Backyard Sapper66
03-10-2012, 08:42 AM
Hello all you fellow (and lady) "sappers" out there,
I figured it was time to start a thread even if the sap isn't running worth a dang.
Made a temporary "sugar shack" this season out of a metal frame temporary garage assembly (11 foot x 21 foot). Added some wood sheeting for a roof and used pallets for the walls and stapled tar paper and plastic to the outside for protection from the elements. Made a cupola and used pallets with recycled particle board for flooring. Rebuilt the arc to hopefully make it perform better (shooting for 10 GPH evap rate if possible). So far I have only had a chance to boil about 1/2 the pans contents. The pan holds 12 gallons of sap and the pre-heat pan holds 3 gallons. So far this season I have only collected about 25 gallons of sap, very dismal......
Today it is supposed to be a high of 37 and partly sunny and 5-10 mph winds. Tomorrow is supposed to be in the 50's, sunny and no wind and next week is in the upper 50's days and just above freezing at night. Maybe this season isn't going to be very spectacular. Haven't had any "runs" as of yet. I think the elevation we are at plays a big part in how the temps affect the trees.
Looking at some of the fellow sappers in the area and I see they are struggling with the same situation even if they aren't at the same elevation (and some are at a higher elevation than I am).
Good luck to everyone out there especially those who are trying to make a living off of it, thankfully I do it for the fun of it (maybe I should have my head checked???)
Doug
:)
I figured it was time to start a thread even if the sap isn't running worth a dang.
Made a temporary "sugar shack" this season out of a metal frame temporary garage assembly (11 foot x 21 foot). Added some wood sheeting for a roof and used pallets for the walls and stapled tar paper and plastic to the outside for protection from the elements. Made a cupola and used pallets with recycled particle board for flooring. Rebuilt the arc to hopefully make it perform better (shooting for 10 GPH evap rate if possible). So far I have only had a chance to boil about 1/2 the pans contents. The pan holds 12 gallons of sap and the pre-heat pan holds 3 gallons. So far this season I have only collected about 25 gallons of sap, very dismal......
Today it is supposed to be a high of 37 and partly sunny and 5-10 mph winds. Tomorrow is supposed to be in the 50's, sunny and no wind and next week is in the upper 50's days and just above freezing at night. Maybe this season isn't going to be very spectacular. Haven't had any "runs" as of yet. I think the elevation we are at plays a big part in how the temps affect the trees.
Looking at some of the fellow sappers in the area and I see they are struggling with the same situation even if they aren't at the same elevation (and some are at a higher elevation than I am).
Good luck to everyone out there especially those who are trying to make a living off of it, thankfully I do it for the fun of it (maybe I should have my head checked???)
Doug
:)