51504bat,
The process is fairly simple. But like anything it can take practice and lots of patience.
Finding sugar maple trees is the key if they are close by. Sap quality and quantity are the best. Other maples can produce sap too. but the sugar maple or hard maple is the work horse on the industry.
Ok, so you need to try this syrup making again also. Your dad would be happy!
Good fresh maple sap cooked to 218 degrees F should make good maple syrup. Plan to start tapping your trees about early February. Let me know if I can help. A good forum for info is
www.mapletrader.com
Regards,
Chris