Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
The new ('07) Top-O-Matic is significantly better made than the original and has some interesting new features that set it apart from the Supermatics and other clones. The new TOM has a shorter spoon, a stainless steel chamber, a chamber reducer and a handle. The shorter spoon and chamber reducer are great when using the newer long filtered tubes. Even if it doesn't reduce scratching and gumming, the use of stainless is a plus, as is the handle.
One of my first questions after graduating from an Excel to a Supermatic was 'how the heck do I hold on to this thing?'. The handle on the new Top-O-Matic isn't particularly ergonomic but it does make the machine easy to hold on to. I had also missed the Excels bowel shaped top that could hold a few smokes worth of tobacco. With the handle, enough tobacco for about a dozen smokes can sit on the TOM undisturbed.
Tight fitting tubes have been an ongoing complaint. While the machine manufacturers aren't to blame, its nice to see a machine with a nozzle that even the Rizla cig size tubes fit on. The new TOM has the smallest nozzle of all the current 'matics, about .002" (thickness of notebook paper) smaller than the nozzle on my new C-series Supermatic.
The Supermatic spoon is 69mm long and was designed to accommodate standard tubes, tubes with a 15mm filter and a 69mm inside length (84 - 15 = 69). With the advent of tubes having filters as long as 25mm and an inside length as short as 59mm (84 - 25 = 59), the stock Supermatic spoon is much too long. The new TOM spoon is 54mm long and easily accommodates all tubes.
The regular/king/100 selector switch design is pretty much a joke, all it does is affect when the gripper lets go of the tube. Ideally we'd be able to adjust the size of the tobacco chamber to match the inside length of the tube. The new TOM chamber opening reducer isn't adjustable, but its a lot more effective than the selector switch design. The 'matics 73mm long tobacco chamber is just too long for tubes with inside lengths as short as 59mm. Trying to stuff a 73mm long plug of tobacco into a 59mm long space (tube inside length) doesn't work for a lot of reasons. Like the shorter spoon, the reduced chamber opening allows the TOM to work well with long filtered tubes. The reduced chamber is 66mm long which is a bit short for tubes with 15mm filters but allows for a better/more consistent fill with all other king size tubes. Without the opening reducer I do have concerns about added friction from tobacco getting squeezed into and sliding across the slot in the cutter/compressor face. That and the plastic cutter could make the new Supermatic a better choice if you make 100's or use tubes with 15mm filters.
The stainless steel chamber/spoon guide on the new TOM is a nice touch. The stainless is harder/less likely to scratch and, because it is welded to the already painted housing, there's no paint/finish anywhere on or in the chamber or guide. Like the new Supermatic, the TOM also has a smaller gap between the guide and the chamber. While solving one issue, they created another with the short, sharp edged, bent back edge of the guide. To work around it they had to bevel the spoon body. Because of the bevel, all load is on the front lip of the guide which results in a sloppier fitting spoon and possible wear issues. The straight sided Supermatic II guide design would have been a better choice even if the harder stainless steel wasn't to blame for the flawed lip on the rear guide. None the less, the stainless is a plus.
The most significant improvement over the original TOM is the switch from brass to steel on the rivets and H-link post. The Supermatic is still a slight winner with its stronger rivets and hardened cam and H-link post. Unfortunately the flanges around the holes in the new Supermatic H-link really bug me so neither wins.
The Supermatic does win with its higher quality springs. Nobody has tackled the poorly designed gripper, but the TOM makes it worse by using a spring that is too weak. The new release is just different, no better or worse than the old one.
The new TOM bushing nut is better than the old one, it fits the bushing better and has a concave face for better grip on sheet metal. It may work as well as the Supermatic electrical conduit lock-nut.
The new TOM has lock-washers under the H-link nuts and on the spoon bolt. While this will prevent things from loosening up, it does make spoon removal/mounting tedious/risky. While loosing the H-link nut washers isn't a big deal, the washer on the spoon mounting bolt is a must.
There's also an image of the back and closeups of the release/stainless, the cutter/compressor slot for the chamber reducer and the housing tab that keeps it clean.
