Very basic, 3/16 and I know its probably been posted before.

[Trapper2]

17121

Please see picture. Do I have the right idea? Over the course of 200 feet I have a 40' drop in elevation and probably 20-25 trees. Do I just go to the uppermost tree and work my way down the hill wrapping my main line around each tree to keep it tight and then after the main line is up tap into it? I've been doing syrup in buckets for 40-50 years and want to toy with 1 line this spring. Is there already a basic detailed thread on this that someone remembers or maybe a youtube video I can watch to minimize mistakes. Do I need support wire or cable for the lines? I will be taking the line down at the end of the year.
Thanks, Trapper

[psparr]

By mainline Do you mean 3/16 tubing? Yes your drawing is somewhat correct however the trees lower down the slope won’t get as much vacuum. Just zigzag to each tree keeping a downward slope.No need for a support wire unless your distance between trees gets excessive.

[Trapper2]

By mainline Do you mean 3/16 tubing? Yes your drawing is somewhat correct however the trees lower down the slope won’t get as much vacuum. Just zigzag to each tree keeping a downward slope.No need for a support wire unless your distance between trees gets excessive.
Yes psparr, 3/16 for everything. Am I correct to wrap a loop around each tree to maintain height or di I just run along the side of the tree and tie to the tree? I think I can put together 20-25 trees by zig zaging for 200-300 feet. Do I tie main line to other untappable trees on the way down to take out sag? Thanks Guys

[mainebackswoodssyrup]

Just zig-zag and run the line next to three, not around. Just keep the line snug as you go down the hill. A little sag is OK, you have plenty of overall pitch. 200' is not a very long run. Put it all on 3/16" to the collection tank as mentioned.

[buckeye gold]

you can put your tees in as you go and it will be easier, unless you have a tubing tool. Like Maine said, don't wrap around just zig zag and use any kind of tree to get an angle and help hold tension. You'll need a post or two at you tank/barrel to fasten the line to solid so it doesn't slip. After you get it up it will still be kind of slack if your putting tees in as you go. So go back to your anchor tree and walk it back to your barrel keeping it tight then tie off wherever you need. One hint, if your putting in tees as you go put them on the uphill side of the tree or you'll pull them away from the tree to far when you adjust tension. I slit a short piece of 5/16 and slip over the 3/16 everywhere I tie off. It helps give it support and keeps you from compressing it. I use long zip ties to tie off to my post. This was my first year putting up tubing as well and I learned these things mostly the hard way...doing it wrong first. I still have a lot to learn, but I hope my mistakes will be your gain.

[johnallin]

Like most said just zig zag, go to the right side of one tree, then the left side of the next and so on. This alone should keep your lines nice and tight. I would suggest running the line first, getting it as tight as you can and tying it off at the collection barrel to another tree. Use a Chinese Finger Pull method with some hollow braid line and extend it beyond the end of the tube to a tie off point. Borrow if you can, a 3/16 tube tool to install your drops, it's Much Easier to locate them and you'll be able to keep your line nice and tight.

[Trapper2]

Thanks guys. Hope to give it a try in March.

[ronintank]

http://i63.tinypic.com/rljo68.png
Click the link for a simple pic of the way to run 3/16 lines.

[BSD]

Thanks guys. Hope to give it a try in March.go out and put your lines up any time. you can put the drops in later, and tap beyond that.