Small Operation Switch to Mainline?

[vtgaryw]

Last year I posted my Shurflo Diaphram pump setup, and I ended up having great luck with it:

http://mapletrader.com/community/showthread.php?22328-1st-Day-Sap-Puller/page15

I ended up with about 25 taps on it. I had pretty good vacuum at the farthest point from the pump, but I think I could have done even better. This year, I want to replace a lot of my tangled web of 5/16" lines with a mainline, so I'll probably end up with around 35 taps. Can I get by with 1/2" mainline? Any reason to go bigger than 1/2"?

-gary

[unc23win]

Yea 1/2 inch or 3/4" would be good. 3/4 generally has more options as far as saddles are concerned which would be your connection of the 5/16 to the mainline.

[BreezyHill]

If you run with 3/4" the mainline will have room for growth in the future and for current the extra space will act as a balance tank.

There is a better source of saddles for 3/4 that will seal well. 1/2" well have issues unless you can find a supplier with some 1/2" saddles. I have hears of people using the cdl max seals on 1/2" using a section to tack up the extra space.

I may have a few old tie on saddles that will work on 1/2, if interested pm me and I will find them.

[Aaron Roy]

Something you may want to think about is 3/16 line. It's a new technology but if you have a little elevation in your sugar bush it's something that may work out. Also, you don't need a mainline and all that goes with it

[adk1]

I would recommend going with the 3/4" as well.

[morningstarfarm]

I would go 3/4.... The little bit of savings is not worth it! ...and I rarely if ever see a sugar maker that doesn't expand at least a little every year...

[vtgaryw]

Is there any down side to using 3/4" instead of 1/2" for approx 35-40 taps?

Gary

[morningstarfarm]

The only downside I can see is that you are going to want a bigger evaporator...