Flue pan steam hood

[coyote]

Going to buy a flue pan steam hood and preheater for my Leader 2x6 for next season. Any advice on going with a Leader made or maybe one of the smaller shops. Definite difference in price. Is there also a difference in quality?

[maple flats]

I've seen the Leader hoods and they are nice, but grossly over priced. Check into Thor Equipment, ask for Arnold Raymond (unless you speak french) I have their hoods on my 3x8 and they are real nice, and were about 2/3 the price of Leader. I have a 3x5 hood on the flue pan, sets tight, and a 3x3 on the syrup, sets about 14" up. Both are bolted together and I lift mine with a winch, with one hand.
There may be others that are real nice too, look into Smokey Lake Maple (Jim does super work), or look into Sunrise, they also look good.

[coyote]

Dave,
Do you have a preheater in the flue pan hood? If so, who made it and are you happy with it?

[mellondome]

A&A metal in ulysses pa might be worth your while as well. They won't be high gloss finish, but cost effective.