CT 2018 - How's it been running?

[Cjadamec]

I've got 110v power out to the arch for the blower fan so I can run the lights off of that. I used some cheap LED flood lights from amazon for lights. All the light you would get from dual 500w halogen work lights and the LEDs only use 30w.

[Mike Van]

I think we're done running here for a bit, colder weather on the way - good start though, I was collecting a few hours ago, most every tap had an icicle hanging off it -

[BSD]

I think we're done running here for a bit, colder weather on the way - good start though, I was collecting a few hours ago, most every tap had an icicle hanging off it -

fine by me. I need a week or so to get the shack finalized, arch rebuilt and lines strung still. We did the get the roof closed up today, so that's a huge relief.

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[Cjadamec]

Nice looking shack. Was that a kit from somewhere or stick built onsite.

[BSD]

Nice looking shack. Was that a kit from somewhere or stick built onsite.

it's a Jamaica Cottage Shop kit.

[CTsap]

hey Guys, for those of you who have tapped on 3/16 tubing in mid January, did your sap run through the end of the season? How many weeks we talking, 8? First time tapping this early for me. I got a ton of sap but wondering if I can keep it going through end of season. still have 50 or so trees I'm holding off on until mid Feb.

[Stiets]

hey Guys, for those of you who have tapped on 3/16 tubing in mid January, did your sap run through the end of the season? How many weeks we talking, 8? First time tapping this early for me. I got a ton of sap but wondering if I can keep it going through end of season. still have 50 or so trees I'm holding off on until mid Feb.

Great question. Wondering the same thing here. First year using 3/16 as well. From what I have been told and read is it will last longer than buckets during these cold spells and over the season. How long not sure yet. The important thing is how clean are your taps. Using new disposable taps each will keep your lines running longer. Would love to hear other people's experience with 3/16 as well.

I am also holding off on tapping my other trees with my buckets. I will wait till mid February for them. Right now I am loving going to two collection points for 42 taps.

[killingworthmaple]

I don't think it makes a big difference if its 3/16 or 5/16 the weather plays a big part I have had good luck with the check valves in the past. I think the 3/16 is a great idea if you have the grade.

[Mike Van]

fine by me. I need a week or so to get the shack finalized, arch rebuilt and lines strung still. We did the get the roof closed up today, so that's a huge relief.

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Nice job Matt! I don't know how you guys do the outdoor boiling, it must be a real pain in the butt. This morning I had 60 gal to boil off, it was 14F outside when I started at 5 AM, all I could get the barn up to was 38. Funny, late in the season i've had it 100 in there. Actually, it's not funny, it just sucks.

[Cjadamec]

I just ordered a kit from Jamaica Cottage shop as well. No hope of having it ready for this year but it sure will be nice for next season to have an outbuilding finally. How was your experience will putting the kit together?

This is my first year with any type of tubing so I really don't know how long to expect my taps to stay running. I have collected over 250gallons (I lost track of exactly how many gallons after 250) of sap on 50 taps since I tapped in mid januray. That's more than double what I got on buckets for the entire season last year. One of my runs is 60ft elevation top to bottom and the other has a 90 foot drop with all but 3 of the taps on the very top of the hill so 3/16 was a perfect fit for my trees.

I just wish my trees had better sugar content they so far its been just over 1%. All of them are in a mixed mature forest, most are reds, and none of them get full sun. The syrup still tastes great tho.