Spouts

[Al]

Looking to order some spouts. They have 5/16 ecolo and 2 kinds 5/16 maple experts. Is there an advantage on using one over the other besides price? Also can I still use my 3/8 drill bit or do I have to get a different bit?
Have a great day!!!!

[michaelh05478]

Al, I use the 5/16 ecolo spouts and they work great..Not sure on the difference.I would use the recomended bit for the spouts.....Mike

[WESTVIRGINIAMAPLER]

Al,

Definitely get a tapping bit the same size as the spout. The ones that are specifically designed for tapping run about $ 15 but they are worth it because they will save you a ton in time and wear on batteries if you are using a cordless drill. A 3/8" bit will let the taps go into the tree too far as the hole is too big! :D :D :D

Brandon

[themapleking]

5/16 spouts are being used more these days. They are healthier on the trees than 7/16, and the trees heal alot faster. You do lose about 20% total sap compared to the 7/16 but your trees last longer. Use a 19/64 health spout coated bit. 5/16 bits are to big and you will get leaks.

All right a 19/64 health spout coated bit. I find 19/64 right hand titanium tapper/bracer bit. Is that the same thing? Sorry about all the questions but want to get this right.
Have a great day!

[mapleman3]

Whats everyones way of cleaning out the shavings left in the hole? or does a specialty bit tend to clean the hole better :?: :?:
Jim

[mapleman3]

I didn't want to say that but I do too, I wonder if a can of air like you clean computers with would work good? that is supposed to be clean air?
won der how many tap holes you could blow out with 1 can?

[themapleking]

Try your kids super soaker water gun. Works great, just mix in a little alcohol so the water does't freeze. Use sterol alcohol not Budweiser , boys. As for the $400 tanaka tapper keep it. Just take an old chainsaw remove the clucth and install a drill chuck on the shaft total cost $ 35, bought the saw at a auction for $20.

[mapleman3]

I like my trusty 18v Dewalt... have had no problems with it yet , the only leakers I had was because the tree's were so darn frozen last season , when they thawed alittle I had some loose spouts, a few splits too.

Now the thing is to learn how to do a pipeline and branches....so much to learn
Jim

[Salmoneye]

According to the 'Big Guys' I have talked to that have gone to 5/16, they all say that there is no appreciable loss of sap quantity...

On Vacuum, some even claim more sap than the larger spouts...