Comments [ new ]
- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by ketch22106 on Sunday, 17-May-2015
I just bought a new machine a month ago. Basic top-o-matic with handle. First few rolled with no problem. Downhill after that! Very hard to roll and it doesn't matter how much tobacco I put in it. It sticks and the injector stays out and the handle won't release. Not happy with this top o matic machine at all. I think it's a refurbished one. They aren't worth sending back and the store won't exchange. Wasted $45.00 and now looking for a different model. Any suggestions?
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Johnny on Thursday, 27-Jul-2017
My T2 Top-O-Matic has been a rather impressive and cost-effective alternative to the expense of store-bought cigarettes for coming up on two years now. Overall I am very satisfied with the machine's performance. The single most bothersome drawback I've come across happens only with tobacco that is more dry than usual and subsequently crumbly. Whenever it does take place, I simply clean out all the loose particles as best I can so as to have a clean machine again. Especially for how much I spent to get it, I am very well pleased and satisfied with the savings in comparison. Averaging between $40 and $60 each month sure beats the cost of manufactured cartons by far. I am sure that by now, this machine has paid for itself time and again over and over. I wish you the very best of luck in either direction you may choose.
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Jude on Saturday, 11-Jan-2020
I put a bout 1/2 to 3/4 of the bag in an empty covered Folgers bucket ( Anything air tight) and put a small tin with a damp cloth in it and it helps keep the tobacco moist enough. You may have to play with how damp with how much tobacco in the container but if too damp just mix some of the drier tobacco in and it evens out and works great. Anything you can use to hold the wet cloth (Paper Towel) that keeps the damp towel from sitting on the tobacco is fine. Hope this helps
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Mickie Camp on Tuesday, 24-Mar-2015
Where can I order Shaft Bushing?? I found online for 2.50 but I also need a piece that goes inside the nut. Its black and it twists inside the nut. It is cracked, broken. Same goes to shaft bushing. Please Help!!! I had hard time finding the piece that goes inside the nut. (black piece) I am not sure of exactly what kind of top-0-matic it is yet. Im doing this for a friend of mine. He asked me to google the parts and see if I can find any and so far found only the shaft bushing. Hope anyone knows what Im talking about??
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Mickie Camp on Tuesday, 24-Mar-2015
Forgot to add, the piece that goes inside the nut is plastic as well.
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Dave L on Wednesday, 25-Mar-2015
A quick search turned up RYOParts.com [link]
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The black plastic is the Shaft Bushing and it is held on with a Lock Nut. The only thing that goes inside the Shaft Bushing is the crank shaft (called Stud @ RYOP).
- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Tony G on Thursday, 23-Jan-2014
I used the Gambler rollers for about three years and the injector rod kept breaking. Then I found the Top O Matic and though wow, all steel construction and it seems so smooth when rolling. A few weeks later it began to jam up upon handle return. Just a little wiggle of the injector rod and it would slide back. I thought, no problem, I can deal with this. Around the fourth week I heard a small snap sound and the handle went loose. I took off the bottom and found out that the injector rod had broke. You guessed it, even though the Top O Matic is constructed of steel, it has the same exact, cheaply constructed "plastic" injector rod as the Gambler machines. Since they both contain the same, most important part, I figure why spend $60 on a TOM when I can spend $29 on the Gambler?
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by John Kaglic on Saturday, 02-Mar-2013
These new machines are total junk went through 3 of the T-2 models in 4 months kept jamming all the time finally went back to the orginal cheaper one and started having problems with it !! My advice stay away from Top-o-matic they are junk and the warranty is a joke !!
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Sonya on Tuesday, 25-Dec-2012
Hi guys - I haven't been in here for a LONG time - after your advice I was able to use my old Supermatic for a LONG time (I think all together I had it over ten years with daily use - LOL)
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Well, it finally conked out - so I went out and got this Top_o-Matic - not sure if I like this....I get VERY early release about half the time :( (like over half the cigarette off the end of the tube) - I tried reading through your posts on how to fix this, but I am mechanically a complete idiot - is there ANYTHING I can do to fix this that does not involve changing out parts? I seriously don't understand what I am doing wrong - I am always a light packer, so I know I am not over packing - ummm, please help - I feel like a noob again :(
- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Xena on Wednesday, 09-Jan-2013
Well, guys, I fixed it!!! I just took off that thing to make the 100's and BAM, great smokes again - I have NO IDEA why this worked - but it did, so I'm not complaining - LOL!!
