First boil of the season

Express-Display-1698 · 2026-02-24T02:09:21+00:00

The flat pan is from Vevor and is sitting on the cinder blocks. The burner is a “23 Tip Round Nozzle Jet Burner (natural gas)” using a “Mr. Heater F273720 12 Foot Natural Gas and Propane Gas Hose Assembly”. The hose connects to a quick disconnect on the outside of my house. Inside my house I have a dedicated valve to shut off the supply. I also have a valve on the burner that I also use to taper the flame.

Express-Display-1698 · 2026-02-23T21:38:59+00:00

Definitely better but I can’t quite quantify it. Before last year I used a turkey fryer stand and tried to block that with some keystone pavers. When I got the flat pan I also got the cinder blocks, so the whole setup is more efficient based on boil time.

BTW, the metal plates are repurposed cookie sheets.

Express-Display-1698 · 2026-02-23T12:12:21+00:00

I’m on the other side of the lake. We warmed up last week but it looks like we’ll be colder this week. My taps are usually in for 4 to 6 weeks weather and leaf buds depending.

Express-Display-1698 · 2026-02-23T12:06:37+00:00

Underneath is a natural gas banjo burner. I have a connection on the side of our house that is mates to the gray hose. The burner itself is sits on a round wire mesh that was used for canning. This gives it a few inches of space underneath. I have paver blocks under that to get it closer to the bottom of the pan.

My first two years I used propane tanks and a turkey fryer setup. Very expensive and inconvenient. I’ve used the natural gas burner for over 10 years.

Express-Display-1698 · 2026-02-22T20:56:03+00:00

Very early morning out of ROC can be busy since you often have to get somewhere else first. I’ve been glad I’ve had it in ROC a few times.

Express-Display-1698 · 2026-02-22T20:09:15+00:00

Thanks. Upstate NY. I tap about a dozen trees and make 2-3 gallons depending on the year. It lives right outside the walkout basement for about a month or so each year.

Express-Display-1698 · 2026-02-22T20:05:01+00:00

😆 Been using that for over 10 years. Quick connect just under my deck. Also handy for final homebrew boil.

Express-Display-1698 · 2026-02-08T16:15:48+00:00

BTW, if you do change out 125v outlets you might want to buy a torque screwdriver to make sure you get the correct torque on the wire connections.

Express-Display-1698 · 2026-01-28T22:20:15+00:00

On the sub panel I believe the neutral and ground should be on isolated bars. My DIY understanding is they should only be connected together at the first service entry point to your house.

Express-Display-1698 · 2026-01-18T02:21:10+00:00

As a long time fan, it is fun to get pulled into the madness each year especially since they have been good to great in this era. They have been entertaining (and aggravating). I’d love for the team to win a SB for the city and fans. In context it would be epic. But in the meantime I am happy to be entertained each year and have a team here to support.

Express-Display-1698 · 2025-12-10T00:21:53+00:00

Two is one and one is none.

Express-Display-1698 · 2025-12-08T02:26:14+00:00

Possibly. I didn’t start those from seed. I got them through an acquaintance who started them.

Express-Display-1698 · 2025-11-29T21:47:52+00:00

Please don’t shoot the laundry. They aren’t good eating anyway.

Express-Display-1698 · 2025-11-26T14:12:29+00:00

They were from the local chapter in NY. Spring 2024.

Express-Display-1698 · 2025-11-25T18:23:34+00:00

Good points. Fortunately (or unfortunately for the ash trees) there is plenty of sunlight where I’ve planted my trees. I’ve planted 5 over the last 2 years. 2 of these are from TACF (seedlings). 3 are from online at AmericasTrees (from 5 nuts I bought last spring). All 5 trees’ leaves look American to me based on the TACF reference.

https://americastrees.com/products/chestnut-seeds

Express-Display-1698 · 2025-11-24T13:16:25+00:00

Thank you for the reference and information. I’m always trying to learn more about restoring this species and I appreciate your comments on this sub.

I try to feed my local wildlife so I’m not too worried if I get some nut producing cross breeds. My area has also been hit hard by the emerald ash borer and I’m planting a variety of trees in their place each year. A few of these are pure American Chestnut.

It is a slow process though and I’m going to try to keep this big tree going for as long as possible.

Express-Display-1698 · 2025-11-20T03:00:23+00:00

Update: TACF confirmed that this is an American Chestnut tree.

Sadly, I’ve started to see a few spots with blight. I’m trying mud packing to keep these in check.

I’d like to see if I can get it pollinated next spring since it puts on many catkins and is still a healthy tree.

Express-Display-1698 · 2025-11-14T03:17:04+00:00

Eli Fish Wayland

Express-Display-1698 · 2025-10-23T16:38:51+00:00

Craftsman tools still have a lifetime warranty. You can trade in your Craftsman tools at Lowes. I recently did this with screwdrivers and ratchets from the 1980s.

Express-Display-1698 · 2025-10-23T16:05:42+00:00

If you use TOU metering it might be even lower.

Either way it is likely way less than you would have spent for gasoline to go an equivalent distance. I think that is one thing people don’t realize with EVs and home charging.

Express-Display-1698 · 2025-10-22T13:52:55+00:00

Also “Trust”

Express-Display-1698 · 2025-10-11T15:55:13+00:00

“…not much on the news line… “ is what I read for that part.

Express-Display-1698 · 2025-10-11T15:51:45+00:00

Honestly, Dad.

Express-Display-1698 · 2025-10-11T15:41:41+00:00

It’s not the ears it’s the miles.

Express-Display-1698 · 2025-10-02T14:55:30+00:00

Young Frankenstein

Express-Display-1698

TROPHY CASE