It really works

[nitram55]

Tapped two silver birch trees last night and it worked, chuffed or what

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/anniemace/tarp1/sap2.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/anniemace/tarp1/sap2.jpg

I am one happy bunny.

Martin

 

[SoloBoy]

Nice one Martin,I feel just like you do now,sap is rising here aswell.

http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sap6pp.jpg

Did 3 trees last night,and got 2 full bottles this morning ,so after plugging up the 2 I had joy with,the other 1 just started to flow... ...bonus!! So i will be back for my 3rd bottle in the morn... .Cant wait,trouble is now I dont know what to do with it,never made wine before and dont think there is enough to reduce to a syrup.

Can only describe the taste as water really.two different trees(both silver birch)And two slight varyations in colour,one slighty sweeter than tuther,But i am well pleased with myself.Just tasted Spring itself....RM

 

[gaz_miggy]

what did u use to tap the trees with one of then big cork screw things(dont know what there called)

 

[SoloBoy]

No, just a cordless drill,with a 13mm drill bit,and 14 mm pipe.With the end tapered

http://img378.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf01619jp.jpg

Dont know the name of the cork screw type drill,maybe someone will post it.I know the other type of drill does the job aswell,the egg whisker type.Again,dont the name.
A cordless drill is just as good though,but is quite noisy

 

[-Switch-]

The 'corkscrew' type bit you're talking about is called an auger bit. I use an 18mm auger bit with a tap wrench for tapping birch trees. They're easy to use and make a good clean hole that can be easily plugged.
A power cordless drill would be much easier to use but I prefer to keep the kit simple, light and as portable as possible.

EDIT:
I just checked on the net and apparantly it would be a very bad idea to use an auger bit in a power or cordless drill They should be used by hand only so ignore my comment above about power drills being easier.

 

[spoony]

what are the uses for the sap?? just wine or other uses??