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Donwats on Thursday, 16-Feb-2012
The Top-O-Matic T2 like so many products on the market today "IS DESIGNED TO FAIL".
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In the one year I've been rolling my own I've gone threw one Top-O-Matic, one Premier Supermatic II, and now my newest Top-O-Matic T2 has just died after 5 weeks. I also bought my dad a T2 a few weeks after I bought mine, and im sure it will be dieing soon.
The Top-O-Matic T2 is shiny and nice looking but is the worst overall in my opinion.
- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Donwats on Friday, 17-Feb-2012
In my case the T2018 Link Assembly is worn at on of the pivot points. As a result the
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Tamper T2010 dose not push in far enough to cut the tobacco. You can see the excess tobacco being dragged along on the outside. I cant even get it to fill a single tube as it is..
I put some petroleum jelly on the one i bought for my dad. Hopefully that will slow down its death.
- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Marco on Monday, 20-Feb-2012
Wow. I have:
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Supermatic (2002)
Supermatic B (2003)
Supermatic II (2003)
Excel (2002)
Top-O-Matic (2007)
Exp1000
T2 (2010)
With the exception of replacing the spoon on the SMII, all work as well as the day I bought them. The Supermatics were updated with the new teflon cutter, but otherwise these machines are all stock.
Is your tobacco dry enough?
- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Steve Allison on Friday, 10-Oct-2014
Fair warning-
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> teflon cutter
Mine is warn off and i am still alive.
Many years ago (40), while in Germany, I was RMO with a similarly designed German machine.
The bottom of the compressor chamber was a hard plastic, part of the base of the case.
After months of use, the machine got progressively harder to operate but I had a solution; Teflon.
The IBM lab where I was then employed had received a couple of samples of 'mold release' spray intended for injection molding dies.
We had no use for them so I got permission to take them home and intended to use them as a dry lubricant, something for which Teflon is ideal.
I used the spray to treat the scored plastic chamber and it worked great.
It hadn't yet occurred to me that some of it would end up in the cigarettes.
A few weeks later while at work, I started feeling queasy and faint, went to our plant nurse who measured my blood pressure- it was over 225mm (systolic).
She convinced me to call a taxi instead of driving myself to my doctors office. I actually went to three in the next two hours while I considered each of them to be idiots since each of them measured vastly different BPs.
The first said the systolic wasn't high at all, but abnormally low ~ 80mm and much too close to the diastolic.
The second, 45 minutes later, again measured a >200mm systolic.
During this time, I went from feeling OK to feeling like death an back.
I finally landed at a young doctor with whom a couple of relatives liked and told him of the varying BPs the three others had found.
He checked me and sent me to the waiting room since my BP was while too close together, was within limits.
30 minutes later, it was again way too high.
I stayed in his office for several hours while he plotted the wildly swinging BPs and came to the conclusion I had been poisoned.
He couldn't prescribe anything to stabilize the BP so sent me home with a buck slip until the following Tuesday (it was on a Friday) so he could do research over the weekend.
When I went back to him, he had a list of 4 substances and asked if I had any contact with any of them.
Teflon. In my cigarette machine.
The stuff turns gaseous at ~ 450f, lower than many frying pans reach in the kitchen and about 600 degrees lower than the tip of a lit cigarette.
The stuff has a close relationship to the effects of phosgene (nerve) gas in the nervous system.
The looping BP and a 3-pulse arrhythmia lasted over 30 years.
It only subsided after my first bite from a black widow spider and was corrected again after two later bites.
After a double bypass in '04 and two medications, my vitals are finally back to normal for the last decade or so of life.
Oh, we have NO Teflon or similar cookware under our roof.
- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by mike on Friday, 18-Jan-2013
dont know why your having such trouble with your machine. ive had mine going on 4&a half yeatr now& not one problem..you all must be abusive with it,is al i can figure!! try this-- a little less tobaco, spread your baco more even, do not grind your baco up!!!(dont use dry tobaco..dont force any parts..&dont place wit r spend lot of time mess'n wth tobaco..just pullstems out & toss it in there..finer the tobaco worse the results!".. use stome comon sense..my tmachine woreeks ad well today aad it always has. its just a simple machine.easyer thn driving a dont try driving a var you may hurt some!!!"laterpuicar..now then theres a cuple adjudtment scescews inside wich controles when machine lets go of tube. trile& etor there ..be patant youl get it" if you cant though,, please
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by chris on Monday, 20-Aug-2012
Wow....I've had a Top-O-Matic t2 for 3 years and smoke 1 pack a day from that machine and have never had problem 1 besides the rubber tube grabber wearing(which was fixed by holding the grabber with my left hand while turning the crank with my right)..I'm blown away by the people that go through them like water...is your tobacco too moist...too dry?? I can't speak about other machines...but the t2 has worked perfectly for me...I did read ALL the instructions before i used it though....so there's that.
