hydrometer

[theguywiththename]

having recently aquireing another 9 taps for my opperation rhis year, im wondering if it makes sense to buy a hydrometer? or to just finish syrup to 218 like i have in the past?

[SeanD]

It's the only way to know for sure if you really have syrup and there has never been a post by anyone that said, "I wish I didn't spend $17 on a hydrometer." Seriously, you'll never regret it. The alternative is reaching for a bottle of syrup in June only to find an inch of rock candy on the bottom or a layer of mold on the top. To save money on the cup, just use a stainless steel briefcase thermos.

Awesome screen name.

Sean

[PerryW]

having recently aquireing another 9 taps for my opperation rhis year, im wondering if it makes sense to buy a hydrometer? or to just finish syrup to 218 like i have in the past?

I would spend the money on more taps.

[maplerookie]

WELL I didn't use a hydrometer the first year . I had some nice maple flavored near syrup that year. I did go by the temperature though. I thought it was syrup. lo and behold this year I went by the temp and found it wasnt quite syrup again. I like the hydro. it is easy to use and gives you real syrup. but if you are happy with what you have....then go with it. probably wont get any complaints from your family and friends,,Or they are too embarrassed to tell you about the mold or the rock candy..lol.. use the temp as a benchmark use the hydro to produce real syrup.

[theguywiththename]

9041
heres the tallest item similar to a thermos, however its still only 9" tall. if i tig weld a handle on it, will this work for leaders short hydrometer?

[RC Maple]

Just buy the hydrometer and the cup. These are basic tools for making syrup. Neither are that expensive and I am sure no one has ever regretted the investment. You will then know what is in your jug is syrup and you can smile in 6 months when you drain another jug of syrup that you make that was well kept and had no surprises in the bottom.

[jrgagne99]

9041
heres the tallest item similar to a thermos, however its still only 9" tall. if i tig weld a handle on it, will this work for leaders short hydrometer?

Sounds like you're not making a ton of syrup to be able to fill that thermos easily when you check density. I suggest buying the 1" dia hydrometer cup.

[lpakiz]

I heard of some folks who use a piece of PVC pipe and a cap, although I do recommend a regular cup. The cup should be 1/2 inch shorter than the hydrometer, so you can place the hydrometer onto the bottom of the cup. If it floats up a little, clean it off, lower it to the red line and release. It may still sink to the bottom, but won't sink so fast as to break the bulb on the bottom of the instrument.

[eustis22]

Cmon..taps are a quarter. Do you wanna GUESS you have syrup or do you wanna KNOW?

I don't think you are approaching this hobby with the required fanaticism.