Removeable Lid on Barrel? Yes or No?

So I see some folks have a removable lid on their RMH barrel, others do not.  What's your preference?  I splurged on a brand new 30 gallon drum (couldn't find any used, and it ls the right size for my space), and it's a beauty, heavy gauge steel, high quality ring and lid.  I kinda hate to cut the bottom out, but i like the idea of being able to remove lid for for cleaning, inspection and maintenance.  I'm concerned about the potential for air/ smoke leaks, though as I say, it's a brand new drum w/ a tight lid and band...   Any and all thoughts appreciated.  

Thanks!

Mark, I would say yes Have a removeable lid.  The ability to easily check if there are any issues with your system is well worth it.

I have a J tube in my workshop which drives a masonry/steel bell. The 'lid' is a cast iron section that relies on gravity to hold it in place. I have a fibre gasket which provides a basic seal and it works well. The only downside is that it is a very heavy thing to lift off to allow inspection/cleaning.

Hi Mark;  Absolutely, having a barrel with removable lid is the way to go.  
Some small wood stove gasket rope will seal your lid up.
Also once your stove is warm, any "leak" will not vent into the house it will pull air out of the room.

as far as i know barrels with removable lids have a gum type seal in them that probably wouldent handle the heat so you would probably have to remove that and replace it with some gasket rope as suggested above.

The only time you may get any smoke leaks form your stove is at startup and only if its cold. Also, since they operate under negative air pressure, any leaks will quickly suck inwards and out with the exhaust.
Its actually a good idea when you first start your stove to make a real smokey smouldering fire. This will show you very clearly where all your leaks are and can then patch them up with some clay/sand mortar easily. I find a flashlight to be very helpful to search for smoke escaping as sometimes its just a thin whisp that is hard to see without it (but you can smell it).

Replace that lid gasket with some stove gasket rope or fiber blanket. I love being able to take my lid off each year and give a quick clean. Also, I had a bird fly down my chimney this year and end up in the barrel and I don't think he would have been able to come out if the lid couldn't have been removed. While a lot of people use the metal band to hold their lid down, I Just use a 24" diameter pizza stone that weighs about thirty pounds. I've never seen the slightest bit of smoke come out of the top, whereas I have a small leak where the barrel meets cob.

Great feedback, thanks so much!  We took the bottom off the drum today and will install it w/ removeable lid up!

Thanks again!!