Bending / Welding Syrup Pan

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'Afternoon...I am looking for good ideas on how to create a maple syrup pan something like this:http://www.maplemadness.com/used/pan_3x12V_back_t.jpgIt would be from stainless, 18ga - maybe thinner.  I can't figure the best way to bend in the drop flues.  They are about 4" deep and 1" wide.Should I bend them seperately and weld them onto a flat sheet with cutouts, can I bend them in somehow (box brake?), or, should I use a hydraulic press with a homemade jig and press them in one at a time?  Thanks!Chet---------------------------------Miller Dynasty 200DXMiller Spectrum 375 Extreme
Reply:Good Day Fellow Sugar Maker:Look at the D&G pans they are a raised flue design and I believe have 2 seams per. One on the top and one at the bottom. I know sugaring equipment has gone through the roof in the past 6 months so I applaud your attempt at building a rear pan. You may want to check out http://www.mapletrader.com, there are a lot of good ideas to be gleaned.Have funBobValley Maple Attica Ny
Reply:Hello there!Thanks for the link to mapletrader - there seems to be a ton of good projects over there for the combination welder / surgarer!  I figure that I would make the attempt at constructing a new evaporator from the ground up this year... some legs, an arch, pans, and a stack.  It should be a little cheaper, but I should be able to make something that works well, looks pretty good, and I can say I made it myself Thanks again! Chet---------------------------------Miller Dynasty 200DXMiller Spectrum 375 Extreme
Reply:Pray tell...what on earth does that thing DO????
Reply:same here... clueless...Unit in my fab shop dept:my good hand and team that trust me...A lone welder make art... a village full of welder make Miracles...
Reply:'Mornin guys...I'm not quite sure where to start - but, the stainless pans go on top of, basically, an extended fire box.  Maple sap which is watery and straight from the tree goes into the pans and the water is evaporated out to leave you with maple syrup.  It takes about 40 gallons of sap for 1 gallon of syrup, so there is a lot of water to get rid of as steam.  With so much water to boil out, efficiency is key... and wood isn't cheap  so the pans with the drop or raised channels create more surface area on the pan and allow for a more efficient burn off of the water.They are expensive little suckers, and it's a great welding project!  I'll post a link of pictures once I get the project moving I hope that I answered your question!Take care,Chet---------------------------------Miller Dynasty 200DXMiller Spectrum 375 Extreme