I've been following how it's done for a while, but only boiling my own on a hobby level for two years now. I can't imagine how devastating this is for people like you. It's a TON of work, for what should be a good reward, if it doesn't come, that just sucks. Here in NH, it trickled a bit, then shut down, my buddy just start collecting sap like crazy this week, a late flow, but it's flowing like crazy now. It's hard for him to compare to previous years because he tapped a new lot this year, but "per a tap" he's having a good year, finally. Hope you get the same!
Didn't you just buy that set up this year from an old timer getting out of the business? We need a new evaporator set up for next year too. I just came from my buddies house, saw the tell tale steam rising up as I was driving by, he's a really smart guy, with lots of free time in the winter (like me, but smart), he built his whole set up and modifies it regularly. He's almost got me convinced to spend the $1200 on a small evaporator from Leader. I think it's a crazy idea, then he starts throwing out the numbers at me, for time and fuel costs. Still think I can figure out a wood boil option for far less... $100 in propane this year!
that is crazy!!He gave it to me but I'm hooked
I have a ton more trees I can tap out back so I need something more efficient 
Thinking this unit and it's made in the USA lol
You came to the right place ask away
The best source I found was picking peoples brains (not like zombie picking brains, but talking to them) stopped at a couple of sugar houses. Look up the local "leader" dealer (they've got the patent on most tap designs), then when I went to get my taps the guy gave me a little book put out by the CT maple sugar assoc., was FULL of useful info, then I scoured the internet, more picking brains, then it was time to just do it and figure it out the rest as I went. Last year I knew very little about the boil, temps, etc... this year I know a lot more, but there's always something to learn or figure out.
Where'd you find that? It looks perfect!
Hi Warm_in_NH I made it on the cheap. 55 gallon drum, $48 US Stove Barrel Stove Kit, 1/8" x 1 1/4" "L" from Tractor Supply, .045 thick 12" x 24" sheet metal......most expensive part was the boiling pan and pre-warmer. Guy in VT has them on CL ofr three beans shipped to your door. Took about 6 hours to build all together it will be about $375.00 Have some old 6" stove pipe I'll use for my stack. Only thing I might do is add a small blower to get a hotter burn thus increasing GPH boiled.....then again slower burn means more bent elbows
Going to line the barrel with Roxul insulation then brick it for a hotter fire box. Still some trimming of metal to be done.
