maine line 20-30 taps?

[aws]

I was planning on running two main lines, each in different directions and each with 20-30 taps on them. One line would have very steep slope the other about %3 slope. I already bought 1/2" main and ran my wire. But after doing more research and learning about the potential for the sap to heat up in the main with so few taps, and the potential for some natural vacuum if I only use 5/16, I think I will ditch the 1/2" black main and only run the 5/16. My bush faces east and only gets moderate sun. Do you think I am making the correct decision? I would rather do it right the first time. Also do I have substantial risk of having lines blocked by ice due to the smaller size and lack of black? I have read a lot of Dr. Tim Perkins' posts on this, but it still seems there is lack of consensus about the best practice in this situation. This is my first time running tube and there is no potential for increasing the number of taps on these lines. Thanks for your input.

[Sunday Rock Maple]

I'd stick with the original plan and use the main.

[SeanD]

I can't say which one to do because I've only done one of the situations. I have about 30 taps on 5/16" gravity with something like a 3-5% slope. I can say, though not to worry about ice. Chances are good that if there is ice in the tubing, there's ice in the tap hole too. Think of those west and north facing taps. The ice in the tubing melts before them.

When there is ice, it melts pretty quickly and not just from sun. The sap running into/over it melts it. Think of what happens when you run cold water over ice in the sink. It doesn't melt instantly, but it does melt. So don't worry about the sections of tubing that run through a shady spot either.

Sean

[Hop Kiln Road]

Stay with the 1/2" plan.

[aws]

I was hoping everyone would say just run the 5/16. After reading Perkin's various remarks I thought ditching the 1/2" was the obvious solution. Sometimes making a decision is the hardest part of the job.

[spencer11]

Run the main, cause then later you could add vac with out redoing it

[aws]

I can't imagine I would add vac to so few taps. We are just making syrup for friends and family.

[DonMcJr]

Wish I could help but this is gonna be my 1st year running tubes too. I decided for my 15 Taps on gravity I am going to run all 5/16 and hope for Natural Vacuum.

If I already had the 1/2 main... and I were in you're shoes, I think I would run it all in 5/16 and leave extra incase you don't like the results you can just buy the 5/16 x 1/2 fittings and just replace the main pretty easily...

[B.D.L]

I would use 5/16 for only 20-30 taps.

[wiam]

I would use 5/16 for only 20-30 taps.

I would try to get natural vac with 5/16 on that amount of taps.

[spencer11]

I can't imagine I would add vac to so few taps. We are just making syrup for friends and family.
I said that 3 years ago to, now I'm adding vac. You never know what will happen

[vtmapleman]

I would stick with the 5/16 that way you will have natural vacuum working for you.

[maplesyrupstove]

6471 15 taps on a small hill, short run.Vacuum on the last tap.

[maplesyrupstove]

64726473 15 taps on the same hill, longer run, vacuum on the last tap. Natural Vacuum, had a vacuum gauge from work.

[aws]

Spencer11. What was the approximate cost to run vacuum on just 35 taps. I never did much research on vacuum cost, but always assumed it was cost preventative for a small number of trees.

[aws]

Maplesyrupstove, how did you connect your vacuum gauge to the line? Off the shelf fittings? Think I could tamper with the calibration on a pressure gauge (that I already have) to make it measure vacuum?

[spencer11]

Spencer11. What was the approximate cost to run vacuum on just 35 taps. I never did much research on vacuum cost, but always assumed it was cost preventative for a small number of trees.
Well with out the cost of tubing, Amy pump was given to me, but estimate around a $100 for the vac pump, I built my own releaser but haven't used it yet other than just a short test;. My releaser cost around $170 to build,'butnimalso bought a bunch of extra stuff that I didn't need, so to do it right around $150, or you could get a bender for about the same price. Sloan idea of pric would be $250-$300 plus the cost of tubing. I'm running vac on 35 taps this year and those taps along should make me 15 gallons of syrup, if you set the tubing up right and have a tight system(easy to maintain with 35 taps) you should be able to get 1/2 gallon ofmsyrupmper tap

[maplesyrupstove]

I used a small piece of tubing and slip the gauge on one end and the other end on the tap.The one tote would be 2/3 full and the more vacuum one would be full each day.Now I put 20 taps on each tote,they run real good.I have to empty them twice each day now. Darrell