Mason 2x4

[bryankloos]

Hello All,

I'm looking at the Mason 2x4 for next season.

I see the "basic" and XL versions, the latter with an additional section.
I'm assuming the boil rate would be the same for either version, which raises the question if the XL worht the additional $400?
Can anyone with more experience weigh in?

Many Thanks,

Bryan

[bryankloos]

I now see that the pre-heater is mounted on the stack... would this make upgrading to a better flue pan down the road impossible?

Thanks.

[steve J]

I have the mason 2x4 but bought it before he had an xl version. my pre heater was mounted over the elbow but I upgraded my pan to a Leader supreme pan with a float so my preheater is no longer used and I feed directly to the float.

[CTSap4Maple]

I have the 2x4XL. It has 4 channels instead of 3 on the regular pan, plus reverse flow, which is nice. I believe the new XL has the preheater directly on the firebox and there were some recent threads on here about that set up. The XL has worked great for me, and worth the extra investment in my view.

[UB29]

I definitely recommend the 2x4XL. Just finished my first season with it, and very happy I went with the XL. Finished season with 24 gal. syrup on 80 taps.
As noted above, the XL has four channels and reverse flow capability. The preheater sits directly on the arch, yielding 140-150 temps at the preheater outlet when at full boil. When really flying along, with good dry, wrist size split wood, I was seeing consistent 14-16 gph evap. rate.
Bonus is Bill Mason is a great guy to deal with. A++ for the Mason 2x4XL
Thanks, Bill

[bryankloos]

Thanks for the feedback and good reports on the XL.
I've been emailing with Bill and seems he is going to get me in line for late summer delivery.
I'm having him send me info on Casters so I can roll the arch in and out of the garage where it will live in its off season.
Very exciting!
Thanks for the help.

[Ross]

I now see that the pre-heater is mounted on the stack... would this make upgrading to a better flue pan down the road impossible?

Thanks.

No not impossible. Most manufacturers will fabricate custom pans no problem. You just might need to get your order in early for the coming year since it won't be a stock item.

I think Bill's 2x4XL is the best divided pan out there. Also, going with the 2x4 over 2x3 will give a lot more options if you decide to upgrade pans down the road.

[Big Mike]

I just took delivery of a Mason 2x3xl with the casters. They are very high quality. I was impressed with how smooth they worked over compacted gravel.

[phil-t]

I just took delivery of a Mason 2x3xl with the casters. They are very high quality. I was impressed with how smooth they worked over compacted gravel.
What's Bill's estimate of the boiling rate of that unit?

[Big Mike]

Evaporation rate for the Mason 2x3 is 7-9 gph

[Lukie]

ordered Mason 2x4 XL last week cant wait till I pick it up my friend bought on last year and loves it hoping for October or November pick up !

[Big Mike]

The 2x3XL has an evaporation rate of 7-9 gph

[bryankloos]

The 2x4 XL has arrived. Very excited.
Packing was superb, and it looks bery very well built.

I plan to pick up fire brick and refractory cement this week and then start bricking next weekend assuming work allows me some free time.

This year is going to be a lot of fun and much easier than last with chafing dishes.

Couldn’t be happier.

[phil-t]

:cool: I'll bet it's a thing of beauty. Good luck on a successful season.

[dvnwvt]

Has anyone had problems with the Mason preheater inlet valve sticking? First season with new setup and the valve began sticking in both opening and closing directions. Rinsed with hot water and even tried a bit of food grade oil but it kept happening. Once the season ended I took it completely apart and I think I solved the problem. The disassembly and reassembly was a little tricky and somewhat involved. Happy to share what I did if anyone responds that they're interested!

[Ghost]

I’d like to add a float box to my 4XL. Picked up a float from leader. Any suggestions for the tubing to connect the preheater to the float valve? Can I use copper?

Anyone tried to use silicone tubing with hot sap? Its food grade and rated to 350F. Not sure if it would impart an off flavor.

[tombaisley]

This will be my 3rd season with the Mason 2x4 XL, Very happy with the evaporator, I added a float box from A&A. Hoping for a big season this year, added more taps and an RO Bucket

[G263]

I will be receiving my Mason 2x4 XL this week. After reading this thread it confirms that I made the right choice. Yes, Bill is great to deal with. I ordered mine on 4/20/21 and worth the wait. I see on his web site he is not accepting any new orders for the moment until he catches up.