my 2 cents,
I have boiled with both. The oils is great till you have to pay for it. And I wasn't, it was my dad paying for it. I was bored to tears when boiling with oil. Just stand there. Wood is not cheap in time and labor. I like the pyro part of syrup making and at this time I can still cut the wood. I get 90% of it "free" as in pallets that i have to haul home cut and stack. Its not "free".
Guests really are in AH when you open the doors to that raging fire.
Its not for the weak at heart stoking a 110 degree area at the front of the evaporator for hours.


"Its a dying breed that stoke those frothing steam rigs; with the strength of their backs, and a gleam in their eyes". Sugarmaker 1-21-09

If you want to step back in time try the wood first!

Regards,
Chris