broke the brick with the screw at 12:02 cinder blocks are a pain to work with and they crack easy under fire temp anyway. good thought but i think maybe you might try something like a filing cabinet. i've seen a few builds with those that look pretty nice. my evaporator sits right on my soapstone woodstove in the sugar shack nice little mod for it I did, enjoyed the video as always
Good Job ,Looks Like Fun ,Probably Like A lot Of Things ,Cheaper To Buy In Store ,But It’s Cool You Made It On Your Own Land ,Thank You For Sharing !!!
That is a nice back yard rig - very solidly built. I think you will need to remove a block for a large draft hole under the door. You can always use a piece of metal that you can slide back and forth across that draft hole if you need to manage the fire. I think a taller chimney without a cap (they reduce draft) could help too. Thanks for the videos.
Family , Nice to hear that your Happy with the Build !! Need that Man Shed with pole bard style roof off the Side of Shed... Sitting by our wood stove Now trying to stay Warm... Thank you for your Time !! like the videos everyday keep them coming !!
Something my dad did, (mason) was to set the concrete down sloppily, make a track along the edges of the block (1” deep) then set the stone down and wiggle it in to get better contact. Can’t wait to see this covered and running.
Perhaps for getting a fire started or a boil really moving (like when you add the syrup for the first time) you could consider a cheap leaf blower and a hole in the concrete. Forced draft works for steam engines and all you want to do is boil water! It also will allow you to burn punky or kinda green wood.
I was wondering if red kiln fired brick would work as an inside lining? Have you considered that? possibly using Rutland Fireplace Mortar to cement the bricks to the cinderblocks. Might make for a long lasting wood burning evaporator. Please let me know your thoughts.
when you start on the sugar shack consider putting a door big enough to drive the tractor scoop with a tote on it through the door. A stand to put your tote on and carry in wood with the tractor save lots of work latter on
vinegar is the only thing that should be used to clean it and any other maple equip. its not toxic, works great especially on that mess in the center of the pan, natural product. soaps and bleach are hard to get removed from the equipment. Also a new cinder block project like this you really want to slowly build hotter fires. going hot right away is not a good idea. The bottom of your pan will accumilate soot and slow down your boil. should have left that removeable.
I have finally caught up with your videos! It's amazing how your farm progressed over the years. Great job, SSL family! I know you will be building a shack, but for now, have you thought about putting up several additional hoops and covering with green house plastic, like extending your green house but keeping the partition in place? You will have natural light and will be protected from elements. I don't know how much it takes in terms of labor and cost, just a thought. Stay warm and safe during the snow storm! Wishing you a successful maple syrup season!
You should have just cemented in that clean-out door there are clean-out doors with tabs on all four sides especially top and bottom you can cement that in.
I think if you just line the side with the fire brick it will make your life easier. You can only line it one brick high and it will last 60% longer. The bricks are also re useable.
Some cement board has Perlite in it, and Asbestos has been found in Perlite. So, it's good that you have not used the cement board. And the plastic container might possibly taint the flavor of the very hot sap that is drained from the evaporator, so a metal container may be better. I look forward to seeing the maple syrup!
Your evaporator pan is perfect. I think I remember you saying someone gave it to you? Was it always a pan made for sap evaporating or was it used for something else ? I need to find me one
Instead of siphoning with a tube, etc... Just put a bit more of a slope in the bottom of the pan. Pull the other end of the pan up some, and shove more of the cement under that lip. Doesn't have to be much, to be effective. And it's not like it will affect the quality of the syrup...
That is what I did last year but the other issue is the drain pipe is a good 1/2" off the bottom of the pan so it will never drain all the way leaving me to have to siphon it anyway
SUCCESS! Praise Yahweh for this blessing! I do have one question, tho: How do you get wood underneath the entire trough? Once that gets hot, won't you get burned trying to shove wood to the back of the stove? I've never seen one, so have no idea. Great job Mr SSL! Many blessings on your upcoming sap to maple syrup endeavor!!
