ciscokid, one thing that you did not mention was your primary heat source. Are you using an all wood fire or are you using charcoal briquettes and just using wood for the smoke flavor?
If you are using all wood, do what les, mark and al suggest and build you a hot small fire.
If you are using charcoal and using wood for flavoring, use the
Minion method for starting your charcoal and use a couple of wood chunks about the size of a hocky puck or a tuna can.
You migh also want to think about building a charcoal basket for use in the sfb-it will allow you to have longer burn times.
Also, please swing by Roll Call and introduce yourself to all the fine folks here~
Enjoy the Smoke.