I made two of the siphons and they work great. As previously mentioned, if you put the cups under the ends of the copper pipe it will hold the siphon better. This makes it easy to start as well without having to suck on a hot pipe. Just submerge the whole thing then lift it upright and the sap stays in the pipe. I can email you a little video showing mine work. just give me your email address. There are a few threads on it.