JVD wrote:
Turned out OK, I think they could have been better. There is
definately a learning curve. Used lump for the first time, it's a
little different to handle than briquettes. The recipe I used called
to keep the bottom vents closed but the lump kept going out. Don't
think I used enough to start.

Throw that recipe away then. Closing the bottom vents will snuff your fire
out.

Controlling the temp in your WSM is a function of the bottom and top vents -
bottom to let air in for the coals; the top one controlling the amount of
air pull (venting) through the cooker. Someday you'll have a really hot
fire and almost closing down all vents will be the cure to getting the temp
down to cookin range.
--
-frohe
Life is too short to be in a hurry