Help...need advice with accessories for Bill Mason evaporator

[efoyt]

Hi...my wife and I are purchasing a Bill Mason 2x3 hobby evaporator. We are having the castors and blower included...however we have know idea if paying extra for the arch paper is worth it. In fact I'm not even 100 positive I know what it is? Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks, Ethan

[Starting Small]

I bought one from Bill a few years ago. I just sold it because I am getting a bigger one. I purchased the arch paper for my 2X3. Arch paper is designed to insulate, or keep the heat inside, the arch. It should let less heat escape from the sides of the evaporator. My advice is that the blower is definitely worth it, 100% in my opinion. If you are going to keep the evaporator for many years with no plans of selling it, then I think it is worth it. If you plan on selling it in a couple years and going bigger like I did, I would pass on purchasing the arch paper. Just my opinion. Thanks,
-Dave

[efoyt]

So insulating the arch...will add to the longevity of the arch, increase the gallon per hour boil, decrees wood used?

[maple maniac65]

So insulating the arch...will add to the longevity of the arch, increase the gallon per hour boil, decrees wood used?

All of the above

[Birddog]

I bought a mason this summer. I went with arch board and 1/2 brick. So far all I boiled is water while testing it. I also went with the blower and I'm glad I did the boil really picks up when I turn on the blower


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[Flat Lander Sugaring]

I bought a mason this summer. I went with arch board and 1/2 brick. So far all I boiled is water while testing it. I also went with the blower and I'm glad I did the boil really picks up when I turn on the blower

.
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dont turn the blower off after you get her running leave it on when firing so you don't loose the boil

[Birddog]

One thing I need to figure out is how to seal the ash door, because when I turn on the blower I get a little bit of ash and hot cinders that come out from around the door. The main firing door seals tight with blanket covering it so no issues with that door,


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[steve J]

I had Bill's 2x3 with no blower or arch paper and a lot of heat escaped thru sides. I now have his 2x4 with a blower, arch board and brick and no heat is escaping. As for sealing the ash door I had same issue I used some of the gasket material you normally use under the pan and stuff it in openings using a screw driver and that stop the problem.

[Birddog]

EFoyt , I think you would be much happier using arch paper, or arch board or fire blanket. It helps keep the heat in and seems to help keep the sides of the arch from getting super hot. I used arch board from Bascoms and I'm very happy with it.


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[bcarpenter]

I also have a mason 2x3. I did not get a blower or arch paper with mine.

I did insulate mine after the fact with arch board and 1/2 bricks after I received it. It does make a difference in keeping the heat in the unit. I tried to document the process on my blog of my experience insulating the arch.

I really enjoyed my arch from Bill Mason, and had a great time boiling with my family. Be careful because this maple stuff is addicting.


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[efoyt]

I'm going to try to follow the instructions in your blog when I brick my evaporator.





I also have a mason 2x3. I did not get a blower or arch paper with mine.

I did insulate mine after the fact with arch board and 1/2 bricks after I received it. It does make a difference in keeping the heat in the unit. I tried to document the process on my blog of my experience insulating the arch.

I really enjoyed my arch from Bill Mason, and had a great time boiling with my family. Be careful because this maple stuff is addicting.


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[efoyt]

Where did you buy your fire bricks?



I also have a mason 2x3. I did not get a blower or arch paper with mine.

I did insulate mine after the fact with arch board and 1/2 bricks after I received it. It does make a difference in keeping the heat in the unit. I tried to document the process on my blog of my experience insulating the arch.

I really enjoyed my arch from Bill Mason, and had a great time boiling with my family. Be careful because this maple stuff is addicting.


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[BlueberryHill]

WS Goodrich Co has very fair fire brick prices in my experience.

Address: 99 Calef Hwy, Epping, NH 03042
Phone:(603) 679-5338

You might want to call ahead because I have seen them run out occasionally.

[jrgagne99]

Be careful because this maple stuff is addicting.

Nothing like stating the obvious. :lol:

[bcarpenter]

Where did you buy your fire bricks?

Tractor supply in Merrimack, I can't recall but I believe I caught a sale and they were in $2 range late in the heating season. I think they are $3 each per split normally.


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[bcarpenter]

Nothing like stating the obvious. :lol:

I know, nobody ever believes that they will get hooked though. I know I didn't think I would.


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[Ryan August]

efoty
in regards to where you buy your bricks, depending where you are in maine but Gagne and son in belgrade. Think I paid 2.15 and 2.54 for half and full bricks

[efoyt]

I'm about 40 min out of Belgrade...so that might be an option. I live in monmouth. I'll check out tracker supply also.

[BAP]

Most building supply places that sell cement blocks and bricks carry them. They are the same ones that are used in fireplaces.

[Shawn]

Addicting! I guess. I can see a re-hab now for us all, Cost ten gallons of syrup:lol: