Sugar shack school bus?

[2002 max]

Has anyone ever turned a old school bus into a sugar shack? How would one keep the steam out ? I have a homemade oil drum arch and not presently using a seam hood. anyone have pictures of something similiar? thanks

[n8hutch]

I am sure you could make a school bus work. I have never seen it but I would marvel at the creativity and use of available resources. Good luck if you give it a try.

[maple maniac65]

Maybe cut a hole in the roof and build a cupola on top.

[Dill]

There was a kid who boiled on a 2x6 in a travel trailer last season around here. It didn't work great, everything kinda turned to mush inside even after he cut a big hole in the roof. But the school bus is much more metal. Going to be kind cramped side to side. But we called his the meth shack and I know people would say the same about the bus.

[maple flats]

I drive school bus, but I don't think the school district will let me build an evaporator in it. They would be nervous about the kids getting burned. They frown on lighting fires in the bus.
On a more serious note, I suggest you make a steam hood, however a cupola would work without a hood. Since a level pan is quite important, you will want to raise the bus and set it on solid blocking or jacks so that when you walk in there the pan remains level and steady. You would be surprised just how much even a full sized 14,000# school bus moves with someone walking in there.

[heus]

I think a school bus sugarhouse is a fantastic idea. The more modern ones have a built in cupola, too (safety hatch).

[Jebediah]

When I was a kid we had a neighbor who had multiple school-bus workshops (on blocks). Worked great. I realize boiling is a whole different story, regardless I think it's a neat idea.

[1arch]

This could turn out to be a nicely done project perhaps even remaining mobile. Go to the sap and boil.

But where would the chickens live then:confused:

[Bucket Head]

Why not use a school bus? People use truck bodies/semi trailers for boiling. And lots of daylight with all the windows!