Glad to have you with us, James! Not to sound closed to new ideas, but why try to reinvent the wheel? Wouldn't getting a wall-mount probe, already insulated properly and tuned for the unit, be an easier solution? I have wall mounts in 2 smokers, and never remove them for cleaning - just give them a quick wipe with a wet rag, and you're done. I believe the nylon base, on the wall mounts, is important (won't break down over time), and that the shape/style of the probe is significantly different than the drop in. I believe this is done for a reason. This may work fine, but I would recommend calling Auber directly, and running the idea by them. Suyi is a good guy, and will shoot you straight.