Draw-off thermometer question

[RC Maple]

This is my first year using a thermometer to help draw off. I then check with my hydrometer to see at what temp I need to be drawing off and check it at every draw. My thermometer port is 1.5 in from my draw-off and at the same level at the bottom of the pan. This means that when my thermometer is threaded in the end of the probe is a 16th inch from the bottom of the pan. Even when I have calibrated the thermometer the same day I always draw off well above what the thermometer says is 7 degrees above the thermometers zero - Usually at 18 to 22 depending on the day. Is this usual? It doesn't really matter I know - it's just there to help draw off. I just can't help but wonder if the closeness to the bottom of the pan has something to do with it but I figured somebody reading this would have figured this out before.

[DanE.]

RC Maple,

This my first year with a therometer. it is also about 1/16" off the bottom. the way I have been using it is: for the first time setup I used both my refractometer and hydrometer, measuring in the center of my last channel, just to verify that they both matched, Once they hit 66 brix i adjusted the therm to 7

When i draw, I wait until it reaches 8 and start a small stream/draw untill it drops to drop to 6. Then every few hours i will doiuble check the therm to the refractormeter. I drawed off and filtered about 1.5 galls yesterday, when i check the syrup todat at 68 degrees, it was at 67brix on the hydrometer. I my not sure if that helps but this works for me.

I also use the sheet / aporon method. I was taught this back in the seventies and I think is always a good quick check.

I hope this helps.

Dane.

[lakeview maple]

RC, does your thermometer have an adjustment on it?I have one on my leader so I check my syrup with a hydrometer and then adjust the thermometer to it,that way Im drawing at the same temp always every thgird draw or so ill double check with the hydrometer ,hope it helps ,Al

[RC Maple]

Yes, the thermometer does have an adjustment on it. It is a regular Leader thermometer. I did not think of adjusting the thermometer to the hydrometer but I like the idea and will use it. Thanks for the ideas.