New Line Installs - Brand New Woods
Hi everyone,
About to delve into the world of tubing. 3/16" is already my plan because of the great elevation I have out back and the fact that I'm only planning to do under 100 taps for the foreseeable future. I've got some questions that I'd like to poll everyone with and please don't hesitate to tell me the honest (even if less than desirable) truth about them. I'll keep it short and simple:
3/16" install
-recommended brand of lines/taps/fittings (ideally get everything at one location)
-color preference?
-average about 25 taps?
-no spurring off laterals (don't branch off) = single line with taps only
-how sharp of a bend (in degrees around a tree) is too sharp? Wasn't sure if 180* would be acceptable (if applicable) but wanted to know
-is a 500' line too long? I'll be pulling sap off of neighbors trees as well and wasn't sure when I would reach the point of resistance vs vacuum
-all 3/16" right from tap-drop-lateral? or is there a more efficient combination?
-plan get lines towards the mainline into more of a "strand" of lines rather than a giant spider web, is building a manifold to go into the mainline about the best practice?
-how late into summer/fall is ideal for getting the lines to the proper tension? This time of year I'm packing in 4 months worth of "sporting" type activity into 1 so I don't want to miss the ideal temperatures if that's going to be a major factor
-any other install tips that might make life easier during install and down the road
Mainline install
-3/4" or 1"?
-what size wire?
-best pitch of mainline?
-straight is best, but how much of an angle could it take?
-how to bring 3/16" (refer to 3/16" question) into it.
-cap the end of the line? then use Chinese finger trap cinch? (excuse my lack of proper terminology)
-color preference?
Sorry for a long post. Bear with me, I'm just hoping to keep the expenses consolidated and time investment efficient. Thanks for all your help ahead of time!