I mainly add the wood to the front and push the coals back as I add it. The flame travels across the bottom of the pan and to the back where the stove pipe is, seems to work pretty good so far!
You really should let the concrete blocks dry before you make a fire. It can explode. I have been in construction for more than 30 years and never seen anything like this.
Can't stand putting pipe together!Used to act like I don't know how at the hardware that way they would put it together before I get home! Use a little oil on the concrete screws and drill further than you plan on sinking them! Take that cap off your draft will improve.We use a barrel stove for fishing and hunting in a canvas tent for decades them caps on pipes create so much creosote and kills our draft we quit using them!
To save you time in boiling and time gathering wood you need to check into an RO. Remove half the water before you boil. Check out Yb family farm. He is a true believer.
New subs here 😊 completely enjoyed watching you build this. Question, is there a certain type of maple tree that has to be tapped or can any type produce sap for syrup? Also, will this eventually kill the tree?
Kinda late suggestions, 1). Put some dirt inside to build a ramp in the back to speed up the exhaust gases. 2). If you have the time, watch this vlog of mine, go towards the end of the video. th-cam.com/video/rDYHyVNVLnQ/w-d-xo.html my evaporator has a barrel stove door as well. I remove the intake damper, cut the opening remaining, and push air in with a squirrel fan. This has worked well for me, Best to you and your season!
Brenda Allen a BIG pot/pan to take water out of something. Once it boils it evaporates like water from a puddle in summer evaporates back into the air to form clouds. Basically it condenses the sap ( in this case) into a thicker liquid (syrup here). Hope this helps?
Not to be a smart ass, but if you take a bubble reading and then FLIP over the level, it will let you know of your level is accurate. If you get a different reading on the other flat side of level, your bubble is off.
I filled my tank with water to seat it down into the cement. Worked well.
This chimney pipe knowledge was really interesting to me. Thanks for mentioning that.
broke the brick with the screw at 12:02
cinder blocks are a pain to work with and they crack easy under fire temp anyway. good thought but i think maybe you might try something like a filing cabinet. i've seen a few builds with those that look pretty nice. my evaporator sits right on my soapstone woodstove in the sugar shack nice little mod for it I did,
enjoyed the video as always
fantastic job
Good Job ,Looks Like Fun ,Probably Like A lot Of Things ,Cheaper To Buy In Store ,But It’s Cool You Made It On Your Own Land ,Thank You For Sharing !!!
That is a nice back yard rig - very solidly built. I think you will need to remove a block for a large draft hole under the door. You can always use a piece of metal that you can slide back and forth across that draft hole if you need to manage the fire. I think a taller chimney without a cap (they reduce draft) could help too. Thanks for the videos.
Family , Nice to hear that your Happy with the Build !! Need that Man Shed with pole bard style roof off the Side of Shed... Sitting by our wood stove Now trying to stay Warm... Thank you for your Time !! like the videos everyday keep them coming !!
I’ve enjoyed the past few videos. Looking forward to seeing the sugar shack take shape.
Something my dad did, (mason) was to set the concrete down sloppily, make a track along the edges of the block (1” deep) then set the stone down and wiggle it in to get better contact.
Can’t wait to see this covered and running.
Looks great 👍 good job. I like the design I think the cinder blocks will last a while. The door is always nice to have keeps critters out.
Jimmy
Just put a little piece of #14 wire in the hole and screw the tapcon!
Knew someone would comment as such. I use plumbers solder in a similar fashion with great success.
Perhaps for getting a fire started or a boil really moving (like when you add the syrup for the first time) you could consider a cheap leaf blower and a hole in the concrete. Forced draft works for steam engines and all you want to do is boil water! It also will allow you to burn punky or kinda green wood.
