how thick

[cheesegenie]

Had a person here today that finishes their syrup by a thermometer
at 225F. They have also used a few thermometers, not just one. I
usually get 119 or so also match with hydrometer and drip sheet
method. They said they never get sugar in the bottom.How can that
be?

[maple flats]

something is not right on their method or they would get sugaring out in the container. As I see it 225 is way too high unless they are BELOW sea level and thier water boils at 217-218. Sounds fishey to me!

[maplehound]

This year my draw off temp. varied from 119.5- 122.5. I always check the first couple draws with my hydrometer and if the temp is real high then I check it with 2 diffrent hydrometers. I have even had the draw off temp. change more than 1 deg over a day of boiling. I feel as long as the hydrometer checks it as right then I go with whatever it takes temp. wise. I bottled some of it up today and my refractometer showed it just slightly heavy but no cristals in the bottom.
Ron

[maple flats]

If it is high slightly high the crystals take time to form, if it is higher than slight they form faster.

[markcasper]

Since I got my marcland draw off 7-8 years ago, I don't think its ever been above 216. Most times the point ranges between 214.5-215.2. Anyone think there is something not right with this??

[Maple Hill Sugarhouse]

post edited

[markcasper]

Kevin, I am aware of the atmospheric pressure thing and realy don't care either what temp the syrup comes off, as long as its consisitent. I did not think that I lived at this low of sea level to be drawing off at 214 or 15.

Whwnever we had real low pressure, the point was actually down towards 214. When we had high pressure and clear skies, it was up in the 215.5 range. I always check it several times throughout the day and adjust a 10th or 2 as needed. Mark

[markcasper]

Since you brought it up about a fitting in the flue pan.......My king flue pan was new in 98 and has a threaded fitting with plug in the middle of the pan, and on each side. Its located just above the bottom of the pan on both sides.

What is this here for? I have never seen or heard of anyone putting a sight tube on a drop flue. Is it for a low level alarm if you wanted one. Not really sure why they are there, as usually extra stuff like that has to be ordered special or extra, but mine came with them. I believe its a 1/2 inch female fitting. Mark

[Maple Hill Sugarhouse]

post edited

[mountainvan]

My dg dropflue had a sight gage, till I broke it. My sense is that they're there if you a have hood and you don't want to look in all the time.

[WESTVIRGINIAMAPLER]

I have a Leader welded drop flue pan and it has the fittings on it for the sight gauges all. Not really needed on a drop flue in my opinion even with a hood. :?

At least they still foot the extra cost for those who want them. :D