I don't really have any secrets to how I do it. I just dump a chimney of lit coals on the grate and load up 3 splits and let it roll from thereI see. My damper is not tight. I talked to Craig and he said it is welded so I can't do anything ti tighten it. I have been using the ash dump to moderate temps, but I agree it would be a better coal bed w/o the grates. Maybe Jake will tell us his technique.