I was wondering if red kiln fired brick would work as an inside lining? Have you considered that? possibly using Rutland Fireplace Mortar to cement the bricks to the cinderblocks. Might make for a long lasting wood burning evaporator. Please let me know your thoughts.
Nice job 👍
Amazing accomplishment!
when you start on the sugar shack consider putting a door big enough to drive the tractor scoop with a tote on it through the door. A stand to put your tote on and carry in wood with the tractor save lots of work latter on
Great idea with the T-post and the exhaust! I think I will do that too.
vinegar is the only thing that should be used to clean it and any other maple equip. its not toxic, works great especially on that mess in the center of the pan, natural product. soaps and bleach are hard to get removed from the equipment. Also a new cinder block project like this you really want to slowly build hotter fires. going hot right away is not a good idea. The bottom of your pan will accumilate soot and slow down your boil. should have left that removeable.
I have finally caught up with your videos! It's amazing how your farm progressed over the years. Great job, SSL family! I know you will be building a shack, but for now, have you thought about putting up several additional hoops and covering with green house plastic, like extending your green house but keeping the partition in place? You will have natural light and will be protected from elements. I don't know how much it takes in terms of labor and cost, just a thought. Stay warm and safe during the snow storm! Wishing you a successful maple syrup season!
Can’t wait to get my hands on some of this :) I finally ran out of the stuff I got 2 seasons ago!
I enjoyed this build. Well done 😁.
Great video
Where did you originally find the pan?
Nice job..
You should have just cemented in that clean-out door there are clean-out doors with tabs on all four sides especially top and bottom you can cement that in.
Been looking forward to the shack build for a while.
Nicely done Todd 👍
Try pieces of copper wire for striped out holes in concrete . Depending on how oversized holes are will let you know what gauge wire to use !
We are enjoying this series.
What about a cover, like a canopy?
Have you tried using Bar Keepers Friend to clean off the bottom of the pan? That stuff works wonders.
I think if you just line the side with the fire brick it will make your life easier. You can only line it one brick high and it will last 60% longer. The bricks are also re useable.
I agree but fire bricks are like $5 each so ti line that you are talking about over $100. I can build 2 more of these for that much:)
This year put up a cattle panel hope shelter with a tarp keep snow and rain off your head.
Some cement board has Perlite in it, and Asbestos has been found in Perlite. So, it's good that you have not used the cement board.
And the plastic container might possibly taint the flavor of the very hot sap that is drained from the evaporator, so a metal container may be better.
I look forward to seeing the maple syrup!
I love sap season!!
Suddenly, I have a surprising desire to decorate a cake...
Yes, I saw the snow blowing. Did you get that 8 inches? We only got about 4 inches in Lansing.
We got about 6-8
where screws stripped on door just insert a couple of toothpicks and put back the screw.
Use hit pins instead of the tapcons they will work fine
Just wondering if you ever worry about Spalding of the concrete?
It happens a bit but I only need this to run for a couple seasons until I can hopefully upgrade to a real evaporator setup
I love when u do the maple syrup videos. Can u use a squeegee to get the syrup to the drain? How do u clean the ashes or u don't have to?
The ashes wont be an issue for a couple seasons.
amazing stuff
Great video , but how do you plan on cleaning out all the ash ? Just a question not knocking you down . I always hit the like video on your videos
Your evaporator pan is perfect. I think I remember you saying someone gave it to you? Was it always a pan made for sap evaporating or was it used for something else ? I need to find me one
Your old evaporator holders MUST make good raised beds when they get cracked.
How's your leg doing with the cold
It has been totally fine, no issues! Thanks for asking
GREAT VIDEO TODD!
Instead of siphoning with a tube, etc... Just put a bit more of a slope in the bottom of the pan. Pull the other end of the pan up some, and shove more of the cement under that lip. Doesn't have to be much, to be effective. And it's not like it will affect the quality of the syrup...
