BeeDock – Modular Beekeeping Tool & Frame System

🐝 About BeeDock 🐝

2026 was our first year as newbie beekeepers with my dad, but just one season was enough to experience the wonderful world of bees. We also ran into a few things throughout the year that made us think a lot. One of them was the constant mess when working with an open hive. You have so many things with you.. smoker, hive tool, marker, queen trap, etc., that you end up putting them all around the hives, and it quickly becomes a mess. So I decided to create something universal that could be changed and adapted throughout the season as our needs changed. And that's how BeeDock was born.

BeeDock is a portable, modular mounting solution that lets you organize all your beekeeping tools, frames, and accessories so you can take them with you while working with the hive.

The main holder adjusts to fit different hive configurations, while interchangeable modules let you customize the system to your needs.

The modular design makes it easy to add, remove or rearrange accessories depending on the task at hand.

Start with the basic holder and build your own setup with tool holders, frame rests, trays, hooks and other useful modules.

The goal of BeeDock is simple: less searching, less clutter, and everything you need right where you need it.

🧩 How the Modular System Works

BeeDock uses a universal mounting interface that allows different modules to be attached, removed and repositioned as needed. Mix and match tool holders, frame rests, trays, hooks and other accessories to create your own setup. Every extension, module or tray is fully compatible with the main frame or each other!

📐 Adjustable Mounting System

To create a fully printable modular system with an extendable length without the need for springs, bolts, magnets, etc., I designed a simple pull-to-click mechanism with hemispheres spaced 5 mm apart. This allows you to adjust the length to fit your hive, regardless of your beekeeping methods or setup. You can also choose how large the extended beam should be, with small, medium, and large options available.

I also included .f3d files here so you can easily download them, jump into Fusion 360 and modify all kinds of things as you wish for your special needs. Adjust thickness, length, tolerances etc.

🔧 Available Modules

• Sliders are available in 3 sizes (Small, Medium, Large), so you can choose the one you need for your needs, hive or just to fit onto the printing bed

• Sides B1/B2 for saving some filament and a minimalist, but organized look

• Sides B1 - Frame/B2 - Frame, when beside the storage, you also need to lay down some frames with bees to make some working space inside the hive

• Basic extensions for tools

• 27 trays of different length, width and depth (Small, Medium, Large)

• 27 trays with attachment for joining another accessory onto them, with also many variants of different length, width and depth (Small, Medium, Large)

🛠 Print settings

• Material: PETG is highly recommended, but PLA will work as well (ASA/ABS will be overkill)

• Layer height: 0,2mm works just fine

• Nozzle diameter: 0,4mm 

• Infill: 15% for PETG, 25% for PLA (If we are considering stressed parts) Gyroid or Grid pattern

• Supports: NO for all models in "Main parts". For bigger trays, I will upload a supportless solution ASAP

• Perimeters: 2 for PETG, 3 for PLA

• Brim: RECOMMENDED for outer wall of parts "Slider B1/B2" and modular accessories of all kinds if printed in PETG

• Orientation: KEEP IT. Best is already set up by me

• Assembly: YES, but EASY. Multiple parts for personal customization (no print-in-place)

⚙ Assembly

1. Take "sliderB1 (small/medium or large)" and insert it into "B1" (or "B1 - Frame", it depends on your choice)

2. Tighten them together with a printable "Bolt" so they won't loosen

3. Repeat this same process with "sliderB2 (small/medium or large)" and "B2" (or "B2 - Frame"

4. Insert infills into side holes in main B parts. I make a bigger tolerance here so everyone should fit it easily and that's why you will need to put some glue in here.

5. Slide whatever extension you choose into "sliderB2" and organize them as you like. When you are satisfied, put the other "slideB1" into the guide rails and set up your custom length.

6. Insert "Hook" into both main holders, set up your requested length, and secure it with "Pin" on both sides

7. Take it, put it onto the hive, and enjoy your relaxing hobby!

*Later on, I will share a YouTube video about this easy assembly.

🐝 Using BeeDock

Modular system is designed to stay on the side of your hive while you work. Attach the modules you need for the day, adjust the holder to your hive, and keep your tools, frames, and accessories within easy reach. Rearrange or swap modules anytime to match different tasks throughout the beekeeping season.

⚠ Safety & Material

BeeDock is intended for general beekeeping use and is not designed for direct contact with honey, food, or the inside of an active hive. For outdoor use, PETG or ASA is recommended due to better resistance to heat, moisture, and UV exposure. Always choose a material suitable for your specific conditions and inspect the printed parts regularly for wear or damage.

💡 Feedback & Improvements

If you are missing an extension or you have any ideas for new ones, improvements, or alternative uses, feel free to share them in the comments. Feedback, suggestions, and your own BeeDock remixes are always welcome!

Ideas I am working on right now and will be posted later:

• Supportless and nice inner finish onto large trays where bridges are too wide. (Before the printer starts to print bridges, you can pause the printing and put the relevant insert into the tray)

• Inserts into the trays of all kinds

• Inserts with full or hexagonal pattern

• Different types of changeable infill patterns

• Version of main side holders (B1 and B2 and their frame version), where you can tighten the infill together with a printable bolt

I will upload updates and improvements as soon as I decide they are ready for release. I personally always print test models first to check tolerances and fit. After that, I print the complete part and test it in the field to make sure it works properly and can handle real-world use. So everything I need is simply some time. Please be patient, and thank you for your understanding!

Updates

No updates yet!