what i actually have done is put that portion of smokehouse on hold. I am now using a propane burner for the heat portion and todd's pellet smoker for the smoke. i would like to add that the pellet smoker is AWESOME! i do still intend to get the outside firebox fine tuned and use it at times. for now, the hole that is cut for the vent pipe gives me just enough ventilation to keep the pellets smoking even with the burner going.
so far, we've done 20 pounds of bacon (very good), 2 batches of jerky, chicken breasts and pork chops. everything has turned out very good. oh, and cheese. smoked cheddar and provolone. i've been using a variety of pellets. hickory pellets from todd worked very well. the cherry ones.....not so much. i tried microwaving but they still don't want to burn/smoke. my local home depot carries lil devil pellets and i decided to try them. i'm pleased with them. the funny thing is that when i went to pay for them, they didn't ring up in the cashier's computer so she just gave them to me. 20 lbs of free pellets......YAY!!!! they do smoke nicely and have a nice flavor. i also can get traeger pellets locally so i've tried the apple ones yesterday with my jerky. it seems to be much milder than hickory.
overall, i'm pleased. i know i still have a long way to go in learning the ins and outs. i'm glad i found this forum........it has been a wealth of information. happy smoking to all!