Sugar House for 2011

[Maple Ridge]

I had a 12 X 16 slab poured in April with a drain in the floor and a drain pipe for a sink. July 2nd I had the cement blocks laid 2 high. Left an opening for a 4' sliding door and a 3' entry door. Yesterday I ordered some of the lumber from a local saw mill; hope to get it this weekend. (Awfully hot to be cutting lumber). I hope to get started on the frame work the week of July 12th. If I can figure out how to post my pics, I will load them. I plan on a 10 / 12 pitch for a roof.

[red maples]

Git R done!!!

[Randy Brutkoski]

My 24x26 pad is being poured this saturday. Cant wait until everything is done.

[Maple Ridge]

24 X 26. Nice. What size evaperator.
I have a question for anyone out there. I will be buying a new evaperator this fall. I am undecided on a drop flue or a raised flue. What would be best. I like the idea of drop flue because the heat area, but you need to remove the pan to drain it. A raised flue, you draw off the bottom, no removing the pan to drain. Any Coments on this?

[Jeff E]

most if not all drop flue pans have a drain pipe at the bottom of the flues, so you can drain without removing the pan.

[Father & Son]

I had an old drop flue Leader that didn't have any way to drain the flues. All I did was use 2 or 3 pieces of lateral tubing and syphoned it out. An evaporator with a flue drain is sure nice.

Jim

[Randy Brutkoski]

Concrete is on hold until next week. Due to flash flood warnings for the next 12 hours. I am buying a 4x14 Hurricane Force 5 with all of the bells and whistles. Got the green light to order it . The USDA approved my FSA loan today. Obama is writing me a personal check,but i have to give him the first gallon of syrup i pour off in 2011. lol.....

[3rdgen.maple]

Gee Randy glad we could help pay for your new evaporator. lol Atleast the money is going for something that can be appreciated. Also I am pretty ositive any reputable drop flue manufacture now adds a drain and have for a few yearss on drop flue pans. It works like a charm and the only time I pull my flue pan is at the end of the season for an outside flue cleansing.

[Quabbin Hill Farms]

24 X 26. Nice. What size evaperator.
I have a question for anyone out there. I will be buying a new evaperator this fall. I am undecided on a drop flue or a raised flue. What would be best. I like the idea of drop flue because the heat area, but you need to remove the pan to drain it. A raised flue, you draw off the bottom, no removing the pan to drain. Any Coments on this?

One advantage is you only need one float since the sap/syrup levle is the same across both pans. i don't have draines in mine so it is harder to empty but a siphon tubes work ok

[Maple Ridge]

Thanks for the feedback. I was thinking about a 2X4, but now I think I will just do it and go for the 2X6. My walls are up and are in the process of putting on the boards. Hope to be putting up the rafters by next week. So much to do, and work too. I am glad I got started early. I need to get the evaperator on order soon.