I have used foundationless frames since March. One hive built comb across all frames in one box, while the rest of the boxes and the other hives were perfect. I have one frame now that is very strange as it has perfect comb on both ends and one small section with cross comb. I guess they will do what they want. I have since alternated foundationless with foundation to prevent this in the future.
Long thread but I don’t think this has been mentioned…
If the bees are consistently cross-combing from the top of one frame to the bottom of the next… Is the hive level?
Cells need a small downward slope on each side of the comb, the midrib is built vertical (easily deduced by the bees from gravity), so a small incline across the hive, or the frames not each hanging exactly vertical might cause them to be doing this.
Without being pedantic about it, it’s worth running a level across the hive, especially in the direction perpendicular to the top bars.
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