I do a similar thing only I use an upside vegetable basket (BBQ type) to get my stone elevation.
Moving from my rectangular stone to a 16.5" x 5/8" round stone by Outset.
Have not used this stone yet, but it looks to be of very good quality.
Will have to get some cooks on it to be sure...
Stubbs is higher quality than KBB.
Less ash, cleaner burning, nice aroma.
I use both, but Stubbs is clearly the higher quality of the two.
I always grab Stubbs on sale, but probably burn more KBB because it's cheaper.
You could go with a thinner washer.
The nut and washer will be fine in the kettle environment.
They will smoke over and look OEM before you know it.
Here's my WSM therm mod thread...
http://tvwbb.com/showthread.php?50608-Lid-Therm-Mod-for-Older-WSM
Eugene, it looks like they sold you a Gripco type nut.
This class of nut is "deformed" (note the indentations) to create a "locking effect".
Those indents may just be a "grade marking". If the nut turns freely all the on you will be OK.
If I'm right and it is a locking type of nut, you will...
You really don't need water.
Plus it makes a glorious mess trying to get rid of it at the end of the cook.
That said, it sounds like the OP has too many coals lit.
OP, study the "Tin Can Minion Method" and have perfect fire control.
Here's how I do 'em.
Simple and a home run pretty much every time...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKvjQFa0GUo
You're in my neighborhood.
If you need some rub let me know.
Welcome to the forum, Alan !
Maybe it's time to take a trip to the States and mail something back to yourself.
Some states like Oregon, Montana and New Hampshire have no sales tax.
And if you really want to know what we Americans covet, it's the cool colors that are only available in Canada.
I...
I've done a complete rib cook and then re-heated for the boys on the jobsite the next day.
I cook them Memphis Style....I am not a fan of 3-2-1
With Memphis you still have "bite" (they are not steamed, fallin' off the bone) and I think that method holds up better for a re-heat.
You can always...
As most of you know, the Vasconia 32 quart tamale pot was the preferred pot for the Mini.
These are no longer available.
CaseT posted about this pot a while back...(that's his pic)
A local store here, Bimart, sells the Hoffritz 32 quart and I can confirm that it fits the
Smoky Joe perfectly ...
I have an 18.5" that I am going to put casters on.
I hemmed and hawed about which size...2"...2-1/2"
Then I saw someone who did 3"
After much deliberation, I think that's the perfect size for a WSM, especially if rolling over uneven terrain.
Then what type of wheel and type of locking mechanism...
I have the earlier welded style, but I cannot imagine, even in my wildest dreams that leakage from the handle bolts would be a problem.
Only problem is I hate the new "Taco Handle" !