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Thread: Buckets - when too far gone?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2020
    Location
    Richmond, Vermont
    Posts
    34

    Default Buckets - when too far gone?

    I received about 40 buckets for free some marked lead free all probably less than 20 years old. Almost all have some amount of scaling, discoloration, and or rust inside. Galvanized steel. Spent an hour or so washing some, wondering if it’s worth the effort. Should galvanized buckets with rusk or scaling not be used? I don’t like the look of bags or plastic buckets. The old buckets look nice. Does anyone make a plastic bag liner? What’s the next best option with similar aesthetic aluminum buckets?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Location
    Nashville, MI
    Posts
    939

    Default

    Most of the maple suppliers now have liners for the galvanized buckets.
    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

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Worcester County, MA
    Posts
    66

    Default

    I have not used these myself, but I'm considering getting some for the trees that don't make sense to put tubing on due to location.

    https://wendelsmaple.com/bucket-barriers/

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    UVM Proctor Maple Research Center, Underhill Ctr, VT
    Posts
    6,393

    Default

    Plastic liners are available that preserve the aesthetic of metal buckets while reducing the exposure to lead and preventing leaking.
    Dr. Tim Perkins
    UVM Proctor Maple Research Ctr
    http://www.uvm.edu/~pmrc
    https://mapleresearch.org
    Timothy.Perkins@uvm.edu

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Potsdam in far northern New York
    Posts
    775

    Default

    I have 500 buckets, and buy a few more every year to replace some that have outlived their usefulness. Rust probably isn't good, not because iron is toxic or anything, but I'd worry about imparting a flavor of any sort to the (very concentrated) syrup. I discard a few every year. The most important thing to look at when inspecting a new batch of old buckets is repairs. A re-soldered bucket is obvious, and should go straight into the recycle bin. Old timers were way too handy with the lead solder, and used it for everything. Apparently lead wasn't toxic in those days!!

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