Building process was pretty simple, took about an hour. I managed to do it myself, but I don't recommend this for everyone. I was able to lift it in place after taking out the heat deflector, otherwise it was too big and too heavy. I just finished up my first smoke. I did 1 rack of St Louis cut spare ribs and 1 7 lb pork butt. I did the felt mod on the bottom vent, but haven't got around to the top yet. I didn't notice any leaking, but it does feel loose and slides around when I try to adjust the top. Initially I was happy with the temperature control, but as time went on I felt like there wasn't enough oxygen getting to the coals and I had to open the bottom vent about 2" to get things going again. I felt like adjusting the bottom vent with the slider grate with little holes had very little impact on the temperature control. The ash mod and woo ring will for sure be my next purchase. The food is still in foil, so I haven't done the taste test, but it sure smells delicious