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by LeAnn on Tuesday, 10-Jan-2012
Loved this for about a month, have had a rough time with it for the last few days, yesterday I made a full pack with little problem. Today, after looking closely at the insides, I see that (according to my manual) the cam, is sliding over the top of the little brass button. I don't know what to call it, its not a nut, but on the link assembly, where the cam is supposed to pull the assembly over, its worn a bit and slides over the top, instead of pulling it along. I cant really see where anything is bent though. Do you think this might just be defective? Ive looked through posts, and Im still under warranty, should I send it back for $12 or order parts? Really frustrated with this thing. I had one just like it but gave it to my sister, its a year old and has been making 3 packs a day no problem. Mines less than a month and less than 2 packs a day.
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Lisa on Saturday, 02-Apr-2011
I have been using the top-o-matic for a year now, and have been very pleased, until recently. The rubber guard on side is worn out (dull where the filter rests) so all of my tubes are torn at the end. I can't seem to find these on any parts list. Any suggestions? One other sligh problem I have is that frequently, the crank is hard to turn. If I pack less tobacco, it's easy to turn, but has a "click" mid crank, then my cigs are underfilled....
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by TopOMatic on Thursday, 14-Apr-2011
Time for a new one, I mean they are 40 bucks and less all over the place. A small investment when you consider $7/pack for premades. I guess I have been lucky, both my 10+ year old Supermatics work like new. So does the 3 year old Top-O-Matic, and the Excel which was my first crank machine.
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Try American RYO for TOP parts.
- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by DZ on Tuesday, 03-May-2011
Hello, I used push on pencil erasers in a pinch, then my son had a toy gun from Walmart, the bullets are orange and the exact same size as the original rubber part and works better than the original.
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Will on Thursday, 17-Nov-2011
You can order each individual part here for the newer T2 model. I'm assuming the part number T2008 would fit your machine just fine, and it's only 40 cents.
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by phil irving on Wednesday, 29-Feb-2012
yeah th part is forty cents but the shipping and handling is $7.50 almost twenty percent of the part.i spent $35.00 on this piece of garbage and it only lasted about one month before it failed (screw fell out,under packing,overpacking.spitting tubes.what a joke.who the hell enginered this junk.i have a $4.00 machine that runs circles around this junk.you think i am going to order replacement parts for this crap NOT!NOT!NOT!
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by J A Leblo on Sunday, 25-Dec-2011
My first machine made 6000 ciggs before went bad , after doing a lot of changing of parts ,, FOUND OUT the tamper [admin: AKA cutter] had black coating on it from tobaco , Tamper was the problem all the while - Tamper ( part T2010 ) must have a mirror finish on it or tobaco will not slide , 16 buck + so order a couple to save on ship .
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JIM
PS otherwise no complants .
Just turn the rubber a little , and hard to push , above is the reason.
- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle) Small Spring
- Posted by Jeffo on Wednesday, 09-Apr-2008
After using this machine for about a month I began to experience an inordinate number of early releases of the tube. Following Dave Lers suggestion I replaced the stock TOM small spring with a part# S-49 Supermatic spring. It's the gripper spring used on the A, B, & C-series Canadian made Supermatics. I already had it in my stash of replacement parts. This spring is very close to the length of the TOM spring but just a little stiffer. No more early releases. The cost of this spring was $.50 but I ordered it along with a "much" of other parts for my Supermatics so the $5.00 shipping didn't weigh so much on it's cost. After using this Supermatic spring for a week or so I decided to reinstall the stock TOM spring again and try it. This resulted in more early releases so I put the Supermatic S-49 back in and no more problems. I could have tried to shorten the TOM spring but I didn't try this since I already had the new S-49. I hope this helps anyone experiencing this problem on the new TOM...Jeffo
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle) ordering parts
- Posted by Jeffo on Tuesday, 08-Apr-2008
Although I don't need any parts for new TOM, I like to have some key items on hand if I do. If you need parts call the Republic phone number on the parts list that comes with the machine new: 1-800-288-8888 leave your name, phone number and time for them to call you back. They took my order for a spoon, cutter, handle, h-link and cam over the phone and accept credit cards. They called back within 1/2 hr. of my initial call. Sharing the experience..Jeffo
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Jeffo on Friday, 07-Mar-2008
I've had my new Top-O-Matic for a couple days now and this thing could't work any better than it does. The only thing I did to it from the box is change the rubber gripper boot to 3/16" ID 1/16" wall surgical latex tubing I purchased at a medical supply store. I'm using Rizla 15mm. and Zen 17mm. filter length full flavor king size tubes with the spacer in the chamber. I've used several different tobaccos all with 65%-70% RH using the Caliber II & Caliber III digital hygrometers. I'm packing the chamber to the top with a lightly firm pack on the ends and it cranks easy with almost no resistance with no buildup on the cutter or in the chamber. I think the stainless chamber bottom resists build up as long as the tobacco isn't over hydrated. No filter end voids at all it packs good at the tip end maybe 1/16" shy of the tip and flush depending on how I pack the chamber. This is a great little machine for $34.10 at LBSS. I have some extra Supermatic plastic cutters to try in it but if it continues to work like it has I'll just use the stock slotted cutter/compressor. If I have any problems with it as time goes on I'll post about them.
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Jeffo on Tuesday, 11-Mar-2008
The new Top-o-matic w/handle is the best working "matic" I've had yet. The shortened spoon from the factory, the stainless chamber that doesn't get build up, the adjustable chamber size, the larger more comfortable handle knob held on by a screw and nut instead of a rivet, the smooth & easy action, never tears tubes or early releases, no tapping required 90% of the time, not even one jam yet and handles shake well. The only draw back is the incomplete parts availability (no rubber base plate shown in the parts list) and poor or no response yet from their topomatic@rpbtob.com about this.
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The only thing I changed from factory is the gripper boot replaced with the latex tubing. I haven't tried the 100mm. configuration yet. The only thing to master with these is packing the chamber and don't use tobacco over 75% RH with 69-72 being ideal. I've had or have the Supermatic C-series, B-series, and 500 series which work well after some mods IE. shortened spoon, latex rubber tubing on the gripper and many timing adjustments. The Supers all worked good but not like the Topo w/handle right out of the box. I haven't been using it very long yet almost a week at 2 1/2 - 3 packs per day but will post again if problems pop up. (I'm using the king size configuration with the adjustment plate installed and the Zen and Rizla king size FF. tubes)
- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by mike c on Tuesday, 11-Mar-2008
hi jeffo, sadly I am still confused over that model, since my friend's machine had the crank setting out-of-whack....but from what I know I believe I will concur with you that it would seem to be the best out of the box
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one thing I did notice, was horrific tobacco powder all over the internals from a lack of cleaning whereas my machine stays completely disinfected other than simply opening a tiny corner on the base to let out tiny amounts of shake......but essentially I am here to agree----not a bad buy at all
also, sometimes her sticks are perfect and sometimes underfilled which confuses me
she got one of my machines minus the Arbro parts and last I checked she needed that handle but now she's on her own so I wonder how that's doing....(it's her hubbies Top mach)
- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Jeffo on Tuesday, 11-Mar-2008
Just a note here: I timed myself making 10 perfect sticks with this Top-o-matic (with handle) all firm and all either flush or within a 1/16" of the tip and zero filter end voids. It was 2 min. and 48 sec. that's 5.6 min a pack not bad...me thinks.
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Jeffo on Friday, 14-Mar-2008
I want to correct this statement: The only draw back is the incomplete parts availability (no rubber base plate shown in the parts list) and poor or no response yet from their topomatic@rpbtob.com about this. The "rubber base" is listed in the text section of the parts list as a "slip-resistant mat" (not pictured)and the price is $3.50 at this time. My mistake...Jeffo
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Jeffo on Saturday, 15-Mar-2008
This machine is amazing. I tried stuffing some 100 mm tubes today.
