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View Full Version : Another File Cabinet Arch


paulslund
03-21-2018, 08:04 AM
I may be wrong but I wonder if a lot of us file cabinet arch folks were inspired by GardenFork?

I tried to keep mine as labour un-intensive as possible. I built the ramp essentially using two of the drawers laid one on top of the other and wedged them in place using the Rockwool comforboard... I should have screwed them in through the sides though.. they shifted a bit during the move from the garage to the outside platform (of course, it didn't help that when I turned my back for 2 seconds the whole darn thing slid off the dolly and landed on it's side in the snow!!!)

The entire arch is insulated using the comfortboard and it works very well.. There are a few areas behind the brick where I should have added some insulation, and those areas get too hot to touch..otherwise you can touch the sides easily. I used extra amounts on insulation to seal between the pans. If I were to do it better (maybe next year's project) I would get another sheet of metal and cut out the outline of the pans.. as it stands right now because they are slightly different sizes (they are 2 sets of roasting pans from Cdn Tire.. using the bottom and the lid) they sit at different levels so can't build syphons with it... I also make modifications to it after my first few boils.. put a few bricks on the grates to raise the firebox closer to the pans... Can get a roiling boil on the three first pans while the last one tends to stay cool because of the sap flowing in. Will try to post a video if I can figure out how. A small bathroom fan feeds are up under the grates.. amazing how much that helps the boil! I might consider putting a damper on the flue to see if can control a bit better.


Pretty pleased with the turn out. Boils a lot better than last year's impromptu one-pan rig! I might actually experiment with either making a big flat pan or building an oil tank evaporator as I have one available to me for free... Would like to expand again next year! LOL..

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Thanks!
mol1jb
03-21-2018, 08:22 AM
For a file cabinet that is very impressive.
paulslund
03-21-2018, 11:58 AM
For a file cabinet that is very impressive.

Thanks! I think I have some better pictures as well.

Video in action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JINAfM7mRXI&feature=youtu.be
SRATHWELL
03-22-2018, 12:07 PM
Looks good! And yes my File Cabinet evaporator we also inspired by Garden Fork
paulslund
03-26-2018, 11:47 AM
Well I have discovered a strategic mistake in my arch. Because I cut out the metal "slats" that are in present in between the cabinets, the arch is now bowing a bit.. My pan that used to sit right on top, can now sit slightly recessed (basically sitting on the insulation). Only planning on one more weekend boil so I'll be doing some retrofitting for next year (or just build a new one! LOL).
Chemist
03-27-2018, 07:32 PM
I gave my origianal file cabinet evaporator to a friend today. I have a nice used heavy duty 25 x18 x 52 incher that I will start working on soon. It will be my back up or peak flow evaporator.

I plan to lay it on its side so I will have 18 x 52 for my cooking surface.

My question is, should I put the side with the drawers up, or should I put that down and cut fresh holes in the opposite side.

I already bought ceramic blanket and porcelain tiles to insulate it.

I may start tomorrow. Anyone have an opinion?
paulslund
03-28-2018, 12:05 PM
I gave my origianal file cabinet evaporator to a friend today. I have a nice used heavy duty 25 x18 x 52 incher that I will start working on soon. It will be my back up or peak flow evaporator.

I plan to lay it on its side so I will have 18 x 52 for my cooking surface.

My question is, should I put the side with the drawers up, or should I put that down and cut fresh holes in the opposite side.

I already bought ceramic blanket and porcelain tiles to insulate it.

I may start tomorrow. Anyone have an opinion?

I guess it depends on what you plan to put on it for boiling. If I were to do it again, I would do as a friend suggested and get a thick peice of sheet metal and cut out the outline of the four pans I had on it.. that way they are all at the same level and should make it possible to build syphons. I don't think the sheet metal on the back of a heavy duty cabinet would survive the long-term firings we do.. not to mention your firebox would also no longer have a bottom to it (although you can cut up one of the drawers and weld/ screw it in place).

If you are planning on using your 16x38 drop flue pan, I would suggesting putting it on it's back, keeping as many of the drawer slats in place (if the flues happen to be configured to fit around them) and work from there.. if you have to cut out the slats, then I would suggest putting some angle iron along the rim.. 1 1/2 inch angle iron I think would work well to give your 16 inch wide pan a support base.. I might do the same if I can bend it back into the correct shape...

Cheers and good luck! I'm anxious to see the new product!
Chemist
03-28-2018, 01:47 PM
That's pretty much what I thought. The thing looks really big, almost too big for me. Guess I will need to do more trees next year!
paulslund
03-28-2018, 07:16 PM
That's pretty much what I thought. The thing looks really big, almost too big for me. Guess I will need to do more trees next year!

How many taps do you use now? The dimensions you quoted are the same as mine. I only have 20 taps and it worked well once it was tunned in (meaning I kept the fire on it). The open front dimensions are about 17 1/4 by 48 inches long. You could use your drop tube pan at the back, and make another pan for syrup and put it in front! I think it would be perfect for what you already have!
Chemist
05-06-2018, 12:57 PM
Doing my paint burnout now. I have about $35 into it.
paulslund
05-07-2018, 07:45 AM
Doing my paint burnout now. I have about $35 into it.

Nice! Looking good!