Dill 2018

[Dill]

Yup today was boil number 3 but really 1 wasn't much more then a 20min steam.
I think I weathered my first sap tsunami that our friend down in PA used to post about. It was close at one point I was watching the RO perfectly match both the evaporator and the woods pump which was good cause I only had about 50 gals more room in the sugarhouse tank. I think it might be time to upgrade from my gravity canner filter. At one point I had a clogged filter, full canner and 3/4 of a full draw off pail and more syrup just about to the line. But I made it through. I think I made 14 gals today, which is pretty darn good for me.

[Russell Lampron]

It's time to get a filter press Alden. It's looks like you're off to a good start to the season.

[Dill]

Yup I was hoping to put that purchase off another year but its probably time. Bottled up yesterday's production and its 18.5 gals, most I"ve ever made in a day. I've watched guys fill multiple drums an hour so I know its all perspective.
Sap ran really well overnight but this morning it was barely trickling in. Got another 10 taps added. I've got 30 or 40 left to add. Then made another 8 gals.

[Asa Matras]

What are you up so far for gallons? You pulling sap from just your place?

[Dill]

32 gallons so far, which for me is crazy.

Yup just out back so far. I've got everything ready to go tap in Northwood. But I'm getting spoiled not having to truck sap just walk down and fire up the generator. Probably tap it next week.

[Dill]

Should have killed the vac pump last night. Got some sap up in the fitting to the releaser and its froze solid. Pump is off now. Hopefully it thaws quick with some sun in the morning.

[red maples]

yes I have some buckets but hate them. I am always spoiled early in the season with just tubing. buckets is so much work.

[Dill]

Well just ordered a major upgrade for the sugarhouse just in time for our first open sugarhouse weekend. Got a portapotty coming, its not bad 80 bucks for month if they pump it every other week. We get a lot of young kids and I think this will help.

[Dill]

Had a well attended open sugarhouse today. Considering how early it was, I was impressed.
First thing I did this morning was install a water filter moisture trap down at the tank. Not sure why. But man I'm glad I did. It hung up twice and saved my butt.
Not sure what the heck is going on with the releaser. The first time I lubed it all and figured that would solve the issue. The odd thing is it will trip 5-10 times and I'll close it up thinking I'm all set. However the more I think about it I'm wondering if the float has a hole in it. Whats happening is the float will rise but will just be a tiny bit too low to activate the slide.

[Russell Lampron]

Is your float adjustable? Mine has a collar with a set screw in it on the float rod. I can move the collar up or down to change the sap level and dump point.