Leader Half-Pint Float valve + Smoky Lake 2x4 Divided Pan

[littleTapper]

Just wanted to pass on a note in case anyone could find it useful.

Took a bit of a gamble buying the Leader float valve (https://leaderevaporator.com/bol-on-regulating-system-with-float-for-leader-half-pint-evap/) for the half-pint to use in my Smoky Lake 2x4 divided pan (https://www.smokylakemaple.com/product/divided-pan-customize-it/). Didn't care for a float box outside of the pan due to added extra steps to keep it sanitized between boils. The Leader float works fine. Just enough rod on the float. It's a bit narrow in the channel and plan to eventually made a centering guide from some stainless flat stock but it works fine as-is. Total game changer for me; got so sick of trying to maintain level with a valve off the head tank.

So, if you're ever wondering if this combo would work, it does.

22956

[Pdiamond]

You actually put that in one of the channels that boils? It doesn't affect that channel when you are cooking? I know I love my float boxes, but mine are on the outside with site glasses and I just make adjustments based on those and test with my measuring stick as a double check.

[littleTapper]

You actually put that in one of the channels that boils? It doesn't affect that channel when you are cooking? I know I love my float boxes, but mine are on the outside with site glasses and I just make adjustments based on those and test with my measuring stick as a double check.

Since it's cold sap/permetate flowing in by the float, there's little boiling there. I don't have a preheater. A few times during the boil it will start to boil under the float, but once level drops enough to let a bit more sap in, it dies off under the float.

I do have a sight glass outside the pan; which still works fine.

[Pdiamond]

That is a really neat idea. Glad you have the sight glass, they really are very helpful.

[Trevor_Gaylord]

bringing this back from a shallow grave but does that add on float look like it could fit in a preheater box for these smaller hobby arches? Ive been thinking about trying on in the preheater so when I draw off and have to open the box up, I dont have to worry about refilling the preheater box after.

[littleTapper]

bringing this back from a shallow grave but does that add on float look like it could fit in a preheater box for these smaller hobby arches? Ive been thinking about trying on in the preheater so when I draw off and have to open the box up, I dont have to worry about refilling the preheater box after.

It probably could if the preheater pan has a lip along the top like the Smoky Lake or Half Pint pans. Would have to measure the width of the float. I think it's 5.5" wide.