Rework AOF system on old King Evaporator

[Sugarmaker]

Pdiamond,
Thanks,
I had a 6 inch stove pipe from my small wood stove in there. I think I am just going to patch that hole and remove the wood stove. It worked well to take the chill off when canning syrup, but makes it tight in the sugarhouse.
Regards,
Chris

[Sugarmaker]

Folks,
Had a hour or two to spend on the 3 x 10 arch rebuild.
Removed all the old fire brick, and the sand. Looks like some of the cross braces are rusted out. These will be stainless next time.


Removed grates which are in excellent shape.


Regards,
Chris

[Sugarmaker]

Folks,
The weather is turning colder and wetter, so Its time to turn to some inside projects like the Arch refurbishment that I have proscrastinated on all summer!
I did get the arch cleaned out and the stainless cross angles whittled out and drilled for stainless bolts.
Cut out the stainless channel for the base of the smoke stack. Got it tacked together and of course ran out of stainless wire for the Mig. I will get some piuctures. Am fabing a drain for rain water of the back of the stack base also.
Still debating the attachment method for the new side rails to the arch sides? Plan is to use zip screws along the rails.
A custom built smoke stack tapered base will be commissioned from Creekside Welding and or Stateline Stainless shops. Both near by.
Regards,
Chris

[Sugarmaker]

Folks,
The stainless portions of the arch tin are still in pretty good shape. Replaced the cross angles and will bolt those in place with stainless fasteners.


AOF system is welded together and in the home position.


Stainless base for the stack is roughed out and tacked together. Will have a spout drain at the rear too.


Regards,
Chris

[Sugarmaker]

Folks,
Well I finally came up with a plan to attach the rails to the sides of the arch. I was going to use zip screws. But after talking with some other sugarmakers have decided to use stainless 1/4 in bolts as the fasteners.
Got a 2 lb spool of 308 stainless wire to finish up the welding.
I have been debating about using the small 1 inch wide x 1/2 inch high channel on the top rail to set the rail gasket in. This would need to be attached to the top rail and tack welding it every 4 or 5 inches was going to be my plan. just a little concerned that it may rust under it and heave up over time. This was to do two things raise the pans off the rail a half inch, and provide a place for the rope type rail gasket to ride for a long time.
Just put up my old grates for sale in the classifieds.

Regards,
Chris

[Sugarmaker]

Folks,
I am going to try something different on this rebuild, if it doesnt work out its only steel.
Will spot weld a small channel around the edge of the rail. The plan is that this will hold the rope gasket and elevate the pan a half inch getting more boiling area exposed. Just getting it fit. havent welded on it yet.



Almost ready for arch board and fire brick!

Thanks for checking on me.
Regards,
Chris

[Super Sapper]

You could cut through the angle between the spot welds to allow expansion and contraction to avoid it lifting on you.

[Sugarmaker]

Folks,

Dont forget the Lake Erie Maple Expo is next week end in Albion PA at the Northwestern High school. check the web page at www.pamaple.org.

Our sugarhouse is only 2 miles from there. Folks are welcome to stop by. cell is 814-434-8659.

On this channel: I am going to try it. Tack welding every 6 inches alternating outside to inside. If it doesnt work it can be snagged off in a few minutes.

Super, thanks for the suggestion! I will keep that in mind!
Regards,
Chris

[Sugarmaker]

Maple folks,
Some shots of the multipurpose channel added to the rails.





Welded a 3/4 inch long bead every 6 inches, only on the inside of the channel. Looks pretty secure. Adding one fastener in the front channel to secure the rail and hold the spacer to keep the AOF's from jumping the track when we get her up to 90 mph!
Hope to find some large rope gasket in the near future. Maybe 1 inch rope type.
Regards,
Chris

[Sugarmaker]

Folks,
Weather has turned colder and I am glad I am working inside on the arch. Have most of the arch board material cut or in place. Some planning for the splits to be installed.



For some reason I felt I had to wrap the AOF system? Not sure yet if this was a good Idea or not? Its done, so I will attempt to brick around it.

Regards,
Chris