A workpiece heating system includes an outer shell configured to receive a mandrel having a mandrel partside configured to support a workpiece. A gas displacement device is configured to discharge a gas toward a mandrel backside. At least one heat exchanger is configured to heat the gas prior to the gas entering the gas displacement device. A hood system is configured to at least partially envelope the mandrel when positioned within the outer shell. A hood first wall and the mandrel backside define a first annular gap configured to receive the gas discharged from the gas displacement device, and direct the gas axial from the mandrel proximal end to the mandrel distal end. A hood second wall and the mandrel partside define a second annular gap configured to receive the gas from the first annular gap and direct the gas axial from the mandrel distal end to the mandrel proximal end.