Polish Wizard
12-26-2015, 10:43 AM
This coming spring will be my first attempt at tapping trees ---- and hopefully boiling sap without too many catastrophes.
My plan is to tap only around 10 trees so I don't waste too much sap if my efforts don't work very well.
I read as many threads as I could find concerning the use of sap bags, and whether to buy factory bag holders or make them from PVC pipe.
I considered:
-using either 2 or 3 inch PVC pipe cut to 6" lengths with the appropriate hole(s) drilled for the spile,
-a coupling cut in half to make a stopper ring for each holder I'll build,
-a test cap to cover the top of the holder (prevent rain and stuff from entering),
-and a heavy-duty 14" wire tie to hold the bag onto this contraption.
Using Home Depot prices I calculate each holder will cost $1.22 and $2.06 respectively (2 and 3 inch), not including my labor, hole saw, and PVC glue already on my bench.
On the other hand I looked at the RMC Sugarbush website and see they offer two versions of the factory-made sap sack holders.
One called CDL costs $2.65 each, and the one called "New Sap Sack Holder" costs $4.25.
Can anyone explain the difference between the CDL and "New" sap sack holders that justifies the cost difference?
Are they both made of the same material, able to hold the same bag weight, and last equally long for years of service?
The "New" is shown as made in USA, so perhaps that is the difference.
For the minimal cost difference (and not knowing any other details) I'm leaning toward the CDL bag holders.
I question the ability to wrap and secure a bag around a relatively small piece of pipe, compared to the much larger surface of a factory bag holder. (This is why I considered using 3" pipe instead of 2")
Not to mention issues I read about when the bag contents are frozen and you want to dump through a small opening.
While I have your attention, I might as well ask if anyone knows the difference between clear and blue sap bags (other than one being a festive color).
Quick looks at various web sites don't show many details about bag thickness, capacity, or material (can one withstand abrasion, UV or temperature better than the other).
Any thoughts and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
I'm sure I'll have more questions about this entire process before we actually reach tap time.
My plan is to tap only around 10 trees so I don't waste too much sap if my efforts don't work very well.
I read as many threads as I could find concerning the use of sap bags, and whether to buy factory bag holders or make them from PVC pipe.
I considered:
-using either 2 or 3 inch PVC pipe cut to 6" lengths with the appropriate hole(s) drilled for the spile,
-a coupling cut in half to make a stopper ring for each holder I'll build,
-a test cap to cover the top of the holder (prevent rain and stuff from entering),
-and a heavy-duty 14" wire tie to hold the bag onto this contraption.
Using Home Depot prices I calculate each holder will cost $1.22 and $2.06 respectively (2 and 3 inch), not including my labor, hole saw, and PVC glue already on my bench.
On the other hand I looked at the RMC Sugarbush website and see they offer two versions of the factory-made sap sack holders.
One called CDL costs $2.65 each, and the one called "New Sap Sack Holder" costs $4.25.
Can anyone explain the difference between the CDL and "New" sap sack holders that justifies the cost difference?
Are they both made of the same material, able to hold the same bag weight, and last equally long for years of service?
The "New" is shown as made in USA, so perhaps that is the difference.
For the minimal cost difference (and not knowing any other details) I'm leaning toward the CDL bag holders.
I question the ability to wrap and secure a bag around a relatively small piece of pipe, compared to the much larger surface of a factory bag holder. (This is why I considered using 3" pipe instead of 2")
Not to mention issues I read about when the bag contents are frozen and you want to dump through a small opening.
While I have your attention, I might as well ask if anyone knows the difference between clear and blue sap bags (other than one being a festive color).
Quick looks at various web sites don't show many details about bag thickness, capacity, or material (can one withstand abrasion, UV or temperature better than the other).
Any thoughts and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
I'm sure I'll have more questions about this entire process before we actually reach tap time.