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Thread: Gripping tool for building drops.

  1. 01-14-2021, 07:52 AM #1
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    Default Gripping tool for building drops.

    IMG_4967.jpgIMG_4965.jpgIMG_4964.jpgIMG_4962.jpg
    I built a gripper out of a hardwood dowel last year and it worked well for building drops. I started with a dowel and I drilled completely through the length with a 11\32 drill, pretty sure a 3\8 would work. Then I used a 7\16 to drill in a 1\2 inch on each end to provide relief for the tap once it is inserted. After the drilling is finished I sawed in 1\2 and added duct tape to provide a hinge. I built a bunch so I always have one available in pocket or in the glove box for repairs. Last week I did 125 drops in less than an hour.
    1960 - 1970s 70 taps on galvanized buckets with Dad and Grandpa.
    1970s - 1985 Acted crazy!
    1986 - 2005 20-30 buckets.
    2006- 2017 70 buckets and bags
    2017-2019 100 bags and buckets
    2020 Finally retired!!! 75 buckets, 50-75 on tubing. RO Bucket, New 12 X 16 Shack and a 42X42 flat pan.
    2021-Adding another 125 taps along with a second RO bucket.
    2022- Shooting for 350 taps, with 100 on lines.
    Lots of Family and Friends and dogs named Skyy and Nessy!
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  2. 01-14-2021, 10:15 AM #2
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    Pretty sure I remember you posting this, so thanks for bringing it to light again. Will have to whip one up.
    42.82N
    2015 - Small operation. 25 buckets. One excited 5 year old and one 35 year old that feels 5 again.
    2016 - One year older. New Homemade 2x4 Arch, Smoky Lake Pan and looking at 52 maples, 17 box elders and 2 walnut trees.
    2017 - Shurflo 4008 hooked to 42 stingy silver maples and a few Norways. A couple buckets on sugars and Norways. 10 box elders.
    2018 - ...a few more taps.
    2019 - ...more taps on 3/16 gravity. This spiral is heading downward in a hurry.
    2020 - 4x400 RO - RB20 (uh-oh!)
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  3. 01-14-2021, 10:23 AM #3
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    maple flats
    maple flats is offline Super Moderator maple flats will become famous soon enough
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    Nice job. Is the tape Gorilla tape? I just picked up that line, along with Gorilla Glue for local sales at my one local venue for Syrup. That order should be here in a few days.
    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.
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  4. 01-14-2021, 12:22 PM #4
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    Yes on the gorilla tape.
    1960 - 1970s 70 taps on galvanized buckets with Dad and Grandpa.
    1970s - 1985 Acted crazy!
    1986 - 2005 20-30 buckets.
    2006- 2017 70 buckets and bags
    2017-2019 100 bags and buckets
    2020 Finally retired!!! 75 buckets, 50-75 on tubing. RO Bucket, New 12 X 16 Shack and a 42X42 flat pan.
    2021-Adding another 125 taps along with a second RO bucket.
    2022- Shooting for 350 taps, with 100 on lines.
    Lots of Family and Friends and dogs named Skyy and Nessy!
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  5. 01-14-2021, 12:23 PM #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by littleTapper View Post
    Pretty sure I remember you posting this, so thanks for bringing it to light again. Will have to whip one up.
    Yes some times its faster to just start over.
    1960 - 1970s 70 taps on galvanized buckets with Dad and Grandpa.
    1970s - 1985 Acted crazy!
    1986 - 2005 20-30 buckets.
    2006- 2017 70 buckets and bags
    2017-2019 100 bags and buckets
    2020 Finally retired!!! 75 buckets, 50-75 on tubing. RO Bucket, New 12 X 16 Shack and a 42X42 flat pan.
    2021-Adding another 125 taps along with a second RO bucket.
    2022- Shooting for 350 taps, with 100 on lines.
    Lots of Family and Friends and dogs named Skyy and Nessy!
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  6. 01-15-2021, 08:26 PM #6
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    maple flats
    maple flats is offline Super Moderator maple flats will become famous soon enough
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    For another use I went with Gorilla tape once before. That sold me on it, far better than any other duct type tape I've ever used.
    Glad to say, my Gorilla glue and tape order arrived. Unfortunately I don't plan to sell it online (at least not yet).
    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.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
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