Thanks for the correction Case. i'll take that in consideration. bYou really should try the side light B. Your just wasting heat and fuel lighting a chimney.
Another thing you didn't mention is you're using a gold and not a silver which is a big difference. The OP is using a silver without a charcoal basket or diffuser. The Golds side vents make a big difference. But even with that said Keith will tell ya side light rules!
Steve how did it go? I made a mini from a Silver about a month ago and as they were telling you the bottom vents do tend to fill with ash after 4 or 5 hours and temps start to fall off. I'm getting ready to add some side vents, plan on calling it a Super Silver! I've ordered the lower vents from a WSM and plan on adding a pair of them, will post a picture as soon as the work is done.
This was a cheap (1$) stainless pet food dish I found at the dollar store. It was about a 1/4" too tall so I cut it down to fit. If you go the tuna can route, I'd recommend getting a can of chicken that comes in the larger can. A 55oz bushes backed bean can would work too, cut down to size and then you could make Dutch's wicked beans!
Hey Dirtsailor, what did you make your ash can out of? I've heard of people using tuna cans but that one looks different.
I like that case great idea.
Here's a few photos for inspiration. The first is my ash diffuser. After 5 years of solid use it finally has succumbed to the heat and I need to make a new one
This photo is after a 6-8 hour burn
Use the existing charcoal grate and wrap expanded metal. 3 1/4" tall if the bottom of the pot is still in. If not go taller if you want. Depending on where you are Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware all carry the sheets. It can be cut easily with tin snips or a jig saw with a metal blade. If you don't weld just wire tie it together. That's what I did with my first basket and it is still working.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_168753-37672-11786_1z0xzpd__?productId=3051815&pl=1