> Looks like I got the small/hot fire now like
> you're supposed to as before when I had a
> large cool one (and more smoke).
>
> Maybe it was having the side door only
> open 1/4 way.

I cook with the vents all the way open, and keep a small hot fire going --
we're talking less than 8" around for the bed of coals and everything. I
seem to have more luck controlling things. Maybe it's just me, but it's
easier to eyeball how much wood to add than it is to adjust a vent while
adding wood.

Mike