littleTapper's 2x4 Arch Build

[littleTapper]

Following along the footsteps of other nice arch builds found here (thanks everyone for a great resource, especially Brian's build, found here (http://mapletrader.com/community/showthread.php?8805-2x6-homemade-arch).) I ventured to build my own arch. Boiling on a turkey fryer and grill with my eyes on more trees wasn't a recipe for happiness. I was able to finish the ceiling in my shop and get outfitted to tackle this. Really nothing fancy and I didn't deviate much from other designs. I added a few things that I think may make life easier. I added feet with decently stout caster wheels for easy moving and 3/4" bolts to act as levelers. I'll have to boil outside on the driveway for a season or two.

Almost done with the build. Need to paint my base stack and then insulate/brick it. Going with 1" blanket throughout and bricking the firebox. Hope that works. Grate will be filled with refractory cement to try and keep it alive. Started building on 12/13. Progress is going well, IMO.

Feet. The nuts are welded inside the channel. After a test roll out of the shop, I put 4" bolts in vs the 5" ones pictured.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q5Uu-TS_t_4/Vml-_sK9mbI/AAAAAAAAYK4/EYBMXFMxRjQ/s800-Ic42/IMG_20151209_184638.jpg

Early progress.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aGiC11kDNQI/Vm67R6yTWjI/AAAAAAAAYR8/lBF__ozGe0A/s800-Ic42/IMG_20151213_131550.jpg

My 5yo son enjoys watching the welding (with appropriate goggles).

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_-MeL9K4OQQ/VnAT1Ug9kdI/AAAAAAAAYTk/z7hb4_gMVCg/s720-Ic42/IMG_20151214_162558.jpg

[littleTapper]

First steps...um...well, on its feet.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fcl4Dnt0MTc/VnDMaFQ4k9I/AAAAAAAAYUY/r3LvhaMWUxo/s800-Ic42/IMG_20151215_183711.jpg

Grate test fit. I won't be welding it to the frame. It'll be effectively boxed in by blanket and brick, but have room to expand.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Kvc-b3GUB8/VnP26YOrcrI/AAAAAAAAYWw/NkmEW3HQcfw/s720-Ic42/IMG_20151217_191644.jpg

Sheet metal welded in. Door test fitted.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RJ9UQzjI428/VnX46WeX4lI/AAAAAAAAYaU/fkdeLOzqN_s/s800-Ic42/IMG_20151219_163511.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fo0LZeizdzc/VnX46YDp_uI/AAAAAAAAYaU/tpiOk_RCH8Y/s720-Ic42/IMG_20151219_163526.jpg

[littleTapper]

Escape! This "winter" we've been having sure made it nice to be able to paint outdoors!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U3eBWoHJzYw/Vnf1SotDqRI/AAAAAAAAYco/do6unGMnPEg/s720-Ic42/IMG_20151220_120509.jpg

Any color as long as it's black.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g3MkkTR_s_8/Vnf1Shk5O3I/AAAAAAAAYco/FRQ-sp15YJs/s800-Ic42/IMG_20151220_134123.jpg

I was going to simply cut an 8" hole in 1/4" plate for the stack pipe, but then realized I had plenty of 16ga sheet left to make a stack. So, big rectangle hole in the 1/4" plate, and then a smallish base for it. Will insulate the underside of the plate to prevent any warping. Should work. If not, warn me now, I still need to paint the base stack.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n6nJTvJVhag/Vnf1Sk1Y0OI/AAAAAAAAYco/RpDVTr1DLTo/s720-Ic42/IMG_20151220_161646.jpg

[littleTapper]

Something shiny showed up from Smoky Lake...

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XQRIdXYKrOc/VnlPqb2bG3I/AAAAAAAAYgY/LlLyyqn56qc/s800-Ic42/IMG_20151221_164206.jpg

So, I had to set it on there to see how it looked. I think it'll work out :)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cx4XYyLuzj8/VnqOxfeODFI/AAAAAAAAYjA/-DdIeI0DN1c/s800-Ic42/IMG_20151222_192904.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OjrwXzlu8kc/VnqOxaNWsgI/AAAAAAAAYjA/a9-gQ7XzTfs/s720-Ic42/IMG_20151222_192929.jpg

Next up, paint the base stack and then work on insulating it. Hoping to test boil soon.

[DocsMapleSyrup]

Nice looking build! I can just imagine the memories you will be making with your son. That's why I started to build my arch. To me, it's about the family. Keep us posted on how the test boil goes and the response of your son!

[DoubleBrookMaple]

Very nice little arch.
What size diameter and height is the stack to be?
It looks a bit large.

[littleTapper]

Thanks guys!

Stack's 8" diameter and I was going to run it up 10'. If that may be too wide I can easily reduce it down to 6" instead.

[Z/MAN]

Great looking arch.I have a 2x5 arch plated down for a 2x3 pan. I run a 10" pipe and it roars. You will have no problem with the 8" pipe. You're syrup will taste better knowing you made that setup yourself!

[jmayerl]

Screw the test boil and just tap some trees. Sap has been running on and off for weeks already.

[littleTapper]

Z/MAN, thanks! I expect it to be about 30537467x better since I made it. I'll measure carefully. :)

jmayerl, You're so right! I should have been tapping. Forecast shows a good freeze coming up, but I expect I'll be tapping in January.

[littleTapper]

Test boiled yesterday. Went really well. Definitely need some kind of spark arrestor for the stack! Ran it up 11'.

Unscientific measurements said easily 10gph. I'll be just fine with that. Awesome boil on dead elm and very dry box elder.

I have a damper in the first section of stack pipe. Seemed to boil a little harder with that closed just a bit. Less sparks/embers shooting out the stack too.