In March I finished my second year sugaring in MA. First year made 2/3 of a gallon from 7 trees. This year made one gallon from 8. Have a few others that could be big enough for tapping in a few years. I do not use vacuum tubes. I did a quick build cinderblock evaporator on old hearth pad with two stoneware pots and a 4 ft stovepipe for exhaust. Burned wood. Didn't even go through a face cord of pine. Finish boil on kitchen stove inside.
Now I want to build a sugar house with an attached chicken coop as a separate room, maybe 3 x 10 for half dozen chickens with a hen. Will not get a rooster. My carpentry skills are better than a beginner, but that's it. Will probably have help.
My town will let me go 9 x 12 with shed permit, but inspector says I can stretch it a bit. Maybe 10x14ish. I told him I want the evaporator and stove pipe inspected for safety. Plan to do 2x4 evaporator from brick unless I can get something cheap used. 2x4 stainless food grade pan for boiliing and have stove pipe vent out. Will burn wood. May stack wood outside or have one wall be stacked wood holder.
I plan to pour 5-6 inches of gravel, prop up on cinder blocks, and fill in gaps with field stone to deter large critters from nesting underneath. 2x4 or 2x6 floor frame, 16 inches on center. Tongue and grove plywood floor. 2x4 walls. Maybe reclaimed wide board horizontal flooring to cover walls. Pitched roof, but not sure what kind yet. Cupola or some kind of trap door vent. I plan to reuse a five year old 5x3 window as I overlook a river. Probably simple 2,6 x 6,6 door. Light will be from large window and maybe a few battery powered LEDs so I don't have to deal with electrical.
Sugar house will double as a yard tool shed.
At best, I will double number of taps in 10 years, so not worried about building huge for future. I know bigger is better, but don't want to get in over my head, have to pull different kind of permit, or have costs run too high.
Anyone done this and have any advice? Thanks.
