Tapping maples for sap?

[TRACY]

Thanks for the input Marc. It is a lot of work, but worth it. I will try to locate some of those rectangle SS serving pans to use next year. I couldn't imagine boiling sap by adding red hot rocks to sap in a dugout log the way it was originally done by natives.

Harv,; When you post a reply, go down to additional options and click. Then you will be able to browse through your computer for pics. You might want to copy them to the desk top so you can resize to 620 X 480 and save your original. You can post six items per reply this way.

Tracy

[chigger]

     I haven't figured how to post yet but I'm working on it...Me and Ma boiling sap..

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[TRACY]

Thanks for posting pics. Looks like a good setup and a lot of fun. The weather broke here and the sap is flowing well. Man I just can't get enough of that syrup, it's unbelievably wonderful.

Tracy

[Hillbilly]

Thanks for posting the pics. That's something I've never tried but always wanted to. We have quite a few sugar maples here, only one on my land, though. There is an area near here called "Sugarlands"-got its name because there are a lot of sugar maple trees there and boiling syrup and sugar used to be a big thing in the area. Marc, you mentioned red maple-does it work as well other than the sap/syrup ratio? (Is the syrup as good?) I was pruning a couple maple trees yesterday, and the sap was just pouring out of them.

[TRACY]

Hillbilly, you sound like me a month ago .My better sap producers are reds that are 18" dbh. My setup is pretty crude , but works. Next year I'll level more and use new block  and better evaporating pans that maximize surface area like Marc mentioned. Here's a better simple setup that I found on the web. No more flavored corn syrup here!

http://matthewgroves.com/Hobbies/Sugaring09.html

Tracy