[Syrupmakers] Late Summer Update

[David Wynn]

Hey All,

Thought I would share a late summer update on my operation with you with maybe a question or two.My cane is looking pretty good stalk height averaging probably 7". Grasshoppers have gnawed on the leaves pretty hard but I think its ok.What I am a little concerned with is the leaves are basically dead half way up the stalks.I dont remember them dying that high up last year (this is my second year growing). I finally broke down and had a guy up in Adel build all three roll gears for my Golden 27. It cost a small fortune but the good thing is,I was given a pile of scrap metal which I sold for all of the money except 175.00 so I feel fortunate. I have all of the babbitt removed now and am waiting for a new torch outfit to get here so I can try my hand at pouring babbitt. I hope it is successful fairly quick because the cost of good babbitt it astronomical right now.When I bought 10 pounds several months ago,it was $10.00 per pound. It has now jumped to $16.00 per pound and I am afraid that the 10 pounds is not gonna be enough to pour all of the bearings. It has been a cat and mouse deal all year trying to come up with money to get everything done and I am now seeing myself quickly running out of time.Really want to use my 27 this year but there is a chance I may have to use my #2 again. I did get a very nice board and batten pine siding on my syrup shed this year so I won't have to worry about the wind interfering.Will just be glad when I can say I am completely finished and all I have to do is grow cane and make syrup. One last thing,I am still looking for one of the pusher blocks that the roller sits in that the set screw pushes against as one of mine is busted if anyone might happen to have one. If not I will have to get a machine shop to build one.Well enough rambling.Hope everyones cane is looking good. Hope to get to meet everyone sometime.
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