Noob Intro

[M635_Guy]

When you build that wood table you should sell me the one you take off for super cheap lol

I was talking about replacing the metal top, but now having used it a couple times I think a big-ish cutting board will probably be the answer in the short/medium term.     

Thinking I'll try a low&slow Boston Butt.  Seems like it's mainly an exercise in temperature control - Any nuances/gotchas I should be aware of?

[wzywg]

When you build that wood table you should sell me the one you take off for super cheap lol

Thinking I'll try a low&slow Boston Butt.  Seems like it's mainly an exercise in temperature control - Any nuances/gotchas I should be aware of?

Don't start too hot! It's much easier to start low and slow and keep it that way. I recommend placing a starter cube in the corner of a charcoal basket or banked setup and lighting a handful of coals, then close the vents as you get up to temp. My first time out, I lit way too many coals with a chimney starter and had a hard time getting the temps down. You only need a fistful of coals to hit 225-250. Thermometers are your friend. The Weber iGrill 2 w/ the ambient probe is amazing for smoking. Otherwise a cheapo oven thermometer on the grate and an instant read thermometer for the meat will suffice.

Edit: I just read that you have a maverick thermometer! Good buy

[jhagestad]

Welcome from Highland Park, IL (north of Chicago)! Better to get the grill than the heave-ho like I did after 20 years! A lot of things have changed in the workplace since we started 20+ years ago: Sweet pensions are being replaced with 401k's and meager employer matches, expectations of "being available constantly" due to email and "I need it now" culture, and face-to-face communication is becoming a lost art.  But I digress.... sounds like you're well on your way to some charcoal adventures! Welcome aboard!