Today was day two of getting mainline (maple tubing) installed so that we can add approximately 100 more taps.  It was a great day to be in the woods with the sun shining!

Before we install the wire, we shoot grade to make sure the sap runs the right direction once it enters the tubing.  As we worked installing the wire that holds the 1″ mainline, it looked like the grade we shot this summer was off.  So we re-shot the grade and found out the work we did this summer was right on.  I was the rod woman while Jeff ran the Berger automatic level (the tools used to make sure we have the sap running the right direction).  It still amazes me that it is so deceiving when you look at it.

When we talk about running mainline, the first thing we do is connect anchor the wire at each end, typically to a tree. Then we tighten it fairly tight.  It is important that it is tight enough to keep the tubing from sagging once the sap starts entering it but not so tight that you bust the line while working on it.   Once you have this connected and tightened at both ends you are ready to attach the mainline to the wire.

This step involved putting short wire ties around the tubing and wire and twisting them until the tubing is tight to the wire.  Again, this doesn’t sound to difficult but if you twist the wire ties to much they bust.

So what we accomplished the last two days was getting 650 feet of 1 inch mainline run and tied to the wire.

We still have a ways to go before we are ready to tap this group of 100 trees.  Stay tuned and we will fill you in on the process as we complete it.

Thanks for following – have a great evening!