First Year Tapping

[racarr]

I just completed an introductory post in one of the other forums. As this is our first year tapping, I am looking for advice on choice of taps and procedure.

I am about to place an order for 20 - Leader Check Valve Adapters and the same amount of Stubby Spouts. I plan to run hose from the spout to a bucket on the ground (snow) below the bucket. The buckets will be plastic food containers (2-3 gallon) with lids, and holes bored in the lids.

Is this a reasonable technique? What size tubing should I purchase to run from tap to bucket? Are any special tools needed to attach the tubing? Along with the adapters and spouts, I am ordering a couple 5/16 Canadian bits.

I understand that the check valve adapters may provide only a marginal gain, and would consider alternatives. Our experience is limited.

Thanks.

[lpakiz]

For gravity into buckets, I say, save the money and just buy disposable tubing spouts.

[racarr]

For gravity into buckets, I say, save the money and just buy disposable tubing spouts.

Would that be the Leader 5/16 Clear Seasonal Spout?

[maple flats]

When I used that method, I found the wind was an issue at times. A good remedy I found was to add a clamp on the tubing just under the lid so the bucket could not blow away when empty.
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[optionguru]

Just use the clear 5/16 spouts. I too have had wind problems in the past, the clamp under the lid idea is a good one and will save you many curse words while collecting. Welcome and good luck.

[Gary R]

Any cheap plastic spout. I'd put a rock on the lid to prevent blowing. Put the hole in the bucket at the top on the side. Make sure you don't have too much tubing sticking inside. The tubing needs to point down some to prevent the sap from running back the outside of the bucket and out the hole. A tie wrap on the tubing inside the bucket would make for a drip leg to prevent sap from running out.

Most of all have fun!

[racarr]

Thank you for all of the information and guidance. I will place an order tonight.

It seems we are a long way from tapping season, as the cold spell since early January continues. Like placing an order for garden seeds, ordering tapping supplies makes spring seem closer.

[Run Forest Run!]

In addition to the stuff that you order, start squirelling away some frozen meal-size portions of left overs between now and tapping time. There are a lot of busy days and late nights ahead of you, but it's worth every minute. It's a real treat to have some food ready to go when you are exhausted from the sap gathering and you don't dare turn your back on a boiling sap pan.

Have a great time this season!