FORUM

Search Amazon for Preparedness Supplies:
Notifications
Clear all

Maple Syrup Time

11 Posts
6 Users
0 Reactions
3,131 Views
PrepHer
(@prepher)
Prominent Member
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 847
Topic starter  

I got a few maples tapped today, until my drill's battery went dead. I can't wait!



   
Quote
(@thecrownsown)
Prominent Member
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 858
 

Shameless promotion of the Elmira Syrup Festival:
http://www.elmiramaplesyrup.com/

april 2nd. 🙂


https://www.internationalpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=7738


   
ReplyQuote
(@denob)
Member Admin
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 2754
 

Is it that time already?
Meh...maybe I'll get out the snowshoes and tap a few tomorrow.
I have a hand drill so no battery worries. 😉



   
ReplyQuote
cernunnos5
(@cernunnos5)
Noble Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 1230
 

Ive managed to boil down a whopping measuring cups worth so far. LOL. Its more SHTF training than anything. Tactical Tree Tapping.

Um....I use an antique hand powered brace drill. No batteries required... Stealthy, for when the blue berets come for your drill bits 🙄

On the other hand, I have to drive all the way into town to have my chainsaw fixed tomorrow. That's cramping my work week. Everything I needed to do was with a chainsaw. A chainsaw is a bit expensive for the two is one rule. I use a stihl. Does anyone have advice for a reliable, CHEAP backup chainsaw.


I have a Tactical Harness and I have a Tool Belt. The Tool Belt is more Useful.


   
ReplyQuote
(@denob)
Member Admin
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 2754
 

I also use a Stihl...but I have an old Homelite as a backup.
Bought it for $50 at a flea market.



   
ReplyQuote
(@thecrownsown)
Prominent Member
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 858
 

I'm a Husqvarna owner...but if your looking for a cheap backup and are near a Princess Auto, they carry a line of budget price products called PowerFist. They have everything from chainsaws, MIG and TIG welders, wood spliters, etc. I wouldnt trust them to run 8 hours a day, 5 days a week like you would from a premium name...but for the price point and for odd things around the home for a days work here and there not a bad investment.


https://www.internationalpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=7738


   
ReplyQuote
peppercorn
(@peppercorn)
Noble Member
Joined: 12 years ago
Posts: 2117
 

Gave up on gas chainsaws a long time ago, use electric, always starts, quiet, enough torque, light, and cheap. Remington brand from home despot. 16 inch I think. I think they have a newer line now but roughly the same model. I run it off a inverter when I drive down cut lines, or it will also run fine off that little generator I recommend I buy when they are on sale for 99.00 dollars (I keep a spare) though with our dollar so low I don't know what they could be found for sale at. They look cheap and plastic, and are, but the motors go and go.


Give a man a gun, and he can rob a bank. Give a man a bank, and he can rob the world.


   
ReplyQuote
(@denob)
Member Admin
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 2754
 

I felt so cheated this morning...the sap I collected was a waste of time compared to yesterday.
I guess that's what happens when the temperature stays above freezing at night.
We have the same forecast for tonight, so I think I'll skip a day for collecting.



   
ReplyQuote
(@farmgal)
Famed Member
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 2852
 

going down in temps for you now! I am taking advantage of the warmish weather today.. lots of rain yesterday, still got time for a run yet.


http://livingmydreamlifeonthefarm.wordpress.com/


   
ReplyQuote
(@denob)
Member Admin
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 2754
 

Yup, hopefully we'll see some good running in the next few days.
I just came in from digging out and burning the ice out of the outdoor fireplace to get ready for the boil.



   
ReplyQuote
(@denob)
Member Admin
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 2754
 

So, after finding a pot that would hold about 5 gal sap, a whole day outside boiling over a fire, I ended up with about 300ml of syrup.
Don't get me wrong, it's the best tasting syrup I've ever had, but to make this worthwhile, I have to ramp up production efficiency.
I have an old washtub that would hold a lot more sap...anyone know if I could boil in this?



   
ReplyQuote
Share: