test between 3-5/16 for single drop to bucket

[seandicare]

i volunteered to run a test for Stephen Childs on how 3/16 compares to 5/16 when using a bucket under each tap instead of continuous line.


well, finally got my first sap today.......probably 13-14 gals off @28 taps

the test didn't go as i thought between the 3/16 and 5/16.......5 taps of 3/16 and 4 taps of 5/16(could not find the last tree i tapped, too dark) i used weight instead of gallons, just because it is quicker and easier to measure with a fish scale.

3/16-5 taps gave 13lbs 07oz
5/16-4 taps gave 22lbs 01oz

all the tree were between 10-12 inch diam and tried to scatter pretty evenly.....if i put one size in a spot i tried to set the other close too it.

i did notice some of the 3/16 , that were not part of test, had alot more sap than others. probably difference in trees , though


i will continue keeping track and give updates on what i find.

[seandicare]

3/9 i did another collection....i did find the 5th 5/15 tube/jug, but it must have been on a dead tree.....bone dry

3/16 5 taps 18.5 lbs

5/16 4 taps 18.5lbs

funny they were the same exact weight


i did come across a non-test 3/16 line that was full of sap, and would not drain. i had to pull the tube off the tap to get it to drain.....jug was about 1/2 full

i'm really thinking that the 5/16 is the way to go for drops into buckets/jugs....still a bit to the season to go, so time will tell...

[Thompson's Tree Farm]

i did come across a non-test 3/16 line that was full of sap, and would not drain. i had to pull the tube off the tap to get it to drain.....jug was about 1/2 full

That is exactly what you want. The weight of the sap in the tube is what creates the vacuum. If it is all draining out you get no vacuum so there should be no difference in the 2 sizes.
[/QUOTE]

[seandicare]

true on that, but what i was talking about is the sap was staying in the line, not dripping/running at all. the vaccuum in the tree was greater than the vaccuum in the line.

[seandicare]

it's been a slow week for sap....trees stalled out thurs, but checked friday and had very little lucky if it was 6 gallons off 28 taps in 2 days. put in a dozen more to try and make up for the lack of strong running.

3/16 5 taps 4lbs 5oz
5/16 4 taps 4lbs 13oz

granted this is a pretty small sample size and the difference in trees could be making the difference....i tried to space things out so it i had a 3/16 in a spot, i put a 5/16 close by.....next year i will try to make a bigger sample size.