Making Maple Syrup

This is my first instructable so comments would be nice.

Step 1: Getting Supplies

First we have to get the necessary supplies.

Supplies needed:

Sugar Maple

Drill

Drill Bit (I used 3/8in.)

Sap Collectors(I used plastic bottles with holes in the sides)

Stove or Turkey Fryer, or make one out of bricks

Pot or pan to boil the sap in

Step 2: Identifying the Tree

The tree is not that easy to identify but for those of us who were boy scouts its easy. Here are pictures of a tree and the leaves.

Step 3: Drilling Holes

The title and picture explain it all. I used a 3/8in. drill bit as that was the size of the tubes. Be sure that the tree is large enough, if it is less than 10in. in diameter you can not tap it, but for every 8in. added to diameter you can add 1 more tap. For example if a tree is 34in. in diameter you can put four taps on it. Be sure not to drill to deep, about 3in. is good enough.

Step 4: Collecting Sap

After you have drilled the holes put tubes or taps into the holes and attach the bottles or buckets with hooks, hangers, or duct tape. The tubes were jammed in with the help of a hammer.

Step 5: Boiling the Sap

Next comes boiling the sap. This process can take up to 12 hours. If you are like me though, and only come out with a gallon and a half of syrup, it takes 7 hours. The peak temp. of the sap should be 7 degrees above the boiling point, 100 degrees C. and 212 degrees F. Don't let the sap boil down to less than 1in. or it will burn.

Step 6: Bottling the Syrup

Finally we get to bottle our syrup. Strain it and then bottle it. Make sure to strain it while it is still hot or it will salidify on you and will be hard to strain. Storing syrup in the freezer is ideal as good syrupp won't freeze. Put it in the freezer AFTER is has cooled or the bottle will crack. I hope you enjoy your syrup!!

Step 7: Clean Up!

Clean-up is pretty simple. To clean the drill bit wipe it off with a rag or paper towel. To seal up the tree you can go and buy a tree repair putty, but for me i used the original wood shavings. I stuffed in the shavings and then sealed the holes with epoxy. It is VERY important to seal up the holes as insects and airborne bacteria might get into the holes

*Disclaimer*
the maker of this instructable does not claim any responsibility for damage or sickness caused by the making and processing of this product.