2x5 arch build

[MunsterMapler]

Well guys, I did a whole lot of reading and poking around on this site before I started but this is what I've been working on, and advice would be appreciated 12284
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[MunsterMapler]

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[MunsterMapler]

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[Super Sapper]

Looks very good, nice work. The only advice I would give would be to add more insulation to your door and the front of the firebox to protect the angle framing the door opening. I did not and the front warped pretty good from the metal that was not covered expanding and contracting more than the covered portion.

[littleTapper]

Really nice! That has to be a tank! Love it.

[MunsterMapler]

Yeah it's not very light, all 2x2x3/16 angle and 10g sheet metal. And the whole front is 3/16 plate. I was trying to figure out a way to insulate around the door and still have room for my brick, but there doesn't really seem to be an easy way without it getting torn up when loading wood. If anybody has any ideas feel free to chime in. Thanks guys

[MunsterMapler]

Well got about 95% of the bricking done the other day and ran out of refractory cement, but here's what she looks like. Hopefully the sap runs good this spring!1233312334123351233612337

[ronintank]

You need to rework the angle ash grate. the angles are the right way but there is too much gap between the angles. You need about a 1/4 inch between the angles for the air gap. great looking arch you have done a great job.

[ronintank]

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My grate.

[littleTapper]

I used angles for my grate, V with open end up and filled with refractory cement. 3/4" gaps. Based on my test boil, seems about perfect.

Nice looking bricking job :)

[MunsterMapler]

I have about 2 inches gap in-between my angles, you guys think that's too much? Not s big deal to re work it, but I just wanted to make sure I have good air flow from the blower coming up through the grates. What's the ideal spacing? I plan on test boiling here pretty soon just waiting on my pan gasket to get delivered

[Windy Acres]

Very nice build!, I have found 3/4-1" seems to be the best for the gaps in the grates

[MunsterMapler]

Well I cut out the 2 middle anles, respaced them 3/4 inch apart and added another one, thanks for the advice and compliments guys!
I also saved the dust from cutting the fire brick when I cleaned up, I have about half a gallon that I'll use to fill the grates with before I fire up

[DocsMapleSyrup]

I think you will like the spacing much better for the fire grate. It looks nicely done! Keep us posted.

[MunsterMapler]

Well guys I test boiled for around an hour the other day just to make sure everything worked like I planned. I still gotta figure out how to adjust the float valve and all, but I didn't have a head tank set up at that point. Probably gonna try again here within the next week or 2. The only thing I found was that it didn't seem to have a rolling boil in the front syrup part of the pan. The flue section was boiling hard but not so much up front. Could I be blowing too much air in from underneath causing it to cool the pan?12447
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[BRL]

Well got about 95% of the bricking done the other day and ran out of refractory cement, but here's what she looks like. Hopefully the sap runs good this spring!1233312334123351233612337

Munster I think your front pan issue might be because your surface area is restricted from your fire bricks. Looks like use lose about 8" with your fire brick and 2" frame. I'd suggest cutting an angle in you top row of firebrick from your steel frame that way the fire can get to you pan.

[MunsterMapler]

That's a good idea, I actually thought about that but didn't do it yet cause there doesn't seem to be an easy way. Maybe I'll just use a diamond blade on my circular saw and cut the angle

[Super Sapper]

I would just remove the top row as you are not going to be putting wood up that high.

[MunsterMapler]

I cut my top row of bricks back at an angle today. Hopefully I'll get a better boil in the front part of my pan.
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SAP is right around the corner!!

[BRL]

Nice job Munster! I think you will be glad you did!

[fisheatingbagel]

Very nice build on the 2x5 arch. I have a 2x5 hybrid also, and had problems for a while getting a good boil in the syrup pan. I'm not using AUF, but I had to make sure to keep plenty of wood right up against the front to get a good boil. Good luck and keep us posted!

[MunsterMapler]

Thanks for all the help guys, this forum is loaded with so much information and tons of people willing share their knowledge!

[MunsterMapler]

I finished boiling down what sap I gatherd the pasts few days witch was a boy 70-75 gallons. I don't have a hood or preheater and boil outside but still managed to boil about 20 gph when I pushed it hard. Above my expectatios by far. Now just waiting on more sap!

[Greenfin]

Great looking job. Any Idea on the total cost?

[MunsterMapler]

I never really added it up but I'm guessing around 400 bucks. I got the insulation and sheet metal from work saving me some money which worked out well.