A&A evaporator

[calvertbrothers]

I know it's a little late but can anyone tell me what the turnaround time is when you order a new evaporator from A&A metal shop?

[buck3m]

For me, about 6 years ago, it was about a month. Of course the only way to know now is to contact them.

[calvertbrothers]

For me, about 6 years ago, it was about a month. Of course the only way to know now is to contact them.
What size evaporator did you get from them? And are the boiling rates the same as other evaporators?

[fred]

They may be cheaper but I just had a client replace their 4 year old A and A with a CDL. The old one went to the scrap yard just plain worn out. I don't believe they are durable

[maple flats]

Fred, I suspect you are biased to say the least. There are lots of producers who have had and used A&A rigs longer than that with no issues. I'd suspect other issues.

[calvertbrothers]

To be honest looking at the syrup prices dropping maybe next year, I cant buy a name brand rig. I got a quote from my local dealer with a 2x8 with everything was some where around 12k and i found price sheet on this site from A&A from 2016, a 3x10 with hoods, preheater, and air tight arch including bricks was $5,900.

[maple flats]

Calvert, you might also want to look into Thor in Quebec. I had priced a 3x8 from Leader with the Max Flue pan and was ready to place the order when another member on here suggested I try Thor before placing the order. I ended up with Thor at almost $5000 less, and the quality and workmanship are perfect. With that, they built it to my specs, I wanted 10" deep flues and 4" extra added to the sides on the flue pan and the syrup pan. They had no problem doing that. Everything is welded SS and all valves came with it, on the Leader one, I was going to have to order the valves separate.
You'd need to check, but I believe you are too late to get one in time for the 2018 season. If you do call them, ask for Arnold Raymond unless you can speak French.

[heus]

I was extremely happy with my A&A

[fred]

All I'm saying Dave is compare apples to apples. Make sure the metal is the same quality and thickness

[Brian]

Arnold Raymond no longer works for Thor. I was sad to hear that. He moved on to his own ventures.

[maple flats]

Sorry to hear that, I liked him. He did say he wanted to retire (again) and do some traveling. I last spoke with him at the VVS maple Conf. last Jan.
At that time and for the previous 5 years he only worked part time in his retirement. At that conf. he did introduce me to 2 others who spoke English, but I didn't make note of their names.

[amaranth farm]

Radio Silence.

[wdchuck]

For the life of me, I don't understand how you can "wear out" an evaporator after only 5 years. Possibly by running it way too low and burning the crap out of it........I've got a 5 year old 4x12 A+A and I'm very happy with it. The price was great, as was the workmanship. I've got the pre-heater and the hood, and with dry hardwood, I can get 175 gals/hr thru it.

[Super Sapper]

You can't wear it out unless you are using a grinder to take off the niter. If it is 304 there is nothing we use that will affect it.