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Question about maple syrup spiles

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Slackbunny:
I figured at least a few of you guys must make your own maple syrup, and given that most of us here like to make our own things, I figured a few of you might know about this.

Do I need stainless steel to make homemade spiles or can I use copper? I ask because most sites say that everything should be food grade, and I don't know if copper fits the bill. I'm worried that it might corrode and add contaminants to the sap.

gstoneberg:
Mine were galvanized.  But, and I probably shouldn't say this here, I only used metal a couple years and ran all plastic spiles after that with hose down into the buckets.  I got so sick of ants getting into everything.  With the plastic pipe I could drill a 3/8" hole through an ice cream or 5gal bucket lid and everything would be sealed.  I did use stainless steel in the boiler pan though.  I do miss making maple syrup since moving to Texas.  I probably have some old pictures if you want to see my setup.

As for your question, I don't see why copper wouldn't work.  It will oxidize but I don't see why that would hurt the sap.

George

Slackbunny:
Yeah, I'm looking in to the plastic thing too. I'm gonna compare prices. I am leaning towards copper right now cause I know just exactly where to go to pick it up. We'll see how things work out when I visit the hardware store.

Lemos:
I could be wrong but I thought I saw in the knife forum about there being lead in copper. Might be worth checking into.

stickbender:
     Just my two cents, but I have read that they use copper pots, and tubs to render the sap down to syrup.  Also you can buy all copper pots, and pans for gourmet cooking, for candies, and such.  If you are going to make your own spiles, I would be sure to clean your copper very well, as it may have a preservative coating on it, and that could cause some problems. :P ;)  Other than that. I don't think you will have any issues. ;)  Besides, what is the still, and coil tubing of a moonshine still made of?
And some of the War between the states, canteens, and cups were copper, as were some of the Fur Trade items. ;)
                                           
                                                  Wayne

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