drawing off

[JSEDLAK]

Just wondering what percent sugar people draw off to go to the finish pan?

[maplehillbros7179]

less than 66% , remember your hydrometer is always right

[silveradomaple]

I generally draw off when the temperture reaches 217 degrees F. I'm able to better control the heat in a finishing pan then in the arch. It can reach syrup (66 Brix) pretty fast sometimes.

[Dave Y]

If it is not syrup I do not open the valve!

[markct]

I generaly try to draw off a bit heavy, not alot just a bit like a half brix or so, then when i have about 10 gallons in the finish pan i check it and usualy have to thin it a bit with less done syrup off the evap. This works well because its easier to thin it down than to boil more in the finish pan, and propane isnt cheap like wood, and also it makes it a bit longer before the next drawoff which allows me time to have my attention focused on filtering that batch in the finish pan. Works very well for me.

[jimandchuck]

Agree, let the evaporator do most all the work.

[Paddymountain]

Likewise, draw off a little over, it's much easier to thin a little than stand there and look at a batch of syrup boiling for an hour when you thought it was just about done.

[JSEDLAK]

So o should just keep adding to this pan until I get syrup out the other end?

[Adk sugar bush]

I've thought I was drawing off too early - 3rd year making syrup with an older Leader evap. It's got a syrup pan on front (2 x2?) and then I've been finishing on a propane burner in a large turkey roaster. Been using a lot of propane and lots of finishing boiling) If I'm hearing you guys right, I should be getting closer in the flue pan. What brix or temp? Then go beyond 66 in the syrup pan (66 1/2?). Then add some sweet to if needed in finishing pan. Does that sound about right.

[sapman]

If it is not syrup I do not open the valve!

Ditto!

Tim

[325abn]

What Dave Y said!!

Finish on the arch, draw off though filter, filter into canner bring to 180 and bottle.