Could it be my nipples?

[Meat Burner]

You may have to stay longer and take the dents out of the drum when you're through working.

[smooookin]

Right now there is a little too much lightening to roll out the awning and move the barrel.

*Forest Gump mod*

I had to get that awning out!! Rainin like he!!, I couldnt get my tie strap off of my awning so out came the pocket knife! The awning is now out, the drum is covered and I look like a drowned rat! I didnt set up most of the night just to get rained out in the 7th inning stretch!

[Norcoredneck]

Originally Posted by Bbq Bubba

Humidity plays a huge part in how that drum will run....
If someone can explain that, it would be great!!
.

I know it sounds foolish but I have noticed I have issue getting up to initial temp and even lighting the basket when it feels muggy. If I get a bigger than usual pile going on initial burn then close it up and overshoot to @ 275-300 then add meat then choke back it burns better. But when it feels dry I just light 10-12 briquetts in center and close up and it climbs to temp. Maybe Rancher draws moisture. Bubba leave my BBQ fantasy bubble alone.

[SmokeWatcher]

Originally Posted by Barbarian

Sounds like you just got a contrary drum!!!!!

it's the ANTI-DRUM!!

[BobF]

Originally Posted by smooookin

*Forest Gump mod*

I had to get that awning out!! Rainin like he!!, I couldnt get my tie strap off of my awning so out came the pocket knife! The awning is now out, the drum is covered and I look like a drowned rat! I didnt set up most of the night just to get rained out in the 7th inning stretch!

Sounds like time for velcro awning straps.
Hope the rest of your cook goes well.

[Cliff H.]

I use two 1" intakes with nipples extended all the way up to the grate level. I use lump almost exclusively. I need a microscope to dial the thing in. An 1/8" addittional open or close can mean 10 degrees one way or the other.

How do you start your fire ?

From the center ? All over top ?

I think the fire basket has as much to do with how it burns as much as anything.

I noticed a big difference in how much air I had to feed the drum when I switched from a makeshift basket using a wsm ring to a no weld ring using expanded steel.