Russell, If I was starting sugaring today, I would certainly consider doing it the high-tech way with RO & a smaller evaporator. Even though my sugarwood now comes from my sawmill as a waste product; it's still quite an effort to get enough wood stacked in the woodshed to make my 120 gallons.

When I bought my 3x10 in 1989, it was only $3500. My total investment in sugaring, including lumber for the sugarhouse, tubing, tanks, evaporator, filter canner, etc was about $8,000, and I was able to make it back in the first two years. It seems like equipment costs have tripled and the syrup prices have only increased 50% or so.

I am however, contemplating a vacuum system; though it goes against my Luddite nature. Right now, I have only one motor to worry about (my sap truck) and more mechanical things are just more things that can go wrong. If I can get the power company to give me a reasonable rate for service, I just might make the plunge.