Haven't boiled in 45 years, and never on a small rig

[penfrydd]

I finally retired and have some time. I haven't boiled since the year I got home from Vietnam in '72. My extended family used to set out 350 taps and boil every 4 years or so on an old Grimm 2 1/2 X 8; just for family usage.

Fast forward 45 years. I've set out 20 taps and have a used half-pint. Whereas I used to take off over a gallon of finished syrup at a time, with this small rig I'm planning on taking it up to 217 or so and finishing on a gas stove. My question is: how much should I plan on taking off at a time; a pint, a quart, or just dribble it into a filter and pail? Our old finishing pan was the size of this whole evaporator. Would a scoop work okay for getting the near-syrup out, or is a ball-valve the way to go.

I've got to say, a couple of days ago was the first time I've tasted raw sap in decades and it really brought back some fond memories.

penfrydd

[slammer3364]

I have a small rig and usally take off a coffee pot at a time and finish it on a gas burner,use to try to get it finished off of evaporator but almost had a wreck one night it turned on a dime. We have a 18 by 48 D&G and when hydrometer bobs a little we take some off Good Luck

[maple flats]

It should have a thermometer, just start a slow draw when you get to 217 or whatever you decide you want to draw at and shut it off as soon as the temperature drops. You might get anywhere from a pint to maybe 3 pints. It will average about 14-20 oz. per draw if I remember, if you have the depth at 1", if you run deeper it will be more.

[buckeye gold]

I would put a valve on it. I ran one for years and would draw off a gallon or so of near syrup in small draws and finish ob propane.

[prairietapper]

Have fun! and welcome back to sugaring.
last but by no means least. Thank you for your service so many years ago.

[Mikemartin274]

I have a 2x4 and pretty much take it all the way on it. I have a thermometer in the syrup near draw off. When it gets close I check it with a hydrometer. If it's not done I dump it back in. If it is done I slowly draw off checking it with hydrometer continuously until the brix start dropping then I stop. Ends up being a pint-3/4 gallons. If you do get hydrometer make sure you buy the smaller cup. Feel free to message me. Thank you for your service!!