DIY Maple Syrup Vacuum Filter

Rather than purchase an $800+ unit, I decided to make my own after watching many different DIY builds on RUclips. Here is a list of the materials that I used to make this for about $111:
Mainstays 12-Qt Stainless Steel Stock Pot (need 2): www.walmart.co...
Adjustable Toggle Latch Clamps (used 4): amzn.to/42dnExO
3/16" Aluminum Rivets (used 16): www.lowes.com/...
Stainless 1/2" Ball Valve with elbow barb: amzn.to/3OopndR
Weather Stripping 1/2" x 1/4": amzn.to/49cmOno
PVC Bulkhead NPT1/2 (3/4 inch ID) (used 1): amzn.to/49797G8
1/2-in x 1/2-in Threaded Male Adapter: www.lowes.com/...
1/2" FIP x 1/2" FIP Ball Valve: www.lowes.com/...
Brass 1/2" Male NPT to 1" Hose ID Barb: amzn.to/3SJp0NP
9" round filter: bascommaple.co...
9" round pre-filter: bascommaple.co...
I hope this helps someone else when making one and sure you can make your own adjustments and tweaks. This is just how I chose to do it and it works. Thanks for watching.

[@krixig]

Clever. Gravity filtering with those stupid bags has always been one of the most obnoxious stages of the process. This looks to curb a lot of wastage when doing a gallon or two at a time. Definitely going this route next year.

[@theprofessionalamerican]

Yes, it speeds things up a lot, though I’ve learned a few things along the way since making this. The design hasn’t changed but how I use it has slightly. I’ll have to make a follow up video.

[@brett76544]

instead of the clamps use two turnbuckles hooking on the handles, so no rivets needed. Turnbuckle-- depending on the pots used, use an eight or twelve inch bolt (can be solid or two bars going between the ends that are threaded with either an I-bolt or hook bolt on both ends when sold.

[@CrappieJunction]

Nicely Done!

[@theprofessionalamerican]

Thank you

[@CrappieJunction]

We'll got mine done and the bottom pot imploded like a pop can... at least it worked well for one gallon😂

[@theprofessionalamerican]

@@CrappieJunction What?! That’s crazy! You must’ve had too much suction.

[@CrappieJunction]

@@theprofessionalamerican Could be! We are just using a small pump from our vacuum chamber with 1/4" hose 🤷🏼‍♂️... We're going to scout out a thicker pot and salvage the parts from the crushed one

[@theprofessionalamerican]

@@CrappieJunction I ended up drilling four holes in my vacuum hose and used the valve to limit the vacuum. You don’t need a lot.

[@mdgrose24]

Nice build. The top pot just has the bottom cut out it looks like? What did you find worked to make that cutout? Jigsaw?

[@theprofessionalamerican]

Yes to all questions, haha. Thank you.

[@Mrs_Creekside]

We love ours that my Husband made… works excellent…. Did you see his video by chance??

[@theprofessionalamerican]

It’s possible, though I watched many when wanting to build my own.

[@seankelman2748]

Is there a gasket on the bottom of your top pot?

[@theprofessionalamerican]

No…the lid has the gasket and seals the bottom. The top pot just has filters in between it and the lid.

[@mikewes1113]

Thanks for the parts list. Just building mine now. Do you find the vacuum sucks any syrup in?

[@theprofessionalamerican]

You’re welcome. As of right now I haven’t seen any evidence of it sucking in any syrup.

[@philipbaumann9153]

Do you drill holes in the bottom of the top kettle or cut it out?

[@theprofessionalamerican]

Cut the bottom of the top pot and drilled holes in lid under it.

[@marthabourne4421]

what tool did you use to cut the bottom out of the pan?

[@theprofessionalamerican]

@@marthabourne4421 jigsaw and metal blade after drilling a starter hole.

[@americandude3825]

Called it. 😉

[@theprofessionalamerican]

Ha, well I shared it in a Facebook group and I had tons of questions...wasn't expecting that so here we are.