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Thread: Making syrup in my classroom- need boiling pots.. MIDCOAST MAINE

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    rockport maine
    Posts
    71

    Default Making syrup in my classroom- need boiling pots.. MIDCOAST MAINE

    I have been making syrup as part of my elementary school classroom for the last 6 years. We used spouts and buckets- this is the most hands on way for children to learn. It really allows them to be a part of the process and learn. We use the sandbox to boil down the sap- I am in desperate need of new pots- the only ones I can find online cost way too much in shipping. We boil on open flames so the boiling pots need to be large or the process is too slow. It is a very grassroots/homegrown method and the children love it.
    We usually make between 11-17 gallons of syrup, someday we will get a grant to expand the program but for now
    ANY SUGGESTIONS YOU CAN GIVE ME FOR BOILING POTS WOULD BE GREAT.
    IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE SAP IN SCHOOL PROGRAM IN ACTION VISIT:
    http://bugsmudbooksandsticks.com/sap-in-school/

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Windham, Maine
    Posts
    1,128

    Default

    Any chance you have enough budget for a used barrel evaporator or a 1/2 pint. They would be a big improvement over pots. I know some have used steam pans to boil. Larger surface area. There are quite a few small evaporators around that are no longer in use. Maybe an ad describing what you are doing at school might get a donated unit?
    1700 Taps /1600 on Vac. 3x10 King evaporator
    20 head Charolais cattle
    8 head Lowline Angus
    28 Miniature horses
    90 hives honey bees
    JD 4430 tractor

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Maine
    Posts
    292

    Default

    Like gmcooper said, a barrel evaporator or a half pint evaporator would be a great step up in efficiency. A brand new half pint evap would run about $1200 and that would be for a new one, there are always people upgrading. You would be able to pick up a good used one for 500 to 800. If that's still off the radar try going to a restaurant supply store and ask if they have some deep hotel pans. There is a restaurant supply in brewer and another one in Newport. I go there and get things on occasion, I bought a BUNN coffee maker there that I use to bottle my glass bottles, almost every thing there is. Dry reasonably priced but make sure you get stainless and not aluminum. Best of luck this season with you and your kiddos.
    24x56 heavy timber post and beam sugar house. 2013 CDL 2.5x8 deluxe airtight raised flue 750 taps on vacuum. CDL reverse osmosis, Wes Fab 7" full bank press. Eastern Maine CDL sales rep.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Greenwood, Me
    Posts
    974

    Default

    I'm thinking if he can't afford pots an evaporator is way out of reach. Based on his pics I have no clue where he would get something that size....an old 2X4, 3X5 batch pan? I will keep an eye out.
    2024 - New Maine resident, 12X12 sugar shack under construction
    2019 - New 12X12 boiling pavilion
    2018 - New Mason 2X3 Hobby XL and homemade RO

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    rockport maine
    Posts
    71

    Default

    It is my Post....thanks for the replies.
    The school would by can spend between 5-800 for a used one but I have not seen any in that price range..please let me know if you see an evap. in that price range and I am in.

    Thanks for all of your help.
    The key is to keep it so that children can do a great deal of the work. I feel it is important for children to know the process and see the work that goes into the process...t

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    rockport maine
    Posts
    71

    Default

    yes, we could buy a used one but I have not seen any in that price range and have asked every year on this page for suggestions/donations of used equipment. Keep me informed if you see a used one. Thanks.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Plaistow, NH
    Posts
    775

    Default

    Hey, check bascoms web page under used pans..plenty of choices there for a few hundred bucks..they are open for negotiation as well..then build a cinder block arch for it..that will get you through the season for cheap...that is what i use for the maple program i run at my sons school...
    Chris Hicks
    The Sugar House at Morningstar Farm
    24x50 sugar House
    New 4x12 reverse fired leader arch and steam away
    new h2o innovations 1000 gph r.o.
    it's time to get back in the woods!
    www.sappyguys.com
    603-479-0804

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Walpole, NH
    Posts
    1,363

    Default

    I don't know if you check craigslist, but here is a link to an economical first evaporator.
    https://nh.craigslist.org/for/5976003371.html
    Sugaring for 45+ years
    New Sugarhouse 14'x32'
    New to Me Algier 2'x8' wood fired evaporator
    2022 added a used RB25 RO Bucket
    250 mostly Sugar Maples, 15% Soft Maples. Currently,(110on 3/16" and 125 on Shurflo 4008 vacuum, 15 gravity), (16,000 before being disabled)
    1947 Farmall H and Wagon with gathering tank
    2012 Kubota with forks to move wood around

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Windham, Maine
    Posts
    1,128

    Default

    Bugsmud....I sent you a PM.
    1700 Taps /1600 on Vac. 3x10 King evaporator
    20 head Charolais cattle
    8 head Lowline Angus
    28 Miniature horses
    90 hives honey bees
    JD 4430 tractor

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Central Maine
    Posts
    114

    Default

    Pm'd you Bugsmud
    2017- Started small-made 7 gallons. Long days & few nights on a 1x2 and turkey fryer.

    2018- Bought a 2x4 and built a small scale RO. 21 gallons.

    2019- moved up to 100 gph procon for my home built RO. Built a steamhood. About 220 taps and 21 gallons again.

    2020- 140 procon on the R0. Added a new mainline at my in laws. 330 taps for 24 gallons, sold excess sap.

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