timberjet
Master of the Pit
Is there clearance below the fire basket? You need air to get to the bottom of the fire basket and as ash collects there needs to be enough room for that too or it will choke off your air flow. You should be able to get 350 F easy. Plus, it takes a while for it to get all warmed up and going. I usually allow 45 min to an hour for this. Having some wood mixed in with your coals helps with getting higher temps too. It burns hotter than the charcoal does. Plus you will get more smoke flavor that way. Looks good though. Welcome to the UDS club!
