+ Reply to Thread
Page 2 of 3 FirstFirst 123 LastLast
Results 11 to 20 of 21

Thread: Alternate uses for Sugar shack?

  1. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Location
    Mansfield, Connecticut
    Posts
    50

    Default

    I have toyed with the idea that the future sugar shack could double as a steam room.
    2015: 17 taps, 2 gallons
    2016: 35 taps, 3.6 gallons
    2017: 60 taps, 2.7 gallons
    2018: 56 taps, 4.7 gallons

  2. #12
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Middlesex Vermont
    Posts
    655

    Default

    Mine is 12x16 and after season I put evaporator onto heavy duty casters and move it to run along back wall. I store my ranger suv plus shovels and other tools until it’s sugaring time again!
    110 taps W.F Mason 2x3 and two turkey friers for finishing

    2011 expanding to a Mason 2x4 with a blower increasing taps to about 200
    2011 Hurricane Irene rips thru my small sugar bush cost me to lose 20% of taps
    2014 I have reworked my lines for 2014
    32 taps on 5/16 line with check valves
    57 taps on 3/16 line with check valves
    55 buckets with total tapped trees of 144

  3. #13
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Howell, mi
    Posts
    820

    Default

    Our shack is Maple
    Only Maple
    and Nothing but Maple
    so help me sap.
    42.67N 84.02W


    350 taps- 300 on vacuum, 50 buckets
    JD gator 625i Sap hauler w/65 gal tank
    Leader 2X6 drop flue

    Homemade auto draw-off
    Homemade preheater
    Homebrew RO, 2- xle-4040's
    LaPierre double vertical releaser
    Kinney KC-8 vacuum pump

    12X24 shack
    Lots of chickens and a few cats.

  4. #14
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    Cadillac, Michigan
    Posts
    15

    Default

    We are in the process of finishing ours but included stainless tables, refrigerators and a stove for canning and sausage making.

  5. #15
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    North Central WI
    Posts
    49

    Default

    we built a log sugar shack two years ago (trapezoid footprint: 30'x20'x32'-4"x8', more on that in a future post) and from the beginning we planned a separation wall with the smaller area just for boiling and the larger area (about 20'x16') a social/gathering space and clubhouse for the kids, four bunks, kitchen table, sink, small wood stove in corner for year round use, etc. The youngest (15) thinks he's gonna live in there 'til he's out of high school; told him he better start cutting firewood now
    2010 - 12 taps, turkey fryer, 4 quarts
    2011 - 24 taps, homemade arch from old water tank, 16"x24" flat pan, 16+ quarts
    2012 - 9 taps, 3 pints, what a season
    2013 - 60 taps, homemade oil tank arch with 2'x4' flat pan, 16"x24" finishing pan on electric range, 55 quarts
    2014 - 80 taps, homemade oil tank arch with 2'x4' flat pan, 16"x24" finishing pan on electric range, 40 quarts
    2015 - 100 taps, 15 gallons
    2016 - 115 taps, 13.5 gallons
    2017 - 120 taps, 13 gallons
    2018 - 130 taps, 11 gallons

  6. #16
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    hudson river valley
    Posts
    162

    Default

    In the fall I open the cupola and hang dry beans and herbs in the shack to dry.
    2019-2023 40 to 50 taps to get 8 to 10 gallons of syrup
    2018 Built the sugar shack, produced 10.5 gallons (converted some to sugar,& cream). taps varied 45 to 50
    2017 Built 2x4 arch for a divided pan, 8.5 gallons from 30 taps increased to 42 taps during season.
    2016 Produced 3 gallons & 1 quart Syrup, Block arch & 3 buffet pans, 12 taps
    2015 Thought about tapping

  7. #17
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Location
    Williston, VT
    Posts
    615

    Default

    I am not allowed to use the sugarhouse for any non-agricultural use. It was "permitted" as a sugarhouse in accordance with the town zoning laws and would need to be re-permitted for a barn if I want to use it for a non-ag purpose which would also mean that I'd be taxed for the structure. In Vermont, a sugarhouse doesn't require an actual permit but only a notice to the local municipality with a sketch and location showing it meets property line setback requirements.
    Ken & Sherry
    Williston, VT
    16x34 Sugarhouse
    1,500 taps on high vacuum, Electric Releaser & CDL Sap Lifter
    Wood-Fired Leader 30"x10' Vortex Arch & Max Raised Flue with Rev Syrup Pan & CDL1200 RO
    https://www.facebook.com/pumpkinhillmaple/

  8. #18
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    ontario
    Posts
    34

    Default

    There is a spring fed creek that runs right by our sugarshack and everyone that visits ask if we make moonshine in the summer. lol

  9. #19
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Oneida NY
    Posts
    11,547

    Default

    My sugarhouse used to end up with a 4x4 ATV, and lots of tools in the off season, now I have a shop where those all go. My shop is now 14x28', I plan to add another 12'x 32' on one side for more storage room, shelves, room for my 4 wd tractor with cab and a blacksmith shop. That will just be a stone floor in front and stone dust well packed in the blacksmith shop. I will be a hobby blacksmith for fun and personal needs only. Being a farm and on ag assessment I can use my building for whatever legal use I want, thus no moonshine or pot production. In fact even if legalized I will not do pot.
    Dave Klish, I recently ordered 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.

  10. #20
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Potsdam in far northern New York
    Posts
    775

    Default

    My sugarhouse has a breezeway between the evaporator room and the woodshed. In the summer months we open the double doors at either end to keep a good air flow through the firewood. This makes a perfect drying place for garlic,onions, beans, and herbs. All that stuff is gone long before sugaring season starts up again.

+ Reply to Thread
Page 2 of 3 FirstFirst 123 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts