Thanks for the hints. I have a pattern for some gauntlet style oven
mitts and some aluminized cloth yardage plus some heat resistant liner
(the stuff they use for ironing boards in both cases). Time to break
out the sewing machine and get to work. Also, found some gloves on
line for bakers, metal workers, ceramic workers, pottery makers, and
the like. Kevlar palms and backs, wool liners, and the backs are
finished with a carbon-aluminum layer. Gloves OK up to 1700 dF!
Gauntlet style 14 in long, so everything tender is covered <G>.

Now I have to assemble another smoker. The first one broke a weld on
the first day and had to be returned.

Alex