Smallest system

[feathercast]

In looking today I'm thinking about putting in a small natural vacuum system. I have never even seen a vacuum system in person, but I'm doing some serious research now! What's the smallest number of taps to make it worth while? I'd say the drop will be 20 to 30 feet. I'm thinking 3/16 line to a tank. Any suggestions?

[CampHamp]

What's the smallest number of taps to make it worth while?
My shortest line has 4 taps. You'll be glad you did it!

[Drew Pond Maple]

13085
This one 3/16 line has 7 taps and 40+ ft of elevation drop.

[johnallin]

The past month I ran 5 lines with 80 taps total. All 3/16 running into a 165 gal tank at the bottom of the hill. Time will tell how well it runs for me, but it was easy enough to put up and should be even easier collecting.
With the price of 500' roll of 3/16 at $45 and fittings at .20 ea it's not a big gamble and lots less than bags and holders.

[feathercast]

Do you need a check valve going into the tank? And how do you clean the lines for next year?

[PA TAPPER]

Do you need a check valve going into the tank? And how do you clean the lines for next year?

No check valves needed. Just feed hose a few inches into top of tank. I drilled slip fit holes in my cap. Quick N Easy. Most of my lines have about 20 taps but I do have one 3/16 run with 7 taps into a large bucket , works fine with 20 foot of drop.

[rhwells2003]

Where do you guys get these rope style Chinese fingers that your using for tensioning and anchoring? I have 420+/- taps at my place all on vacuum, but I have 40-50ish taps on the opposite side of my house that would be a pain with ladders and everything to get it tied into my vacuum system. Thinking 4-5 3/16" lines going to a 100gal tank or something could work good. ( I have 40' of drop from the top to tank site, and 15' from my last tap, but all the other taps are 25+ of drop.

[johnallin]

I found a company called Quality Nylon Rope. They offer a 1000' roll of black 1/4" poly rope for $45.00 with free shipping. Made in USA to boot. I know, that's a lot of line, but at 4½¢ per foot I couldn't pass it up. It's nice stuff and I'm using it all over the place now. Picture is my set up with lines/ropes terminating at a stainless ring over the tank which is then secured to nearby tree with a single length.

(Length: 1000 ft Spool) Part no HB8B1000 http://qualitynylonrope.com/

13100

[Wood burn]

I'm just wondering whats would be the minimum number of taps that i could put on a 3/16 line to create vac . Right now i am running 80 taps all 5/16 drop tubes to a five gallon bucket at the base of each tree.

[Super Sapper]

I think that have read as few as 4.

[Wood burn]

What if i just change my 5/15 drop tube to 3/16 would the increase sap flow ?

[PA TAPPER]

Where do you guys get these rope style Chinese fingers that your using for tensioning and anchoring?

I get my supplies & Rope from Bascoms. Rope is 12 cents per foot, any quantity !

Here is a Link https://www.bascommaple.com/item/rope12/

[PA TAPPER]

I have 420+/- taps at my place all on vacuum, but I have 40-50ish taps on the opposite side of my house that would be a pain with ladders and everything to get it tied into my vacuum system. Thinking 4-5 3/16" lines going to a 100gal tank or something could work good. ( I have 40' of drop from the top to tank site, and 15' from my last tap, but all the other taps are 25+ of drop.

Sounds like you have a good area to try 3/16" . Give it try, You will be pleased with the results!

[PA TAPPER]

What if i just change my 5/15 drop tube to 3/16 would the increase sap flow ? I'm using 3/16" into my buckets this year and have seen no difference. 3/16" needs a long length and most important a good drop ( over 10 feet ) to see a difference in volume over time.

[rhwells2003]

[QUOTE=PA TAPPER;295579]I get my supplies & Rope from Bascoms.[QUOTE]

So it isn't a specialty item? You guys are just using any hollow core rope, and pushing it together to open up the middle and feeding the tubing into it?

[Fireguy]

[QUOTE=PA TAPPER;295579]I get my supplies & Rope from Bascoms.[QUOTE]

So it isn't a specialty item? You guys are just using any hollow core rope, and pushing it together to open up the middle and feeding the tubing into it?
Yup....any hardware store should carry it. Its so simple it's confusing.