I just about got this fire box figured out, best get your wood dry,pack it full, set it on fire let it get to coals the smoke comes out steel blue,and the ribs come out ummmmmmgoooood, also I keep a seperate fire going and if coals are needed just shovel the hot coals in to the box and no more excessive smoke,,,,,, mike I am learning a lot from the QJOINT the last brisket I did came out lookin bad, but tastin so good. thanks all