help and ideas from your vast experance on smoker build

[JamesB]

Tuning plates are optional and easy to put in if you decide to try them later, but in that size of pit I truly believe that they would be beneficial.

[OSD]

Definitely go with tuning plates on a smoker that size. It will make temps very even from one end to the other, which will make it easier to cook on. It will be easier and cleaner to put them in now than doing it later after the pit is seasoned and been cooked in.

[Pony Express]

seems like a reverse flow would be all around easy-er