how will I know if i need a heat shield

[jcweis1]

 I am in the final steps of finishing up my 275 oil tank RF smoker. After reading that some builders put heat shields under ther RF plate into the firebox,  I am wondering if I should add one to mine. Would you add one now or wait? How will I know if there is one needed?

thanks

Jeff

 

[lendecatural]

You will know if you have a relatively large temperature vairation across your cooking grates from side to side.