Suggestions for Hobby Evaporator

[concord maple]

Brand new member that is currently in the middle of my first year of doing syrup with a turkey fryer and 10 taps. It has been alot of fun for the family. So I am looking to expand for next year and I'm interested in any feedback on a small evaporator that can handle 20-25 taps or so, pricing on any of these units, or dealers selling these units. Also, if anyone is upgrading and going to be selling their existing unit let me know. Thanks.

[KenWP]

I think we need to start a support group for new sugar makers to get them to stop expanding after their first year. I am finding the only thing holding me back is the funds to buy new equipement. My freind has a couple of hundered trees that once a week he asks me to come tap. But 200 buckets is a big out lay and so it tubeing and all that good stuff. Plus 300 taps would take a little bigger evaporator then I am useing now. Boiling 36-7 just isn't possible for one old man to do.

[BarrelBoiler]

Welcome to the trader. These guys and gals have lots of info on every aspect of the maple bug. as to your questions

the half pint is a good place to start and if your handy with tools or have friends that weld there are many ways to build the stove part and just buy the pans. keep checking here in the for sale section,ebay, criags list, your local swappaper, if you have one. There is a wanted section on the trader also. Also check the net for equipment dealers. Bascoms in NH is one but I know there are others that people have mentioned.

you've been bit! good luck!!

[BarrelBoiler]

Welcome to the trader. These guys and gals have lots of info on every aspect of the maple bug. as to your questions

the half pint is a good place to start and if your handy with tools or have friends that weld there are many ways to build the stove part and just buy the pans, or build both. All that info is on here. keep checking here in the for sale section,ebay, criags list, your local swappaper, if you have one. There is a wanted section on the trader also. Also check the net for equipment dealers. Bascoms in NH is one but I know there are others that people have mentioned.

you've been bit! good luck!!

[BarrelBoiler]

sorry about the double posst tried to edit did it wrong oopppps

[MapleME]

Contact WF Mason on this board. Hes a member here, and makes a great half pint size evap which is about 2.5x3.5

MapleME

[325abn]

I suggest not waisting your time or money on a half pint. If you decided you want to move beyond the turkey frier a .5 pint will leave you wanting bigger. Look for a used 2x4 - 2x6 with a flue pan.

[tapper]

I suggest not waisting your time or money on a half pint. If you decided you want to move beyond the turkey frier a .5 pint will leave you wanting bigger. Look for a used 2x4 - 2x6 with a flue pan.

I agree. I bought a used 2x6 my 2nd year and it did the job for 10 years.

[Dill]

The 2x4 I'm running now is a good size for a hobby operation. In fact I'd reccomend it over a half pint. It seems that most everyone here that buys a half pint only uses it for a year. I'm doing every other day boils on 110 taps. But I think I'm moving up to the 2x8 or 3x10 range next year.

[gator330]

From a burner to a 2x6 would be a great move!!!! Any thing in the middel will leave you wanting!!!!! I'm in the middel and I"M WANTING A 2x6!!!!! No a 2x8!!! NO 3x10 would be nice and a RO and a shugar shack with electric and Hot water and .......... Do you see were this is leading you yet!!!!!!

[PerryW]

I agree with the others. Get an evap with a flue pan!

Even if you get a second job flipping burgers for the summer to pay for it; the time saved by boiling on a flue pan will be well worth it in the long run.

[BarrelBoiler]

Gee whiz guys why not get the 6x16 so he can handle whatever trees he might tap:cool:

on another note

a 2x4 would be nice your llocal dealer can help you with size and tha t includes The Maple Guys who got the forum going:)

[gator330]

Concord

How many trees do you have access to???

Before next year you'll want to put a hole in every one you can. Mark my word, You'll have 100 taps next year and a half pint that can't handle all the sap your getting. Get a 2x6 or nothing!!! If your pressed for time think about a oil fired unit. Keeping up with wood is a lot to handle. Do you have a job, Kids, wife house second job??? I have a woods full of fire wood and maple trees plus all the above. I'm running 12 hours a day on my little evaporator then dad takes over and I go to work. They recomended this evaporator for up to 150 taps. In my book the min. number is the max. if time is a factor!!!!

[concord maple]

Thanks so much for the info. so far from everyone. I did e-mail WFMason and got some info. from him. Gator330, I believe you are right with wanting to keep expanding because the guys I work with have already offer me more trees for next year, but at the same time, there are only so many hours in a day with my regular job.

[Al]

I have an Algiers 2 X 5.5. Odd size but was a good deal. I went up to 165 bucket this year and at top end I'm at about 25 gallons an hour. If you have time that's all right and we make great syrup. I also started at 10 buckets and we're at our limit now. The limit is time. I'd like a 2x6 but the budget says stay were you are. Keep looking for a deal they're out there. If you can float a 2x6 go for it.
Have a great season.

[3rdgen.maple]

Concord Get lots of info and ask lots of questions. You want to make the right decision the first time. What might make you happy might not make the next guy happy. I bought My new 2x6 from Patrick Phanuef. Some people on here have good to say about him some don't. He has come a long way with his equipment. Myself I am very very pleased with Patrick and his work. I get consistant 40 gph boils on this evaporator with 400 taps. I love to boil, so personally If I had under 150 taps I would be looking in the 2x4 range with a flue pan or a 2x6 flat pan. If I didn't love to boil I would get an evaporator one size to big and hold sap till I had enough to boil on the days off from work. Notice I say love to boil not (time) to boil. If you love it you will find the time for it. Point is go to open houses look at the way other people are running things see what clicks with you. I doubt there is a trader on here that wouldn't let you come see their operation. Check out every evaporator manufactured out there. They are all different in some small way or another. Different valves, guages of steel, cross flow, reverse flow, drop flue, raised flue, flat pan, etc. etc. etc. If finances are of concern remember the little things that are not included with a new evaporator. Arch board, firebrick, refactory cement, shipping cost. I like things to be right the first time and not waste money making it right later. Better off doing the legwork now than saying next year I SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN. And of course consider future expansion in your purchase. Good Luck.