Getting started - freshly bricked evaporator

[CTsap]

Hi everyone. Rookie here with a freshly bricked mason 2x3. Can you guys tell me how I should break the unit in? I figure a couple small fires at least, to help cure the cement. Do I work up slowly to an all day boil?
Thanks,
Dave

[GramaCindy]

Good morning CTsap. I have a Mason 2x4 and when I bricked it, I used a 100 watt bulb for a day and night. Then make a VERY small fire to give it a final cure. Being careful to fire it up slowly for the first time.

[Woodsrover]

I have the same evaporator, Dave. Put a 100-watt bulb in it for a day and then lit a small fire for an hour or so. After that it was full-bore. Where in CT are you?

jim

[CTsap]

Thanks for the responses. Tomorrow I'm going to light a small fire and see how it works.
Jim - I'm out in Ashford. Put 30 taps out Monday, all of which are atleast half full now. Minus a couple that fell over due to the high winds yesterday. Weather looking good this week. Have fun!
Dave