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Thread: Cone filter question. Wool vs synthetic

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    Dudley Ma
    Posts
    14

    Default Cone filter question. Wool vs synthetic

    I get alot of my stuff from Bascom. They offer a wool 8 quart filter and a synthetic one? Does anyone know the wool filter is worth the extra money. And does anyone think the cone filter optimizer is worth it?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Location
    Richmond NH
    Posts
    313

    Default

    I've used both the wool and the synthetic filters. The wool was way more money. It also left Small minute hairs in my syrup after filtering. The next year I tried the synthetic and no minute hairs and the syrup was just as clear if not better.

    I bought an optimizer last year. It is definitely worth it. It cut filtering time by at least half and I can probably get twice as much syrup through it before washing. If you use cone filters I would highly recommend it.
    Jake
    smoky lake 2x6 drop flue SSR on homemade arch
    235 taps on 2 gast 1550s and lappiere releasers
    24x12 sugar house
    2019 Kubota L2501 work horse

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Winfield, Iowa
    Posts
    397

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    X2 on the optimizer. Ted

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Hopkinton, MA
    Posts
    1,778

    Default

    I've used both. I like how the wool is light, flexible, and doesn't have a seam. Despite raptorfan's questionable choice in teams, he's right about the bits of wool. I would find bits on the rack and even floating around in the air when I put the filter in the rack. It also stained more easily which I guess is showing me that it didn't clean out as well. Glad I tried it, but not worth 4 times the cost of a synthetic. Buy three synthetic filters. You'll have reserves for the season and still be ahead of the game on cost.

    X4 on the Optimizer. This is a must have for anyone using a cone filter.
    Woodville Maples
    www.woodvillemaples.com
    www.facebook.com/woodvillemaples
    Around 300 taps on tubing, 25+ on buckets if I put them out
    Mix of natural and mechanical vac, S3 Controller from Mountain Maple
    2x6 W.F. Mason with Phaneuf pans
    Deer Run 250 RO
    Ford F350
    6+ hives of bees (if they make it through the winters)
    Keeping the day job until I can start living the dream.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Western Ny
    Posts
    269

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    I dont have the optimizer yet but I've used a similar inferior method using a collender upsidedown, it works but requires someone to hold it and is slower since syrup has to go through the holes first. I plan on getting the optimizer. I use synthetic con filters.
    2019- RO
    2018- 25 taps made 8 gal syrup.
    2017- 25 taps -built a 2x3 flat pan, and a fuel tank arch for it. 335 gal 7.34gal syrup.

    2016- 15 taps, 4.3gal syrup boiling on cinderblock arch 3 roasting pans, 1 redneck trash can with a pot, and a turkey fryer.

    2015- 4 taps 44 gals of sap made 2.25 gal of lite syrup.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2019
    Location
    Hartford, CT
    Posts
    30

    Default

    Do you use the optimizer in a filter tank?
    2019 LNG fired pot, 20 taps on 3/16, 10 buckets, gave it up after 3 gal.
    2020 New Mason 2x4 XL; 30 taps on 3/16

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