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

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
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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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