That is what I did last year but the other issue is the drain pipe is a good 1/2" off the bottom of the pan so it will never drain all the way leaving me to have to siphon it anyway
Ah. ok. =0)
Why not get a squeegee to push/pull the syrup to the pipe?
Just subbed. I enjoy your videos.
SUCCESS! Praise Yahweh for this blessing! I do have one question, tho: How do you get wood underneath the entire trough? Once that gets hot, won't you get burned trying to shove wood to the back of the stove? I've never seen one, so have no idea. Great job Mr SSL! Many blessings on your upcoming sap to maple syrup endeavor!!
I mainly add the wood to the front and push the coals back as I add it. The flame travels across the bottom of the pan and to the back where the stove pipe is, seems to work pretty good so far!
@@SSLFamilyDad Awesome! I was wondering how that would work. **The More You Know** LOL! Shalom!
your supposed to put raw plugs in the holes,...(wooden ones)
on the hole that stripped out place tooth pick in it then place tapcon
After I looked closer it actually chipped the concrete right to the edge as I feared it would
Cool video
How are you going to empty the ash? Just reach in as far as you can?
If needed I can get a shovel in the door but I wont need to clean out ash for a couple years
You really should let the concrete blocks dry before you make a fire. It can explode. I have been in construction for more than 30 years and never seen anything like this.
Can't stand putting pipe together!Used to act like I don't know how at the hardware that way they would put it together before I get home! Use a little oil on the concrete screws and drill further than you plan on sinking them! Take that cap off your draft will improve.We use a barrel stove for fishing and hunting in a canvas tent for decades them caps on pipes create so much creosote and kills our draft we quit using them!
I think you are right about that, I knew I didnt want it I am not even sure why I bought it, lol. I guess I thought it would look cooler;)
@@SSLFamilyDad We used to get smoke back in around the wood stove door until we discarded that pipe hood then that problem went away!
Check out our neighbor maple dale farm in Lewiston. Nice operation. We do about 1200 taps a year.
To save you time in boiling and time gathering wood you need to check into an RO. Remove half the water before you boil. Check out Yb family farm. He is a true believer.
Do you shovel out your ash through the door when it builds up too high?
Yup, and I will actually let this build up with ash because I am ok with the coals getting closer to the pan;)
If needed you could also use a shop vac to clean it out.
New subs here 😊 completely enjoyed watching you build this. Question, is there a certain type of maple tree that has to be tapped or can any type produce sap for syrup? Also, will this eventually kill the tree?
Welcome! Any maple tree will work however sugar maples are best. It will not kill the tree if done correctly there is no damage
Kinda late suggestions, 1). Put some dirt inside to build a ramp in the back to speed up the exhaust gases. 2). If you have the time, watch this vlog of mine, go towards the end of the video. th-cam.com/video/rDYHyVNVLnQ/w-d-xo.html my evaporator has a barrel stove door as well. I remove the intake damper, cut the opening remaining, and push air in with a squirrel fan. This has worked well for me, Best to you and your season!
I didn’t think cinder blocks were ok for fire
You should show yourself plowing the 8” of snow
Like if you agree
WHAT is a evaporator?
This thing that evaporators....:)
Brenda Allen a BIG pot/pan to take water out of something. Once it boils it evaporates like water from a puddle in summer evaporates back into the air to form clouds. Basically it condenses the sap ( in this case) into a thicker liquid (syrup here). Hope this helps?
Not to be a smart ass, but if you take a bubble reading and then FLIP over the level, it will let you know of your level is accurate. If you get a different reading on the other flat side of level, your bubble is off.
NTSTITS.
Did you decide to quit doing the bible study on Sunday's?
I do some bible discussion and/teachings on the farmers4christ channel
painful series to watch, just way to much effort put into a temporary structure that's going to fall apart within a few years
Fenrir then don't watch. Lol
@@edieboudreau9637 , its kinda like watchin an accident happen, i just cant look away.....