[Rader Sidetrack]

Syrup that is 1:1 likely will eventually ferment or sour. You may be able to delay that by adding vinegar or citric acid to lower the ph, but mixing less at any one time is the most definate solution.

There is a difference between 'high fructose corn syrup' (HFCS) and ordinary corn syrup like Karo syrup available in the grocery store. HFCS can be a less expensive bee feed than sugar, but it is normally only available either in industrial quantities (totes or tanker), or possibly in your own containers from some industrial/commercial users like large bakeries for perhaps other food manufacturers. If you are close to some bee equipment dealers, some of those (i.e. Mann Lake in Woodland CA) also sell HFCS.

 

[Rader Sidetrack]

> 1/2 gallon of water to 8 lbs sugar is 1:1.

Water weighs 8.3 lbs per gallon. If you ignore the ".3", then 1/2 gallon of water with 4 lbs of sugar is 1:1 syrup.

Nothing wrong with syrup that is 8 lbs of sugar with 1/2 gallon water, but it is 2:1 syrup.

 

[Rader Sidetrack]

You don't need a scale for sugar, syrup doesn't need to be that exact. But since you asked ....

• Granular sugar 1 cup = 48 teaspoons ~ 200 g = 7.06 oz
• Granular sugar 2 cup = 96 teaspoons = 1 pint = 14.12 oz

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar

The easiest way is to use the printed weight on the sugar package and match that in water.

 

[Rader Sidetrack]

2:1 take that same gallon jug fill it up with water then pour it into a pot big enough to hold it plus more, bring to a boil, turn off the heat, pour 2 bags of 4 lb sugar into the pot, stir till mixed, congratulations you've made 2:1.

One gallon of water (approx 8 lbs of water) plus (2) 4lb bags of sugar (8 lbs of sugar total) is 1:1 syrup.



Of course, each of us can make syrup however he/she chooses.