Ok onto the next step, attempting to plan a line set up

[littleTapper]

So.....

What's a "CV"?

check valve spile https://us.h2oinnovation.net/us/chal...lair-4112.html

prevents backflow into the tree which results in less microbial activity and the tap has a longer duration of productivity.

[ProBoot]

Ok, I was planning on running the simple taps for my setup this year, they are like $25/100 so figure can't go wrong with that and a 500' roll of tubing.

Do I really need the special tool for installing the lines? or can I get away with basic hand tools? I have the special drill bit and will need to get the proper size one for the new taps as they will be smaller.

[DrTimPerkins]

I'm guessing with only about a 10' drop at the last tap to the collection point on the line the natural vacuum would be very very low and might stall everything?

https://mapleresearch.org/pub/slope2018-2/

[Sinoed09]

Ok, I was planning on running the simple taps for my setup this year, they are like $25/100 so figure can't go wrong with that and a 500' roll of tubing.

Do I really need the special tool for installing the lines? or can I get away with basic hand tools? I have the special drill bit and will need to get the proper size one for the new taps as they will be smaller.

You don’t *really* need the tools for pushing on the fittings but unless you have really strong hands it’s hard to do properly. You can’t pre-install the taps inside either so you have to do it outside when it’s cold which makes the tubing rigid and hard to use. I tried doing it without the fitting tool using a thermos of hot water to warm the tubing the first time I ran a couple taps and it was an exercise in frustration that had me cursing my syrup plans. It’s very hard to push those fittings on by hand. If you only had a couple taps i’d say give it a shot but if you’re planning on a 100 of them - just get the tool because it will pay for itself.

That said, if you take a look at the fitting tool it’s a tubing clamp welded onto a set of vice grips and a small u shaped bracket welded onto a pair of side cutters. To be honest, I paid for the tool and it’s low quality - I wasn’t super impressed with it at all but it works. If you don’t want to buy one you might be able to make something comparable for much less. There are a couple plans for DIY tools and you have a couple months before the sap runs.

[Pdiamond]

You can always check the mapletrader facebook page for used tools if you want to go that route but be quick they sell fast. Another option is Maple Tech Tools these would be new, and their prices are reasonable.