Hey All,
Whats the best way to measure slope of tubing in the field?
Is there a tool that one can use to ensure lines are in fact sloping downward?
Thanks,
Bryan
Hey All,
Whats the best way to measure slope of tubing in the field?
Is there a tool that one can use to ensure lines are in fact sloping downward?
Thanks,
Bryan
2024 - 160 taps, Shurflo 4048. Sap Sucker 4-D. Mason 2x4 Raised Flue. 5x400 RO.
2023 - 121 taps. Shurflo 4008. Sap Sucker 4-D. Mason 2x4 XL, 4x150 RO. 20 gallons.
2022 - 103 taps. Shurflo 4008. Sap Sucker 4-D. Mason 2x4 XL, 4x150 RO. 23 gallons.
2021 - 77 taps on Shurflo 4008. Sap Sucker 4-D. Mason 2x4 XL, 4x150 RO. 22 gallons.
2020 - 70ish taps on Shurflo 4008. Mason 2x4 XL. DIY R.O. ~24 gallons.
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Trout Brook Valley
Weston, CT
There are several ways. A small hand-held level or clinometer will work. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Johnson-...5556/202911589
Many cell phones now include a level function or you can get an app that will do it. iPhones include a "Measure" app that has a level, but I tend to use the "Theolodite" app more often.
Check this MapleTrader thread http://mapletrader.com/community/sho...88-Sight-Level
Dr. Tim Perkins
UVM Proctor Maple Research Ctr
http://www.uvm.edu/~pmrc
https://mapleresearch.org
Timothy.Perkins@uvm.edu
When I was first starting with tubing I used a site level much like the one Dr Tim links to, but having quite flat ground it needed help. I actually have 2 laser levels, but for tubing layout they are too hard to use, too time consuming. I then took an old camera tripod and made an adjustable holder for the site level. It had an adjustment screw to raise or lower the stadia line. It worked much faster, especially when I had a helper. I would set up where I could see a fairly long ways where the tubing was to go. Then on each tree in the line of sight I (or better, a helper) put a plastic ribbon on the trees to indicate elevation. In areas where I could get near 2% slope that was not usually needed, but under 2% it was much better. Sometimes the ribbon was tied at the desired elevation, but more often it was at a distance above or below the desired elevation. Then we used a tap measure to set the desired elevation. I don't think I ever got any slopes flatter than 1%, but had several between 1% and 1.5% using that method.
i now have a level app on my phone, I use that to re-adjust mainlines when necessary.
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.
John Allin
14x18 Hemlock Timber Frame Sugar House 2009
Leader 2x6 w/Patriot Raised Flue Pan 2009
Leader Steam Hood 2014 - Clear Filter Press 2015
Leader Revolution Pan and SS Pre-Heater 2016
CDL Hobby RO & Air Tech L25 Hi Vac Pump 2019
06' Gator HPX to collect wood & sap
14' Ski-Doo Tundra for winter work in the woods
Great Family 3 grown kids+spouses and 7 grand kids who like the woods
7th Gen Born in Canada - Raised in Chardon Ohio - Maple Capital of the World..<grin>.
A poormans method is to use a level. The second set of lines on the bubble represents 2% slope used for drains and gutters etc. If you can support it against or on something you can sight down the top if it to a fixed point like another tree and get close.
backyard hobbyist
Mason 2x3 w/AUF
2020 - added small vacuum and gravity 5/16 tubing and sap sacks
N 42* 18' 31."
W 79* 34' 15."
https://www.saptapapps.com/map/31868...-aab748a6394e/
I used a modified string level that had clips to hang on the tubing. one end was higher than the other so the buble would be centered. Crude but it worked! I might have a picture on here from way back when!
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 have used Theodolite for a few years now. It is a great app for this. I use the 4x zoom to help with lag placement for the other end of the mainline wire. We just finished a 800' mainline run the other day. I need to run some wire high on telephone poles we installed. I'll use it again for that. I used to double check with a level, but I have confidence in the app.
Mike
Tapping since 1985 (four generations back to early to mid 1900s). 200-250 taps on buckets and then tubing in the mid 90s. 2013- 275 taps w/sap puller 25 gal. 2014-295 taps w/sap puller 55 ga. (re-tapped to vacuum theory) 2015-330 taps full vac. 65 gal, 2016-400 taps 105 gal, 2017-400 taps 95 gal. 2018-additional 800' mainline and maybe 400 new taps for a total near 800 taps. 2x6 Leader WSE (last year on it) supported by a 250 gph RO.
I too downloaded the app after reading this. This year will be the first time running tubing. Here is a question for those who have used the app... how do you calibrate it? I was playing around with it and may have calibrated it the wrong way!!
2018 - 8 Taps on Buckets - homemade 2x2 pan and wood arch - 1.25 gallons
2019 - 30 Taps on Buckets - new Sugarhouse , 2x4 divides pan and homebuilt
evaporator! - 3.5 gallons
2020 - planning 50 Taps on 3/16 tubing with shurflo vacuum
https://www.mcmaster.com/19225a62 I use a sight level like this but it is a cst/berger. I have used mine for about 20 years now. This is what Glen Goodrich taught me to use.
Blaisdell's Maple Farm
started on a 2x2 pan in 2000 and now
custom built oil fired 4x12 arch by me
Thor pans Desinged by Thad Blaisdell
4600 taps on a drop flue 8-4 split
I use a site level as well. Cheap and effective
Camp Wokanda
Peoria Park District
2023 - 210 on 3/16 shurflo, sap storage shack w/ 1100 gallon tank - 123 gallons
2022 - 210 on 3/16 shurflo, homemade vac filter & water jacket canner - 104 gallons
2021 - 215 on 3/16 shurflo, added 2nd membrane to RO - 78 gallons
2020 - 210 on 3/16 shurflo, upgraded hp pump on RO - 66 gallons
2019 - 150 on 3/16 shurflo, Deer Run 125 dolly RO - 73 gallons
2018 - 120 on 3/16 shurflo, 2x6 raised flue w/hood, homemade arch w/ AUF & AOF - 34.5 gallons