Base Stack for 2x4 Hobby Evaporator

[darren2162]

I am looking to replace a base stack for my 2x4 W.F.Mason evaporator. Anyone know where to I can find one without going broke. I found a few stainless ones for $260. Any fabricators out there that can beat this price? Or maybe a place that sells a non-stainless version. Thanks

[Ed R]

I would stay with stainless. Try A&A Metal shop in Northern Pa 814-848-7444 or a local metal shop .

[Sugarmaker]

I got a smoke stack base built at a very reasonable cost from local Amish stainless shop. Stateline Stainless, Albion PA 16401. Not sure how to contact him other than mail?
Regards,
Chris

[darren2162]

Thanks for the info guys

[maple flats]

It depends on your growth thoughts in 5-10 years. A galvanized 24 ga base stack will likely last 6-8 years, in 20 ga likely 2-3x that. A SS base stack will last you for several times those numbers. In either, it is best to remove the base stack , clean it and store in a dry location between seasons.
If you see your 2x4 evaporator needing an up size in 5 years or less, you may just want the galvanized choice, however, a used 2x4 with a SS stack will get a better price.

[Ed R]

With the potential contamination issues faced by producers today I would not want to eat the syrup or fire the evaporator/ be in the sugar house the first time a galvanized arch or stack is used. I am 57 today but still remember coughing and hacking on the first boil on our 4x14 when I was 14 years old. The arch and stack were both galvanized.

[maple flats]

That might be a valid point. I bought my 3x8 which had a galvanized stack and arch sides used so it had been run hard before I got it, my 2x6 had a SS base stack and when I replaced the base stack on my 3x8 I got SS, it had 9 seasons on the old.

[HondoLane]

If u can weld. Make your own. I build one from 16ga mild steel and painted it with hi-temp. Looks like new.

I made and cut my steel using this guys video as a guide. Turned out great!

https://youtu.be/6fUDGRTx5xQ

20564

[Sugarmaker]

Or as Hondo says make your own.
Here are some shots of the base for my 3 x 10. Rectangular base 32 x 7 ish and 12 inch top. I did not have a brake long enough to bend this 6 foot tall stack. My brake is only 5 ft.
half of it staged on support inside arch. Maybe this may help?

https://i.imgur.com/O9dKcX3.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/e0UopcU.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/K8v2f7x.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/qdS8MMv.jpg

Keep boiling!
Regards,
Chris

[HondoLane]

Looks great Chris!! What gauge stainless did you use?

[Sugarmaker]

HondoLane,
I think that was 22 gage. I wanted the thicker to hopefully last till the great grand kids are making syrup.:)
Regards,
Chris