Going to get my new pans today

[maple flats]

Originally I planned to go to Canada to pick up my new Thor pans. Then the drought changed my work schedule as I installed 5.5 acres of drip irrigation. Thus I called to have them quote a price, shipped to me. A few days ago I got an email saying if I have them shipped, I'd pay big bucks frt AND a big broker fee. It seems a broker must handle the paperwork crossing the border, if I transport it myself I'll only pay $10.75. We have now decided to drive up, today, leaving in about 1 hr. Thor also hs a 1 yr old set of hoods with a couple of dents at a good price. I might get those too. Might eventually have the dents cut out and patches tig welded on.
Look out border, here we come!

[Bruce L]

It is never the shipping that gets you ,it is the exorbinant fees that brokers charge,depending on mood and how much money they would like.I've been nailed on three small shipments,2 calendars valued at $6.00 each,broker wanted $21.00,told him to keep the calendars,decided two days later to give them to me rather than ship them back,,two specialty router bits from California,value of $22.00,brokerage fee of $45.00,and the worst was cuttings from California,value of $68.00,brokerage fee of $239.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Since then I NEVER have anything shipped across the border,I drive over and pick it up myself

[sirsapsalot]

Whats worse paying the fee's or crossing the border on a holiday weekend ???

[maple flats]

Crossing the border, what a waste of time. Going north on Friday mid afternoon crossing where I 87 meets 15 above Plattsburgh, it took us a little over an hour to cross, the return took 2 hrs and 10 minutes. It however cost me nothing in duties or fees, just my time, fuel, meals and lodging. Out of pocket was about $200 total. We entered and then started looking for a motel. We found nothing, even driving along Lake Champlain. There must be no tourism in the vacinity. I eventually stopped and asked at a camp ground if they had a camper to rent for 1 night. They didn't but called 2 others near by and the second had 1. We drove there, looked and rented it for the night. It was a nice travel trailer, about 28' or so, larger bathroom than our 29' 5th wheel, nice and clean. Joan really did not want to sleep in the truck.
Yesterday we drove the last 39km to the Thor Factory. We had a nice tour and also bought the 1 yr old, slightly dented hoods that fit my new pans. We managed to get the entire purchase except 1- 4' x 15" SS stack for the syrup pan hood loaded on or in the truck. It will be delivered in late October by the man I was dealing with, as he is going through my area then. The purchase sure filled the back of my F250 super cab, the tailgate had to be left down, and the load stood just above the cab except the hood stack portion mounted to the flue pan hood stuck up almost 2' above the cab. I then had a full load packed into the back seat of the cab too. It did however travel well.
All in all, I still think it was worth the border crossing delays of about 3 hrs 15-20 minutes. I also enjoyed the factory tour. A small factory but it was impressive. They said they are moving to another portion of the same building soon, slightly larger but the floor is all level and even. The currant section has slight level changes where different pours were made and the rolling tables liked to run away too often (I wonder if that might have caused the dents in the hoods I bought).
I'll get some pictures and post them sometime.
The pans I bought look great, a 3x5 flue custom pan, with 10" raised flues, and extra tall sides, the syrup pan is 3x3 with extra tall sides too. The set is same side draw and reversible, just by turning 2 valves. Now I can't wait for sap to boil. I want to thank Thad Blaisdell for steering me to Thor, great price, extremely good welding job, and the pans were ready in about 2 weeks from order date in mid April to completion (I ordered in April at 25% discount prices), it then took me til now to make the time to go pick them up. The whole price was $5300 with everything, including the almost new hoods (with 2 minor dents).
Dave

[bees1st]

Dave , I get mixed messages from customs. I was told by one of their agents in Norton that if the value is over $2500 I would need a broker. How did you manage?

[maple flats]

Lucky I guess. The impression I got was that as long as I was hauling it for personal use I was OK. I actually got through with no fee, duties or anything. The border crossing agent was fairly young. He asked if I had anything to declare. I said yes and pointed out the back of my truck, saying I had bought a new set of maple syrup pans that were made in Canada. He asked for my paperwork, which I gave him. He said I get a $1000 personal exemption, but was not sure what to do. He asked another agent who was walking by. That agent then came and looked at the paperwork and glanced at the load. He said I should pay a customs fee, then another older agent walked by and was called in. He asked the first agent if he really wanted to go through all that, then the first agent handed me my paperwork and enhanced license back and said "have a good day" and waved my on. I had no broker nor was one ever mentioned, they only asked if it was for personal use. I guess I was lucky. Must be they aren't very consistent, but in this case I'm not complaining.

[maple flats]

My grandson helped me unload the pans and hood this afternoon. Everything looks good except 1 thing, the pans are too long. I didn't check dimensions yet, but sliding the flue pan back all the way and the syrup pan tight against the flue pan I have about 1/4" too long. Tomorrow I'll get some measurements, find the flue to syrup pan spacing as dictated by the plumbing and decide what to do. At this point I suspect the new is 3'+5' as ordered but the arch was not what a 3'+5' fit, Leader likely made it slightly smaller, just like 2x4 lumber is smaller. The old pans were labeled 3'x2' and 3'x6 on the Leader labels attached to the pans. I think I may raise the top rail about 3/8" by welding some stock on and then the pans can ride over the front and rear lips a little. That would be a fairly simple fix I think. If I do that I'll get my brother to weld it, he's a very good welder and my welding always looks very poor. I want this to look good.

[bees1st]

I guess your plan to travel on a busy weekend paid off!

[dcarverp@gmail.com]

What are your old pans? I have a 3X8 SS drop flue pan in excellent condition t5hat I am trying to trade for front and rear SSpans to fit my 3X8 arch. Any interest? Dennis Carver 802-223-5444. Thanks

[maple flats]

If you're addressing this to me, no interest. Try posting it in the classifieds.

[Flat Lander Sugaring]

Originally I planned to go to Canada to pick up my new Thor pans. Then the drought changed my work schedule as I installed 5.5 acres of drip irrigation. Thus I called to have them quote a price, shipped to me. A few days ago I got an email saying if I have them shipped, I'd pay big bucks frt AND a big broker fee. It seems a broker must handle the paperwork crossing the border, if I transport it myself I'll only pay $10.75. We have now decided to drive up, today, leaving in about 1 hr. Thor also hs a 1 yr old set of hoods with a couple of dents at a good price. I might get those too. Might eventually have the dents cut out and patches tig welded on.
Look out border, here we come!
deny all question from the Canadians that can incriminate you and not allow to cross border, thats what I have to do hehehe
;) :O congrats on new pans