Paper Filter Differences

[Springfield Acer]

I have always had problems with my 8 qt wool filter plugging quickly despite always using prefilters.
I have seen where others use multiple prefilters to help the problem but when I tried that this past weekend,I would find that as I lifted out each prefilter that there was no syrup retained within that filter.The pool of syrup went straight through to the point that when I pulled all the prefilters I found that the backup was at the wool filter and the prefilters were not plugging at all. In fact, they were not even retaining much material.
I have since come to learn that are potentially different prefilters. Mine are a white plastic like paper that looks like a thin layer of chopped strands much like a fiberglass only finer.
I am told that what I want is a prefilter that is made of a material that looks more like paper coffee filter material.
I do not wish to just start ordering these without a better description or picture thus risking getting the same thing again and losing time.
Do the Maple Guys handle the right thing and if so, what part number?
Some where else that ships quickly?

[Springfield Acer]

At the time of this self reply, I have 85 views and zero replies which surprises me. Doesn't anybody know the difference in these two types of filters and where I can get the ones that filter smaller particles?

[Gary R]

Randy, as you know we understand your situation. I too unknowingly bought a bag of 12 of the worthless prefilters. The ones that look like matted fiberglass don't do a thing. I checked Maple Guys. There's say synthetic. Bascom's has both paper and synthetic listed. I would call them first and have them explain the type of prefilters they offer. Good luck!

[pierre]

I to just came into the same problem I ordered some from a different dealer and they were paper thin I doubled and quadrupled still nothing junk I went to my old dealer and ordered new ones so I know what your going through they are a Cdl dealer the other was a la Pierre dealer .

[mellondome]

How quick do you need them? and do you want flat or sewn to the shape of your orlon filter? Ianson in Coudersport has both. Sounds like you got a sap prefilter instead of a syrup prefilter. Check for a Leader/CDL/Dommgrimm dealer near you. They shouldn't cost much to ship.

[happy thoughts]

Hi, Mellondome. Where is Ianson's locted in Couldersport? Is it a store or a producer/dealer and do they have a website? It's a little bit of a drive for us but I'm always looking for new local supply sources.

[Springfield Acer]

Finally.....After a tip from Gary R, I contacted May Hill Maple in Orwell OH. They were out of stock but the paper filters they handle came in Thursday and I got two packs yesterday.
These filters had a different look and they worked like many others have described not like my previous thin plastic like ones.
I used four inside my cone filter and they worked more like I would have expected. I put three gallon thru it and it stopped up with about 3/4 of a gallon left to go.
I pulled the 1st filter and it was holding almost all of that syrup back. I worked the filter at a tilt and got all the syrup to filter thru.
The 2nd filter plugged quickly but then only held maybe less than a half gallon.
I pulled it and helped it empty also.
The third filter had less work to do and it held back maybe a pint.
The fourth a little less which I pulled when no progress was being made.
I ended up with far less wasted syrup in the cone at the end and it stayed warmer due to the quicker filtering.
I had tons of sludge in the paper filters with each one successively less full.
My cone filter also cleaned up way easier.
The paper filters cleaned up easily but the dirtier ones are also stained more.
Thanks to all for the feedback.:D

[Paddymountain]

hang the prefilters in a tuperware or equivalent vessel and let sit overnight, you'll have up to pint of syrup to use for yourself or put back in the next batch.