All started well with a good and steady flame and significant heat output which continued for 5 hours before I capped and sealed the Pit. The pit remained untouchable for 5 and half days which led me to the belief that it had reached a good working temperature. Sadly It seems that there were two consecutive fires the top fire which burnt well and later the fire beneath in the pit which burnt slower and at a lower temperature. This means the heat never got over 950 degrees Celsius, and was no more than a long bisque firing with a bit of additional smoke! It confirms that I need a through draft down at the bottom of the pit and the next step is to modify the pit and collect more fuel. Further updates to continue.
