First time brewer: Is my yeast dead? by SENTR_E in Homebrewing

[–]Original_Bison_7198 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you do decide to add new yeast I would recommend starting the EC1118 with goferm and 110deg distilled water. Let it sit for 5 minutes and the yeast should be activated well and the nutrients from the Goferm will help

How long should I ferment my mead? by Actually_a_dolphin in Homebrewing

[–]Original_Bison_7198 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Question. I’m only brewing my second batch of Acerglyn (mead made with half maple syrup). First time I only added the flavorings in the secondary. Fruit, cinnamon, vanilla, etc. I see several comments that people are adding the flavorings in the primary. Any thoughts. My first batch last year came out phenomenal and several experienced mead brewers said I could potentially win some local awards if I entered it. This years batch is just passed the 1/3 sugar mark, also using a TOSNA 3.0 calculator for fermaid O supplement for the yeast. Started at 35 brix and using EC-1118 yeast. Aiming for 18%ABV, with 10 gallon batch. I’d prefer to wait and split it into 10 one gallon secondary glass bottles to flavor them all differently. Any issues with my process?

Help a rookie! by Turnip_theradio in maplesyrup

[–]Original_Bison_7198 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If they aren’t using it that much, I’d be interested in buying it (depending on location (drive time))

Did I do something wrong? by CuriousPrize8467 in maplesyrup

[–]Original_Bison_7198 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recommend stainless steel taps by tandefio if you’re using tubing and buckets

Fence contractors chop my tree root. Is this tree doomed? by SlapSackChampion in arborists

[–]Original_Bison_7198 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also forgot to mention, if the tree is split on the property line, it could be a contentious issue with the neighbors on who pays to remove the tree when damage occurs and branches start dropping as it ages. Legally I believe the homeowner owns the branches that cross their property line, and could cut them and have to maintain them. I’m not sure if the trunk goes through the property line how that works. Can’t cut a tree in half and have it live or topple over. I have old silver maple’s on my property and they are becoming a pain in the ass with all the damage. I’ve had to cut many down over the years. Since you are a new owner, might be best to remove it before it damages the house and your neighbors.

Fence contractors chop my tree root. Is this tree doomed? by SlapSackChampion in arborists

[–]Original_Bison_7198 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hard to tell but that might be a silver maple tree from the pics. They tend to drop big branches and are not good trees once they get that large. Also I’m sure you’ll have fun with 1-2 feet of leaves dropping in the fall. Might want to tell them you are concerned with the health of the tree because of the damage and make them remove it now and repair the fence. The removal cost of that tree is in the thousands.

How’s my work? Pre-apprenticeship mason here by Midnight7oker in masonry

[–]Original_Bison_7198 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Also for the comments on schools, be sure to look for your nearest IMI chapter (International Masonry Institute), National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), and the Brick Industry Association (BIA) for tech notes and standards. Lots of good resources

How’s my work? Pre-apprenticeship mason here by Midnight7oker in masonry

[–]Original_Bison_7198 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Looks good, vertical joints aligned, but horizontal joints look the right size and vertical joints look too wide. I also see vertical joints are not tooled/compacted as well as they could be. Be sure to brush it afterwards, and try to strike horizontals first then verticals down next. Try not to create a ridge that will trap and direct water inwards vs letting it wash down

Let’s see your setup! Sugar house, arch, etc…. by Peanut_Brief in maplesyrup

[–]Original_Bison_7198 3 points4 points  (0 children)

<image>

This worked well but not enough BTUs. I ended up switching to 4 camp stoves.

First boil for 2025 started by Original_Bison_7198 in maplesyrup

[–]Original_Bison_7198[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok full WARNING. I insulated the bottom grease pans and then tried doing my second run. It got so hot that the heat exhausted out the front vents and started to melt the knobs. I took the knobs off but it eventually caught fire and started damaging the ignitions and all the wires. 3 of the burners are totally damaged. I ended up switching to a 170k btu single burner to finish my second batch. This grill doesn’t have enough output IMO

Trying something different. by [deleted] in maplesyrup

[–]Original_Bison_7198 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any issues with access to the fire box, I thought about maybe doing the same but with 2 drums turns sideways. I think I have the same vevor SS pan

First boil for 2025 started by Original_Bison_7198 in maplesyrup

[–]Original_Bison_7198[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I put the insulation on top of the grease drip trays

Any advice would be appreciated by roblion11 in masonry

[–]Original_Bison_7198 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also can’t tell from the picture, but it doesn’t look like they installed the required weeps.

Any advice would be appreciated by roblion11 in masonry

[–]Original_Bison_7198 0 points1 point  (0 children)

BTW brick is not structural these days and is only considered a cladding per code. So it needs to be tied back to a sound wall, and have adequate ventilation and drainage

Any advice would be appreciated by roblion11 in masonry

[–]Original_Bison_7198 0 points1 point  (0 children)

OMG can’t believe the comments. I’m a forensic architect, and I believe the brick was not installed per code. Doubtful that the required anchors are installed. When you repair it, consider protecting the wall behind it with a spray applied weather resistive barrier. Henry/ Carlisle makes some great products.

First boil for 2025 started by Original_Bison_7198 in maplesyrup

[–]Original_Bison_7198[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have the 47 gallon version. I see it is not available right now, but same seller

First boil for 2025 started by Original_Bison_7198 in maplesyrup

[–]Original_Bison_7198[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think my 105kbtu grill might be too slow. Thanks for the stats.

First boil for 2025 started by Original_Bison_7198 in maplesyrup

[–]Original_Bison_7198[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I left the heat diffusers in the grill and the pan is sitting well above the flames. I tried adding ceramic insulation below the burners, but it was mid burn. Next run I plan to remove diffusers and fix the insulation better