finally made syrup

[old tom]

Well today I finally finshed some Mapel syrup in the evaporator. Never was able to get the front syrup pan hot enough lots of near syrup but always finshed in a pan. The back sap pan was foaming up real good so I just cracked the valve on the inlet line leading to the float chamber and never lost my boil than i closed the damper door about half way in the fire box. the tmp gauge came up to 219 degrees and I checked with the hydrometer and it was right on 66%. I only made about a gal and ran out of sap. it is pretty dark grade b or c but is sure sweet and Iam happy. Thanks to all on this site as I have picked up a lot of tips.

See you and keep on making syrup Old Tom in Il

[Ausable]

Hi old tom -- Congratulations --- Did my first Boil of the year today too. Felt good to be making steam and maple again. Had a lot of trouble with frozen sap in pails and barrels. But I was able to boil enough to leave the pans sweet and be ready for the next boil. Glad You got some Maple Syrup.