fire bricks?

[Birdland Sugarbush]

I'm picking up my first evaporator this weekend. It's a 2x4 unit like the one pictured below. Will I need firebrick or something to keep the flames closer to the pans? It doesn't taper as some other setups I've seen.

http://images.craigslist.org/3na3k83m65Y55P35S0b2ob877d8efe43b1462.jpg

Thanks,
Chris

[Brent]

this is pretty close the the Leader Half Pint. I used one for a couple seasons.

Yes if it is just one big hole inside, build a wall up to within 4 to 6" of the bottom of the pan. Fill the void behind the wall with vermiculite. It's light, cheap and a good insulator. You will also want about an inch of insulation on the sides and a layer of brick to protect the insulation. If you don't the sides and door will get so hot you can't stand within 3 feet of it after it's been cooking for an hour. Insulating the door is a bit more difficult. A 1" layer of ceramic blanket, protected by a peice of stainless steel. Put 1" spacers between the door and the stainless sheet so you don't compress the ceramic blanket. Your evaporator will be a bit safer from burn accidents and a lot more heat efficient.

Good luck.

PS here's a link to how to set up a Leader Half Pint
http://www.leaderevaporator.com/t-Maple-Syrup-Sugarmaker-Information-Center.aspx