Quote Originally Posted by CanterburyMaple View Post
That's great news on the new arch, MV! I'd like to consider something that can get me more than 4 gal/hour. I've collected almost 120 gallons of sap so far, and made close to 3 gallons of syrup. I'm mostly red maples, and I've been delighted to be near 2% sugar, so I guess it's all relative. Last year I stayed at 1.5-1.6% most of the year, which was surprising because I understand sugar content drops as the season goes on.
What’s your setup? 4gal/hr can be cranked up with some easy improvements. Adding a pre-heater and a hood will do wonders for keeping the boil rolling, and if you can add a fan, DO IT,you won’t regret the investment.

I run a 2x4 flat pan on a beat up mason arch w/fan,PH,hood,float and can get 12-15gal/hr. Little tweaks go a long way. The PH was easy enough to put together with 1/2 copper/fittings less than $75, hood was free-stainless steel clothes dryer drum cut in half, fan was $65 on Amazon. I love the entire process of the season, BUT don’t wanna spend the entire night boiling.

The PH was my first crack at sweating copper. After a few practice joints and a few YT vids, you’ll be a pro for this.

Good luck and have FUN!!