Filtering Alternatives
After a fellow mapler (Thanks Scott) helped me re-process, filter and re-bottle much of last year's harvest (about 10 gallons), I definitely am convinced that I need to step it up from my cone setup (Yes I use sailor hat fold). None of the options are very affordable.
The default is to save up, follow suit and buy a filter press.. which in longer term may be wise. It all depends on how much more, if any, I grow in capacity.
I am waiting on a quote from CDL on the vacuum filter presses, but also thought of improvising water filtration cartridges. Wondering if other folks have tried? Seems to me they would offer a greater surface area than even plates.
Meanwhile, I had thought from many folks here, that the nitre came out of solution after cooling from a boil, which is why you cool and then re-heat. With the press, I am told you just add the DE to the syrup right away, still very hot, and filter away. Does the DE work at such a fine particulate size that it does not need to cool?
2014 Year 1, 1 large front yard shade tree with 3 taps - 3 quarts of the best syrup I ever had.
2015 - Convince In-laws and Neighbors, bought F-150 and bricks. 20 taps, 4 gallons in pretty bottles.
2016 -- More friends and neighbors, should add another 20 +, built temporary shelter as sugar shack. F150 traded for Ram 2500. Big Blue new barrels for 116 gal storage. 8 gallons Syrup.
2017 - Mortared Brick Arch with serving pans, no make that an 18 x 48 CDL divided flat pan, 48 taps.