Dr. Tim , thanks for the YouTube link. This helps settle my mind. Thinking that I am on the right track. I start checking at 219* with the hydrometer and continue each one degree until it floated at the hot test line. Guessing that all these years I should have boiled my sap just a little while longer.
I will also be keeping the cup hanging in my finishing kettle.
jrgagne99 thanks for your advice about hanging the cup in the kettle. I will be doing that in the future. Again thanks for ALL the help and advice.
Tim
2013 after many years finally worked my way to 30 taps , new oil tank arch .
loving the sweet life