Drums can be cheap! I plan on using my current weber cooking grate until I buy an dedicated one, so all I'll need is the pipe chunks, the ball valve and a step drill. And a drum...I can buy an empty stainless one for about $400...
It's a struggle for me, but it seems that less wood is better. Several half-fist sized pieces seems to be better than a log-ette, frinstance. I tried mixing about 6-7 of them in a batch of cold charcoal upon which I dumped a lit half chimney on. I could've used a few more pieces, maybe. Pretty good, though. DW liked it, and she seems to not like the smoky flavor. She doesn't like my car or LedZep, either.
dk
I got a drum smoker for my wife...best trade I ever made...
<<<booo, hisss>>>