Tubing

[MahoskyBrosMapleFarm]

Is there another place to get tubing cheaper than through the big maple syrup producers / suppliers? I wasn't sure if there was an alternate route to take when selecting tubing?

Also, what is the most common connecting device used to connect your 5/16" branchlines to you 1/2" mainline?


thanks....

[brookledge]

Unfortunately 5/16 tubing for tapping is pretty much specifically designed for the maple industry so other companies have no need to make it. As for mainline the maple suppliers make the same type of 3/4",1" etc. as the 5/16.
However most use black plastic water pipe that is made by many companies.
As for the 5/16 manifolds I use the ones that need a 31/64" hole drilled into the mainline that way you don't need to cut the mainline and use clamps.
Keith

[MahoskyBrosMapleFarm]

Do those manifolds just pop down itno the mainline, or are they threaded in?

[Uncle Tucker]

They just pop down with a rubber washer to seal them tight. There is a locking clamp that you tighten with pliers on the bottem.

[MahoskyBrosMapleFarm]

So then the wall thickness of the pipe would matter?

[PerryW]

I cut my mainline and install a tee with a 1/2" female thread. Then I use the threaded 6 way connectors that screw into a female 1/2" thread.

[maple flats]

I only use 3/4 and 1" mainline because I like the Record multifitting that is not available in 1/2" I only have 1 main that could use 1/2 and it is only 250' long. The others need bigger.

[MahoskyBrosMapleFarm]

What are the required tools for installing a tubing line?

[brookledge]

If you are refering to a 5/16 line then I would recommend a two handed tool. They might seem pricey but it makes things go very easily. Another option is to see if someone would let you borrow theirs if someone had one near by
Keith

[MahoskyBrosMapleFarm]

What exactly does the 2 hand tool do?

[brookledge]

After the 5/16 is strung from tree to tree the tool cuts the tubing and then allows the tees with the drops to be pushed together. The barbed fittings are very hard to push on otherwise. Heating the tubing will also work but it will sometimes cause it to pull a part or if you ever add vacuum it will leak on the fitting.
The best thing to do is look at one in one of the maple supply catalogs or look online.
Keith

[jason grossman]

when i do a tubing installation i like to carry as little as possile. i usually do the whole job with a pair of pruning shears, a pair of linesmans pliers, a 5/16 nutdriver and a torch (only for heating mainline when using stainless fittings).

as for specialty tools i use the mainline tool for fittings ( a tourch is faster!), a saddle tool for drilling holes in the mainline ( a must have!), a two handed tool( for cutting in taps!) a wire gripper and rachet strap, and a wire winder and a tie twister. The only reason i use the mainline tool and two handed is that you need them to work on lines after they are under tension. since tubing is done is stages i rarely take one or more tools at a time to the woods.