CampHamp
12-02-2012, 01:54 AM
Here's my story...
Below is a photo of last year's shanty (which was my first year sugarin') which doubles as my wife's greenhouse!
6057
I lived in a small apartment for 20 years, so it didn't feel as small to me as to some of you. :lol:
Here's a video (http://youtu.be/bIuTK4HAsFo) of my "first boil" with the initial shack and arch after about 1 min (it's a bit too long, but captures the spirit of my first run).
I had lot's of fun and knew that I would be getting more serious for 2013. I'm upgrading from 40 taps to 100 (using 3/16 tubing for gravity vacuum), building a proper sugar house and getting a real arch, too.
Here's where we are with the new sugar house:
6058
It's made from trees cut and milled on the property (pine & hemlock) by the builder. He built a 32x32 barn a stone's throw away and this was all left-over lumber. If someone needs logging, milling or building done around New Ipswitch, NH, then I have the man for you!
The evaporator will come in January (cutting it close). It will be the first Sunrise Metal Shop rig (a 2x6) that the Maple Guys sell and I'll post some pics when it's set up.
This structure only has a gravel floor this year, but I can pour a slab if I want next year right into the 6x6 base. We'll see how it goes.
It was great seeing other people's contributions here to help me get some of my own things right (thanks!), so I thought I'd share my story as well.
Wishing you all Happy Holidays (and final prep-work) from TreeTops!
Below is a photo of last year's shanty (which was my first year sugarin') which doubles as my wife's greenhouse!
6057
I lived in a small apartment for 20 years, so it didn't feel as small to me as to some of you. :lol:
Here's a video (http://youtu.be/bIuTK4HAsFo) of my "first boil" with the initial shack and arch after about 1 min (it's a bit too long, but captures the spirit of my first run).
I had lot's of fun and knew that I would be getting more serious for 2013. I'm upgrading from 40 taps to 100 (using 3/16 tubing for gravity vacuum), building a proper sugar house and getting a real arch, too.
Here's where we are with the new sugar house:
6058
It's made from trees cut and milled on the property (pine & hemlock) by the builder. He built a 32x32 barn a stone's throw away and this was all left-over lumber. If someone needs logging, milling or building done around New Ipswitch, NH, then I have the man for you!
The evaporator will come in January (cutting it close). It will be the first Sunrise Metal Shop rig (a 2x6) that the Maple Guys sell and I'll post some pics when it's set up.
This structure only has a gravel floor this year, but I can pour a slab if I want next year right into the 6x6 base. We'll see how it goes.
It was great seeing other people's contributions here to help me get some of my own things right (thanks!), so I thought I'd share my story as well.
Wishing you all Happy Holidays (and final prep-work) from TreeTops!