Deep and angle of tap hole?

[UncleGilly]

Just checking how deep and what angle you all drill your 5/16 tap holes?

[Flat Rock Farmers]

Hi there,

We usually drill ours about 1 1/2" to 1 3/4" deep and keep the drill slightly angled upwards, maybe a couple of degrees or so.
Just enough so the sap will run out freely and not pool in the hole.
Good luck

Jay

[DonMcJr]

I mark my drill bit at 2 inches with a paint marker. If it's thick bark big tree I go all 2 inches. If it's a smaller thinner bark tree I go about a 1/2 inch less than the mark.

As far as angle I just make sure it looks like a slight downeard angle.

[unc23win]

I drill 2 inches in most all of my trees some with real thick outer layer I will drill a little deeper so I can hit more white wood. I have a piece of 5/16" tubing on the bit to stop it at 2 inches. With the non check valves just a slight angle. Check valves no angle. Here is a video of a tapping seminar at Goodrich Maple someone shared a little while ago. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beIOKblvKHA

[jmayerl]

Drill straight in, the tree is under pressure and there is no real reason to drill at an angle like everyone usually does. Angled holes are much harder to drill straight.