I've had my barrel smoker for about 6 weeks with no success using wood. If I use just charcoal it is very easy to operate and get desired results, but I bought the unit with the intent of using my cheap supply and easy access to wood. So far I have tried oak and hickory. My problem is that if I get the wood to burn with a reasonable amount of smoke, the temp is over 400 degrees. I reduce the air input, which gives me the right temperature, but the smoke is ridiculous, coming out of any little crack it can find, including the dripping hole. I have experience regulating fires with air tight stoves, but no luck with this barrel smoker.