of frames can be specially modified for foundationless use. But Walter T. Kelley's F-Style top bar design is ready to use right out of the box.
Hive and Beekeeper Supplies Walter T Kelly Sells
8 Frame Medium Hive Body - Pine or Cypress are both good. Your wallet can help you choose which is right for you.
F-Style Foundationless Frame - Order enough quantity for the number of boxes you buy. Narrow frames will fit 9 per box.
Good Smoker - Don't skimp on your smoker.
Good Hive Tool - Any pry bar of this design will do.
Basic Veil - Go with the Drawstring Round option. Alternatively the square design has seams that tend to get in your field of view but does fold up conveniently when not in use.
Hive Supplies from Home Depot:
RTD 23/32" SYP Sheathing Plywood - Plywood for making Hive Boards.
2"x8"x16" Concrete Cap Block - For your leveled hive platform. Buy four per hive.
Pack of Cedar Shims - The ever-so-versatile cedar shim!
The above supplies are all you need to get started beekeeping naturally!
Additional beekeeping gear you do not need at first but I have and love.
Tillman 1338M Tig Welding Gloves: Defenders will look to sting anything that's not white. These are goatskin (in Medium) with no thick cotton liner. Great for dexterity while working and pretty cheap.
I also apply Kiwi Leather Whitener to keep them white.
Feibing's Liquid Mink Oil applied on the inside keeps them from drying out.
Ultrabreeze Suits - These are the best bee suits. I own two. One Jacket and one Jumpsuit. They are very tough! Easily survive roof cutouts laying on my back and moving around on abrasive shingles. The jacket is what I use 99% of the time. But I wanted an extra suit and got the jumpsuit for when I have to deal with nasty yellow jackets or hornets who will sting you anywhere and everywhere. You will not get stung through the 3 thick layers of mesh. Most other suits are made with one layer of thin nylon fabric. You will get stung through those. And when you are sweaty the nylon will stick against bare skin where the stinger's barb will easily penetrate your skin.