bit size

[tbear]

Hi Everyone,
Might be a strange question but here it is: What size tapping bit should I use for the Leader 5/16" Clear Check Valve spout?

I ask because last year I used a 19/64" drill bit with the Lapierre 5/16" seasonal spout due to posts that I read and the tap hole using that bit seems a bit tight for the Leader CV spout. Thanks, Ted

[Super Sapper]

Use a 5/16.

[tbear]

Thanks Super Sapper, will do. Ted

[littleTapper]

^^ What SS said.

As a potential anecdote that may be useful; I noticed last year that CV spiles in box elders didn't work well with a 5/16 bit. Too large of hole and/or the wood just is too soft - lots of sap running down the tree. Redrilled and went back to some new 7/16" spiles I had around after tapping a couple. Hoping the 19/64" bit I bought for this season does the job so I can use CVs on the box elders too.

[Russell Lampron]

^^ What SS said.

As a potential anecdote that may be useful; I noticed last year that CV spiles in box elders didn't work well with a 5/16 bit. Too large of hole and/or the wood just is too soft - lots of sap running down the tree. Redrilled and went back to some new 7/16" spiles I had around after tapping a couple. Hoping the 19/64" bit I bought for this season does the job so I can use CVs on the box elders too.

Box elder wood is quite a bit softer than even red maple which is sometimes called soft maple. I tap mostly red maples and use the 5/16" bit with CV2 spouts and they fit good without leaking or splitting the tree.

[littleTapper]

Yup, even silvers (what I mostly have) work perfect with 5/16" bit and CV2s. And, it was amazing what vacuum did to help my production off those trees. Night and day difference. :)

[Shirlsaw63]

Where are you finding the 19/64" drill bits? I have the leakage problem too with my spiles and I read that that really is the appropriate size bit for the spiles. But I am having trouble locating one. I hate to see it running down the side of the tree.

[johnallin]

Bascoms is one source https://www.bascommaple.com/item/bt5c/tapping_bits/

[Shirlsaw63]

Bascoms is one source https://www.bascommaple.com/item/bt5c/tapping_bits/

Thank you!!

[DrTimPerkins]

I have the leakage problem too with my spiles and I read that that really is the appropriate size bit for the spiles.

You should use the bit size recommended by the company selling the spout for best results. A 19/64" bit for a 19/64" spout, a 5/16" bit/spout, a 1/4" bit/spout, etc. Mixing and matching doesn't always work so well. Making a mistake in tapping is the first place you can lose sap (and money).