2x4 arch plans

[tbear]

Hey Everybody,

I've been looking, and looking, and looking for specific plans to build a "real" 2x4 arch. I'd need to know everything, this should be that long, this should be that high, etc.. I'd like to line the whole inside with arch board (I think) and cover the arch board in the firebox with brick. I'd also like a blower. Again I'll need all the info, the plans themselves, what size angle iron to use, the needed materials. If I could weld I'd just start banging away at it till it came out right but I'm no welder. My brother, on the other hand, is. He's more than willing to build it but needs some directions. I've been boiling on a block arch since I started this madness and have never seen a "real" arch in person, only pictures, so I can't give him a lot of guidance. Anyway, if anyone knows where I could find such a blueprint I'd be forever grateful. Thanks, Ted

On a happy note: I've got a cord and a half all split down and ready to go, waiting for the first boil. I can already feel the itch starting to grow.

[BAP]

How many taps do you have or plan to have? You might be better off to make a 2x6 evaporator.

[tbear]

I hang 65 to 70 buckets and boil on a 2x4 flat pan (batch boil). I typically produce 8 to 10 galllons as it's a fairly short season here, that and my trees are stingy. I really don't see myself expanding, merely improving. I found the plans for a 2x3 on sketchup but can't seem to open what I download. Thanks, Ted

[littleTapper]

tbear, below is a link to my build thread. Link in the first post to one I used as a model for mine. I used 1" ceramic blanket doubled up through most + bricks in the firebox. No problem with it averaging over 12gph last season (natural draft) including startup and shutdown time. I didn't include measurements though. So, outside width is 25" to get more pan on the fire than making it the same width as the pan. Angle iron was pretty much all 1 1/4 x 1/8". Grates are 1 1/2 x 1/4" angle filled with refractory cement and they stayed straight through the first season. Legs are 30" long above the channel with the wheels/leveler bolts and the height seems perfect for me (I'm 6' tall). I think it's 19" from top of the rail to the grates. Ramp starts (without blanket) 7" down from the top rail and squeezes to 4" from the top at the rear (it could be a little more of a gap at the firebox - kinda winged it). Top rails are 5' long - 4' for the pan and 1' for the stack. 16g sheet all around.

Sketch things and you'll figure it out. :)

http://mapletrader.com/community/showthread.php?26638-littleTapper-s-2x4-Arch-Build

Some more pics of it in here too
http://mapletrader.com/maplegallery/g629-2x4-arch-build.html

[tbear]

Thanks LittleTapper! I'm starting the sketch now, is it okay if I hammer you with questions as I go along? Hoping so. Ted

[littleTapper]

Sure, hit me up via PM any time!

[tbear]

LittleTapper: the firebox is 19" tall from the rail to the grate. How deep from the front of the arch to the back of the firebox? Ted

How far from the bttom of the ash clean out to the bottom of the grate?

[tbear]

Just saw your post, PM sent.

[acafro]

I built my own 2x4 arch last year. Here is a link to my build as well. Take a look, I've got a few what worked well and what didn't work in there.

Glad to answer any questions about my build you may have as well.

http://mapletrader.com/community/showthread.php?t=28749

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[tbear]

Thanks acafro! You up for questions too? Ted

[acafro]

Absolutely

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[tbear]

Hey Everyone,
With the help of a couple of folks I'm putting together a plan for a 2x4 arch. I've noticed that on some arches there is a gentle slope from the firebox back to the stack base and on some there is a slope (angle) from the firebox then a straight shot back to the stack base. I'm wondering if the first example is specific to a smaller arch and the second an example of a larger arch? Thanks, Ted

[acafro]

I think it's usually the other way around. With the shorter arch you end up with a steeper ramp, just because of the angles and lack of length. Where as the longer arches you can make a more gradual ramp. I could be mistaken. I honestly ball parked mine until I liked how it looked. It worked great for me last season.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk