Tapping A Tree For Sap

[David_JAFO]

hello,
Does anyone know where I could buy one of these taps from? As late as the end of April here in Scotland, I've tapped from the trunks of some of the commonest trees where I practice my Bushcraft skills, most common Birch & Sycamore. I've I.D'd The Field Maple, Walnut, & Lime trees that grow in an old orchard nearby. I've successfully tapped Birch & Sycamore for their sap over the years, providing the best results in my experience the Birch especially. This year I intend to try our local woods & around the old orchard area. Just browsing for improving a way of extraction of the sap
Regards
David

[Ashley Cawley]

I've never seen a tap like that before!

I've used wooden on the fly taps which I've made, can be a bit hit and miss at times. I'll post some old footage I recorded shortly of a time I watched Joe O'Leary tap a birch with an auger, typically deeper than I normally go but with great results, I'll post that soon.

[ian c]

Could you make something like it out of stainless steel tube?

[jus_young]

Possibly, but that tap has a tapered shape to it so that it fits the drilled hole perfectly. Sheet material may be better to form it.

[ADz]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fr...spout&_sacat=0
https://www.leaderevaporator.com/c-3...nd-spiles.aspx
http://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Maple-.../dp/B00G5T947U
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...ords=sap+spout
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...spout&_sacat=0

[David_JAFO]

hello,
Thanks for the replies & links. I shall look forward to viewing the Joe O'Leary tap a birch with an auger link.
Regards
David

[Ashley Cawley]

I'll post some old footage I recorded shortly of a time I watched Joe O'Leary tap a birch with an auger, typically deeper than I normally go but with great results

Here's that video I mentioned:

[David_JAFO]

hello,
Thanks for the link Ashley. A couple more of the images tapping a Maple tree for sap using the same tool.
Regards
David

*Edited Ray Mears demo using natural methods.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjlfu608L70

[FishyFolk]

Ordered some. Have never been successfull at tapping birch, it just trickles everywhere but into my cup or bottle, lol

[OakAshandThorn]

Those sell like hot cakes this time of year .
Perhaps a visit to the local Maple Sugary is in order....