hows this look for a Direct fire mash tun?

Just wanted to get your thoughts..

the insulation is a good 3 inches from the bottom, so hopefully there is no worry about it catching on fire.. ha

Just keep the flame low, very low...and you should be fine. I tried the insulation route, but with direct fire I don't really see it as being necessary. Low flame and constant recirc holds the temperature I need. One word of caution, watch out for the hole in the skirt by your valve. Flames, or even heat, could come out that hole and burn (or melt) the insulation.

Other that than, give a shot with a close eye the first few times.

+1 with ebeer. Don't see the need to insulate when you are firing it but, since you are done just watch the insulation.