what should i build?

[supersapper]

i am just doing this small time now but i want to get to 20-30 gal syrup/year. i know, still small time but more than 3-4 gallons now. i have access to 100-150 boxelder and 50-60 sugar maple so sap supply shouldn't be an issue. what i am looking for is a setup suggestion to make this happen. i generally have time this time of year to devote to this and a healthy supply of firewood. i am waiting for a plan for a 55 gal drum evap but i am thinking of something more durable for next year. any help would be appreiciated!!!!!!

[Bucket Head]

Are you set on building a barrel/flat pan style rig? I really think you should consider a 2x4' or a 2x6' syrup/flue pan style rig, providing your comfortable with that amount of fabrication. Your tap count would be better suited with those. A flat pan, even one bigger than the barrel arch size, will make for long boils with that many taps. You mentioned that you have free time this time of year so maybe the boiling time won't be an issue. However, its allways better to plan for "bigger" when it comes to these things. A faster boil rate is allways better and maybe in the future your tap count will grow larger than what your thinking it will be currently. Whatever you decide to build, post some pictures of it. Good luck with it.

Steve

[3rdgen.maple]

I second Brandon and another thought that is sometimes over looked is that the faster you can boil down your sap the better the syrup grades you will acheive especially if you have soft maples or boxelders. A flue pan is the way to go.

[sugarwoodacres]

thanks for posting the photobucket pics. we are boiling on 4 ss buffet table pans . im looking to make an evaporaporator about your size for next year. we have 50 taps nows and are going to possibly double for next season. Thanks again