Mini WSM with stuck pot

[Lemans]

I have never ask this question on this forum. Last year I built a mini using a SJS and a 32 qt
Aluminum pot that I bought from a restaurant supply site. ( I couldn't find a viscona if my life depended on it !) anyhow the pot had no lid with it and is really thick walled. It fits the SJS perfect
But as soon as I get the coals lit and place it on the base it stick so tight
I can not separate it.  Originally I only had hold drilled in the bottom
So I figured heat expansion. So I cut out the bottom. Still stuck.. I put
Felt heat resistant gasket around the rim . Still the same.. Any ideas???

[TD]

Ice water in a spray bottle, sprayed around rim where pot meets the kettle? Or wet rag to cool around pot bottom? Aluminum expanding more than steel maybe.

[brettbrown]

I have the same problem with my lid on my mini. I have a IMUSA pot. It never sticks to the bowl but the lid was way too tight. I used a grinder with a sanding disk to remove some material off the lip of the pot and finished it off with a file. Fits perfect now. If your pot is thick you might be able to do the same to the bottom.

[Josh G]

I crimped my pot in a little and that helped.  Still a little tight when cooking.  I have the IMUSA as well.  Better to be a little tight than too loose.  You just don't want it so tight that when you lift the lid the pot goes with it.

[BC]

A couple bacon slices between the two would work.
You're welcome