[JD McGee]

Originally Posted by Chavo27

I guess I don't understand how a ball valve works I thought it had to have pressure for it to open and close....

Nope...it's mechanical...it just uses a "ball" as a method to open and close the air flow...

you said you like 3-3/4" pipe nipples. 2 with caps, so there's really no point to the other 2 holes?

Some folks use 3...some use 4 holes. The idea is to be able to open them all when lighting and then shut them down one by one to reach your temp goal...the ball valves allow for a more precise adjustment.

also is there allot of maintenance required as fasr as keeping the heat at a stable level...

Not really...once you get a few burns under your belt you get a feel for how your pit burns...

Do you have to be watching it the whole cook or can do other stuff close by?

Once you get her dialed in your can do whatever you want depending on what you're smoking.