[motoeric]

Hi,

I realize that there are other 'snake' and 'ring of fire' threads out there, but I was hoping to get down to some serious specifics.

I'm trying to figure out exactly how to form the snake itself. From the various images that I've seen, it seems that the construction of the 'rows' that form the snake are three briquettes on the first row, two on the second and one on the top. It also seems that these are interspersed with small wood chunks at 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% of the way through.

The most common comments that I've read seem to indicate that you use between 10 and 15 hot coals to start the snake going, while leaving the bottom and top vents all the way open.

Using a snake that goes roughly 80% around the kettle, it seems that I should get a good 8 hours of burn at 250 (conservatively).

Are those estimates accurate? Is there anything that you would change?

I would be using a half-pan with tepid water unless there is a compelling argument not to.

Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Eric