Awesome. Now that I'm somewhat on the right track. I'm going to go shop for some supplies. What do you all recommend? I kind of like the "tradition" of it and was thinking metal spikes and buckets. I have only identified 4 trees this winter. I was planning on using my turkey fryer and finishing on my stove.
If you finish on your stove, it's far better if you have a vent hood that actually takes the steam outdoors rather than just filter it back into the room.
Dave Klish, I recently bought a 2x6 wood fired evaporator from A&A Sheet Metal which I will be converting to oil fired
Now have solar, 2x6 finish pan, 5 bank 7x7 filter press, large water jacketed bottler, and tankless water heater.
Recently bought another Gingerich RO, this one was a 125, but a second membrane was added thus is a 250, like I had.
After running a 2x3, a 2x6, 3x8 tapping from 79 taps up to 1320 all woodfired, now I'm going to a 2x6 oil fired and a 200-425 taps.
It vents outside..
Is there a complete list as to what supplies I would need? Ive been searching but get a myriad of ideas. Some argue plastic storage is better than the buckets, put the bucket on the ground vs hang from tree, etc
I agree with John, those leaves definitely appear to be from a red maple. Black maple leaves have lobes that are similar to a sugar maple but more rounded and they have a drooping appearance when on the tree. The under side of the blacks leaves are somewhat fuzzy. If they are reds tap them, about 10% of mine are.
As far as finishing syrup on the kitchen stove if you have a window nearby put a fan in it or blowing out of it if you don't have an exhaust fan or hood for your stove. Works well for me!
Good luck with your new hobby! Can bring many hours of fun and some work in there too! You have come to the right place for information. No there is no standard starter kit that I know of. Cordless drill, 5/16 bit, plastic spouts / spiles ( 2 per tree) drop line maple sap tubing from the tap to food grade 5 gallon buckets (1 per tree) insert tubing just under the lid. brick to hold down the lid. drill the hole 1.5 to 2 inches deep, about waist high on the tree. gently tap in the spile, not to split the wood. Then go work on getting your boiling operation ready. If you stay with the entire season expect to gather and boil about 12 to 20 times. Each tap should produce between a pint and a quart of syrup depending on many factors.
Regards,
Chris
Casbohm Maple and Honey
625 roadside taps + Neighbors bring some sap too!
3x10 King, WRU, AOF and AUF
12" SIRO Filter Press.
2015 Ford F250 PSD sap hauler
One Golden named Maggie, Norwegian Forest Cat named Lucy
Too many Cub Cadets
Ford Jubilee and several Allis WD's, and IH tractors
1932 Ford AAB ton and a half, dump truck
www.mapleandhoney.com
I really appreciate all of your input! I have 1 hobby already as a metal fabricator.. I get burned out leading up to and through Christmas with all of my orders.. I need something else to get me through the Jan-April and this seems like something fun and enjoyable to do. I am sure to have many more questions, so I thank all of you in advance!!
HondoLane, although the bark looked like my silvers, the leaves are definitely not from a silver. It looks like you've got a red maple. Have fun with your first year sugaring!
~ Karen ~
2012 - 10 taps, 1 turkey fryer - 169.5L sap 4.2 L syrup
2013 - 23 taps, 2 turkey fryers - 748.5 L sap 17.56 L syrup
2014 - 22 taps, 509 L sap 12.5 L syrup
2015 - 28 taps, 1093.75 L sap 25.1 L syrup
2016 - 25 taps, 1223.5 L sap 28.25 L syrup
2017 - 21 taps, 518.5 L sap 12.7 L syrup
2018 - 28 taps, 2 turkey fryers & Denali 3 burner propane stove - 798L sap 16.9 L syrup
2019 - 28 taps, 1409.5L sap 40.12L syrup
Sugar, Norway, Manitoba, Silver and Freeman Maples
Finishing over propane is way easier than electric. Propane is constant heat; electric cycles on and off. It can be done over electric, but don't dare turn your back on it.Originally Posted by HondoLane
Definitely reds, those will make the best tasting syrup you've ever tasted.
Darren
Tapped 100 % Red maple for 14 years.
Grew from 22 trees to 325.
New woodlot and sugarwoods will have 3-4000 taps.
3x8 LaPierre raised flue already bought and waiting patiently in storage.
Looking forward to using 3/16" tubing.
Can't wait for 2019!!!
We have a propane stove and stainless vent hood to the outside. Will I have issues with sticky walls? This is concern my wife has.
You're all set with a propane stove then! The walls won't be bad finishing the syrup from your 3-4 trees.
Darren
Tapped 100 % Red maple for 14 years.
Grew from 22 trees to 325.
New woodlot and sugarwoods will have 3-4000 taps.
3x8 LaPierre raised flue already bought and waiting patiently in storage.
Looking forward to using 3/16" tubing.
Can't wait for 2019!!!
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
