As for the Duo-Art steamboat pump, in my experience the thin flaps work
fine just as the factory made them.  I've done several steamboats, both
kinds.  They both work well.  The time that is required to replace the
thin ones with wider ones is nothing (if you are willing to build a
good jig).  They are more efficient the way the company made them. Why
change, except to be lazy?

I would feel I were being disrespectful of the company if I changed the
design.  But then I'm a Luddite, and we all have our own ways.  Part of
all we do, I think, is being kind to the next guy.

AMICA chose its name well.  We should be able talk about our different
approaches in a friendly way.  After all, the reason most of us got into
this is for the fun of it; otherwise we'd listen to CD's.

Bruce Grimes