In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday
  1. The Annual Tradition is Back!!!! It's time for our 13th Annual Firewood Hoarders Club Secret Santa Gift Exchange! Deadline is coming fast, sign-ups will be closed on Saturday, November 22nd at Midnight (central time). Get into the Christmas Spirit and join up in the Secret Santa fun by clicking on the link! Official FHC 2025 Secret Santa Gift Exchange

The Official 2022 Maple Syrup Thread !

Discussion in 'Hobbies and Interests' started by HoneyFuzz, Jan 28, 2022.

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  1. Barcroftb

    Barcroftb

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    Barcroftb, Mar 3, 2022
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  2. HoneyFuzz

    HoneyFuzz

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    HoneyFuzz, Mar 4, 2022
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  3. lukem

    lukem

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    The last 3 jars turned out crystal clear and perfect.
     
    lukem, Mar 4, 2022
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  4. Slocum

    Slocum

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    What are you using to boil down? I’m going to try on turkey frier
     
    Slocum, Mar 4, 2022
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  5. Barcroftb

    Barcroftb

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    That’s how I started my first year. I used a stock pot initially but that was really slow. I switched to a food service steam tray and that went much faster.
     
    Barcroftb, Mar 4, 2022
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  6. lukem

    lukem

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    We used a turkey fryer but I have to get something else figured out if we do it next year
     
    lukem, Mar 4, 2022
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  7. Slocum

    Slocum

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    Saw this on Craigslist 6A525DF8-E049-4257-A403-CF9ED937A373.png 22434572-964B-4580-BBA1-76DE3BDB8ED1.png
     

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    Slocum, Mar 4, 2022
    #147 Top
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  8. HoneyFuzz

    HoneyFuzz

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    HoneyFuzz, Mar 4, 2022
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  9. Barcroftb

    Barcroftb

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    A barrel stove arch is a great way to go, but I personally wouldn’t pay that for one. I diy’d one for less and that included the money I paid a local welder for the 20x30 stainless steel pan.
    2A35123F-AA10-419A-B37C-5256447D344B.jpeg 2372DAC4-7FB6-4CDA-850C-3B3B1AEABFC2.jpeg 8B335BCD-4A6E-47CE-92AE-EDCBCE3508BD.jpeg

    The downside of this style is that I probably won’t get more than it’s third season out of it. The steel just can’t stand up to the incredible heat it’s subject too.

    after this season I plan to upgrade to a Silver Creek Arch
     
    Barcroftb, Mar 4, 2022
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  10. Slocum

    Slocum

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    Silver creek is only about 25 miles from me. Just found them online today.
     
    Slocum, Mar 4, 2022
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  11. Barcroftb

    Barcroftb

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    Awesome! Haven’t seen a lot out there about them, but the folks I have talked to say they are great!
     
    Barcroftb, Mar 4, 2022
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  12. Slocum

    Slocum

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    How much wood do you all go through on average boiling down?
     
    Slocum, Mar 5, 2022
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  13. Barcroftb

    Barcroftb

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    I think I went through a solid 1-1.5 full cord. Produced just shy of 15 gallons syrup. Yeah that rig is not the most efficient, but still better than paying the gas man.
     
    Barcroftb, Mar 5, 2022
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  14. walt

    walt

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    I have probably gone thru almost a cord and made roughly 13 or 14 gallon. Today was a good day ,started boiling this morning with 125 gallon of sap. Our sons came at noon and gathered so I could keep boiling. They got another 125 gallon ,to warm to try to keep it so I boiled it off . Just got in the house and I'm tuckered out
     
    walt, Mar 5, 2022
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  15. MuddyPaw

    MuddyPaw

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    First week's run. Made just under 2 gallons out of about 90 gallons of sap from 75 taps. First boil in a new this year shack. 20220305_202642.jpg 20220305_103233.jpg 20220305_102820.jpg
     
    MuddyPaw, Mar 5, 2022
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  16. walt

    walt

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    Muddypaw that is a nice looking shack and evaporator. Where are you located,I am near Fredericktown
     
    walt, Mar 6, 2022
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  17. Slocum

    Slocum

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    Curious as to what kind of wood you like to burn? Do you avoid wood that coals a long time? Or are you running so much air through the fire box that it dont matter?
     
    Slocum, Mar 6, 2022
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  18. Barcroftb

    Barcroftb

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    Yeah with forced draft coals aren’t an issue. I’ll run anything that’s dry through there. I prefer shoulder season wood, but I will also mix in things like ash,oak,hickory, etc.
     
    Barcroftb, Mar 6, 2022
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  19. MuddyPaw

    MuddyPaw

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    I'm between Ashland and West Salem in the heart of real Amish country, not the clean, touristy ones. Probably a dozen Amish sugar shacks in a 5 mile radius. I'm just doing it for fun, no profit.
     
    MuddyPaw, Mar 6, 2022
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  20. walt

    walt

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    I am also just doing it for fun and I have syrup to give to friends and family
     
    walt, Mar 6, 2022
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