Building Smoker w/insulated fire box - Propane assist - add or not?

[TheCook]

First of all, love this site! Great info here, but I have a question that I'm wrestling with. I'm building a offset, reverse flow, insulated firebox, with rib box smoker out of a 250 gal propane tank I had. I'm not a welder by any means, but enjoy it as a hobby. My question is about adding propane assist to the firebox for starting. Is it worth it? Is it dangerous? I plan to have the option of cooking with a coal basket or a grate, so the basket kinda limits how long I would make the burner. Here are some pics of my build up to where I am now. I've put this decision off as long as I can, time to do it or move on to grinding and painting! Any other suggestions are also very welcome!

 

[brent b]

Well you have already built the Cadillac you might as well deck her out. Great looking rig. I just start mine with a chimney

 

[TheCook]

I do appreciate the compliment, but would like to hear from some folks that have 'gas assist' smokers if there are any out there.

 

[TexasDixon]

You're build looks great!!!

Last year I bought a 30" diameter by 64" traditional offset, then converted it to reverse flow.

I just cut the firebox off yesterday and am in the process of building an insulated firebox with a rib cooker on top, almost identical to yours.

How does she cook?

If you were to do it again, are there any changes you would make?