Another good way, if you enjoyed making maple syrup is to get an issue of [U]The North American Maple Producers ManualU]. You may still be able to download the manual free, or maybe that option has expired.
It will educate you on every aspect of producing maple syrup. If you buy printed copy, you will use it like forever every time you are puzzled about anything relating to maple syrup. It could be a great birthday present, or just a real nice gift to yourself. There have been 3 or more editions, I have the second edition, a third is now out. As I understand the new edition made several updates to every topic in the manual. If you want something more basis there are books available for the back yard producer, I think Bascom Maple caries them, likely others too. Look up www.bascommaple.com for ideas. They are also a good place to find some used equipment which can save you some cash, some other maple dealers also take trade ins as producers upgrade or some will sell on consignment for their customers who are growing into larger or maybe just newer equipment. For any of those it can be a good idea to find a friend who has been producing maple for a few years, to help you make a good choice for you. I think if you ask around you will find most producers will be happy to share information and help you make good choices.
I've found that this sharing is done freely unlike most other businesses, likely because the market for syrup is so good.
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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Originally Posted by maple flats
