Well here we go for year 2... Put in 9 taps yesterday afternoon, only one showed signs of sap. Does that just mean that it is still too cold for sap to run? Temps look great for the next couple of weeks (right)?
Well here we go for year 2... Put in 9 taps yesterday afternoon, only one showed signs of sap. Does that just mean that it is still too cold for sap to run? Temps look great for the next couple of weeks (right)?
1st Time - 2020 - 7 taps, 132 gallons sap, 24.5 pints syrup
2021 - 10 taps, 181 gallons sap, 40 pints syrup
2022 - 15 taps, 100 gallons sap, 19 pints syrup
Tim - I may put some taps in this weekend we'll see. If you can believe Accuweather it looks as though we may be able to get thru all of March and 1/2 of April before the season ends, all depends on Ma Nature. Good luck to you. I am shooting for 100+ taps this year.
2004 - 2012 2x3 flat pan 25 to 60 taps
2012 2x3 new divided pan w/draw off 55 taps
2018 - didn't boil surgery - bought new evaporator
2019 new SML 2x4 raised flue high output evap. 65 taps
made 17 gal. syrup
2020 - only put out 53 taps - made 16.25 ga.l syrup
2021 - Didn't work out
2022 - 25 taps on bags / 8 taps on 3/16's line - late start
It finally started here today! As of yesterday at 6pm I had less than a half gallon across all 9 taps since Monday! Checked them today about 6pm and had 12.5 gallons! Will start first boil of the year tomorrow! Good Luck to everyone!
1st Time - 2020 - 7 taps, 132 gallons sap, 24.5 pints syrup
2021 - 10 taps, 181 gallons sap, 40 pints syrup
2022 - 15 taps, 100 gallons sap, 19 pints syrup
Things were really slow 2-27 thru 3-3 maybe about a half gallon, BUT then things have turned on!! The last 5 days (3-4 thru tonight 3-8) I've collected 65 gallons! I also added another tap to make it 10 taps.
Last edited by TimUSA; 03-09-2021 at 10:36 AM.
1st Time - 2020 - 7 taps, 132 gallons sap, 24.5 pints syrup
2021 - 10 taps, 181 gallons sap, 40 pints syrup
2022 - 15 taps, 100 gallons sap, 19 pints syrup
Well, I've surpassed last year! Thru yesterday evening I've bottled 25 pints from 110 gallons. Got another 17.5 gallons today! I have to assume everyone else is as busy, that's why not a lot of posting going on! The next week looks to be great!
Is it just that the sap is more concentrated that I've gotten more syrup/gallons of sap than last year?
Last edited by TimUSA; 03-13-2021 at 06:01 PM.
1st Time - 2020 - 7 taps, 132 gallons sap, 24.5 pints syrup
2021 - 10 taps, 181 gallons sap, 40 pints syrup
2022 - 15 taps, 100 gallons sap, 19 pints syrup
Tim do you have a sap hydrometer to test the sugar content? My nephew just brought over a beautiful tubing reel he made for me. It looks exactly like the $140 jobs they sell in the catalogs only more heavy duty. I nave been busy the last couple of days at two different FFL dealers, one was to get my new 1911 45 and the other was to pick up my M-1 garand. it is a beautiful weapon. Can't wait to get it to the range.
2004 - 2012 2x3 flat pan 25 to 60 taps
2012 2x3 new divided pan w/draw off 55 taps
2018 - didn't boil surgery - bought new evaporator
2019 new SML 2x4 raised flue high output evap. 65 taps
made 17 gal. syrup
2020 - only put out 53 taps - made 16.25 ga.l syrup
2021 - Didn't work out
2022 - 25 taps on bags / 8 taps on 3/16's line - late start
Pdiamond, no I don't have a hydrometer... Heck I barely know what I'm doing! LOL BTW had another 15 gallons this morning!
I boil outside and just keep adding sap until my buckets are empty and then I just use a thermometer and when the temp hits 215 degrees, I take it inside to finish and boil until it hits 219-220. Then I let it cool down to 200 and filter thru orlon and put in mason jars and wait for the lids to pop! I'd certainly welcome any input on my process!
1st Time - 2020 - 7 taps, 132 gallons sap, 24.5 pints syrup
2021 - 10 taps, 181 gallons sap, 40 pints syrup
2022 - 15 taps, 100 gallons sap, 19 pints syrup
Start your filtering process right away. don't wait for it to cool down. Use 3 or 4 pre filters on top of the felt or orlon final filter. Make sure that the final filter is marked in the corner with up or top. This way you will always know which side to use as up. Only rinse out with hot water and never wring them out just let them dry.
2004 - 2012 2x3 flat pan 25 to 60 taps
2012 2x3 new divided pan w/draw off 55 taps
2018 - didn't boil surgery - bought new evaporator
2019 new SML 2x4 raised flue high output evap. 65 taps
made 17 gal. syrup
2020 - only put out 53 taps - made 16.25 ga.l syrup
2021 - Didn't work out
2022 - 25 taps on bags / 8 taps on 3/16's line - late start
Pdiamond, so you're saying as soon as I hit my 219-220 temp, filter it right then without letting it cool down any? I guess I thought I read that you should let it cool some before filtering to allow the sugar sand to develop...
Yes, I have two pre filters then orlon. I put them together the same way each time and only clean with hot water and air dry.
Got another 20 gallons (Monday morning thru last night off 5 taps). The 5 taps that were running first have slowed way down and the 5 slow ones at first are now going!?!?!
1st Time - 2020 - 7 taps, 132 gallons sap, 24.5 pints syrup
2021 - 10 taps, 181 gallons sap, 40 pints syrup
2022 - 15 taps, 100 gallons sap, 19 pints syrup
The sugar sand has already developed, it's in suspension. Filter as soon as it's drawn off or finished boiling and try to protect it from cooling as much as possible for the best filtering.
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.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote