-
Mark-
I would have paid for 1.5% in the end, it was like 1.1 - 1.2 for me. Yeah, that's pretty hardcore. But I told myself I wait all darn year for the sap to run and I don't care what happens, I'm gathering till the trees just stop. Boiling every single drop, not dumping a pint through the season, and I stuck to it and did it. I'm a diehard. Now with an RO, GAME ON. I'll boil till june. Might take till June to get rid of this snow.
I ran out of wood last year and had to get 3 or 4 of my brother's dump truck full of pallet boards to finish up. I'd cut wood all day and gather, then boil all night. Keep hammering on.
-
matt
Jay Maine, Now that is in the middle of nowhere!! My brother in law left from here in VT ton. with a load of logs for jay...
If anyone is interested I am putting photo's on photobucket as we speak...
-
I thought I was the only one who ever ran out of wood, glad to know I am not. Definitely will not run out this year. THis week was cold, icy, snowy and finally warmer. Going to collect tomorrow - should have about 300+ gallons to boil down and make Grade B with. Taps are still in (since Jan. 12th) and looks like we will have some cooler weather next week as well. Had a real good season until we had three days in a row of 60+ degree days. I boiled down some funky looking sap, but it tasted all right in the end, just a little dark though. I will boil tomorrow night and possibly Sunday, then just wai for next week.
Andrew
-
Andrew
Drain the rig filter the syrup pan contents and pray for good weather... I have done this when I was making b and came back to med.. cleaning does help at times..
-
Hey Andrew, Do you still have help coming this week? I hope Tim makes it as it certainly would be good experience for him. Might just give him the push to get his own rig going a little more serious this year. I told him last year where there were a few easy to get to trees that should run well and were close by but I don't think he ever checked on them.
By the way nice photos!
Mark
-
help...
I hope he is coming!! man I am behind the 8 ball lol I also hope he gets more involved, I really think this is what he needs.... I know his sister has a bunch of trees on her land also and I offered to help him set up a pipeline there with some used stuff I have but I don't think he has caught the bug yet.. Do you boil on a raised flue or drop flue?? He needs some help with his 2x6 raised and I think he got discouraged last year with it. I really wish I could help but there are just too many miles between us...
Andy
-
Andy,
I have a drop flue but it is only 5 minutes over there. I wouldn't mind helping him at all. I offered last year but I really don't think he did much at all. I owe Ralph a favor for fixing my sons snowmobile. I'll check with them after break is over and see what they are up to.
Mark
-
thanks Mark I would really appreciate that..
Andy
-
I cleaned my syrup pan once this year, but not because I wanted to. Let's just say I was way beyond syrup - tar to be exact - and I was gone for 30 minutes. A lot of crusty syrup, but no scorch marks on the pan. It cleaned up in about 45 minutes. It's amazing what a 60 grit flapper wheel on a 4" grinder can do. It was great, and I was back to boiling that evening. Lost about 8 gallons of syrup --> $350.00, about a day's work. Rule#1 in syrup making: Nver leave your syrup for more than 5 minutes, 10 minutes max even if it is in plain view. Live and learn I guess.
Andrew
-
Andrew,
Rule # 1 In sugaring is NEVER LEAVE the EVAPORATOR while YOU are BOILING PERIOD!!!!!!!!