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They were Zen ES Light with 25 mm filters. I took the Adjustment Plate out just like it was designed to do and all the sticks packed perfect no filter end void and firm all the way to 1/16" or flush with the tip. No extra effort required for the longer tube, just a nice smooth easy fill with no taps required and no carrot top. Other machines I have would leave a sometimes 1/4" tip end void using 100 mm tubes.
- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by mike c on Saturday, 15-Mar-2008
these are definite words of special note:
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"Other machines I have would leave a sometimes 1/4" tip end void using 100 mm tubes."
if you do 100's that is
- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by Ryan on Friday, 20-Apr-2012
Ok, here's a question for everyone, how in the world do you get rid of the void on the tip of the 100mm tubes??? I've tried 2 handheld do it yourself rolling machines & just received the Topomatic today. Hoping it would fill the tube all the way, I set it all up, removed the sizing plate for 100mm & after I took off the tube & tapped down on it, I'm still having the same problem with excess paper on the top. If anyone knows the art of getting a 100mm tube to fill all the way, please let me know. Thanks in advance,
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Ryan
- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle) 3 wk. update
- Posted by Jeffo on Saturday, 29-Mar-2008
It's been over 3 wks. since I received the machine. Since then I've used it exclusively. It hasn't torn a tube or jammed once in that time. It's still making perfect kings my main tube, size perfect 100's
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and good cigarette size (some carrot top to tear off on cigarette size only). I've made over 1100 smokes. I thought the new Supermatic-C was great until I got this machine. I'm going to use it exclusively for at least 6 mo. to really give it the test and report in every once in a while on its performance. I've had 2 early releases in all the 1100 sticks 1 was a little too moist tobacco the other was on 100% shake. This machine does very good with shake. I used to toss my shake but now I smoke it up, just don't pack it too tight. At risk of repeating myself from my previous posts: The only thing I've changed on it from factory is changing the gripper boot to the latex surgical tubing (3/16" ID x 1/16" wall thickness) and a very slight timing adjustment to make it fill the tube a slight more than stock. It's never needed cleaning yet due to performance but I have cleaned it once. This Diary to be continued..Jeffo
- Re: TopOmatic / timing adjustment
- Posted by box222 on Monday, 12-Jul-2010
Some people have problems with the tuning of the release time of Top-O-Matic (T2) machines. Yes, some machines have not correct release for the different tube's sizes.
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However, I think not necessary to change the gripper boot to the latex or other tubing, which hard to find…
Simplest way to adjust the tube release timing:
1) Take off the rubber cap-gripper from the metal shank.
2) Then, using the sticky bend for electric isolation, wrap the metal shank round (1-2 or more layers, just try).
3) Put the rubber cap back on the shank over the wrapped band.
4) Try your machine. It’s gonna work perfectly.
This method is the very useful when you need quick readjustment of the release time of the grip on your machine.
- Re: TopOmatic / timing adjustment
- Posted by Neil Bradley on Sunday, 10-Oct-2010
Yours might work (electrical tape)-was ready to buy a new machine! Tried 2 & made them good-thanks again!! :>)
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- Re: TopOmatic / timing adjustment
- Posted by Brian on Thursday, 12-May-2011
What is the 'sticky bend for electrical isolation' exactly? I'm trying to figure out how to use it to wrap it on the metal realease shank because my machine releases too soon also. Please explain...THANKS!
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- Re: Top-O-Matic (w/ handle)
- Posted by gayle farrington on Tuesday, 13-Sep-2011
i prefer 100's. my machine rolls king size but will not roll 100's anymore though the plate is still off! there's a screw inside that the cam hooks when turning. that screw broke off. i put it back in the hole with tape over it to keep it in. the small spring seems stretched a bit. amazingly-this machine, aside from not rolling 100's and the broken screw, is still working fine....i know i need replacement parts but i'm not positive which ones. please help!
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tks....gayle aahntee@yahoo.com
- Top-O-Matic serial numbers
- Posted by Dave L on Friday, 08-Feb-2008
How do the TOM serial numbers work? I noticed that my original TOM serial number started with a "T" and my new one with a "Y". Are all letters used? Are their differences with each letter?, e.g. mike c said the parts in the new TOM were silver and mine are gold/yellow.
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- Re: Top-O-Matic serial numbers
- Posted by dan b on Friday, 08-Feb-2008
Bought mine about 2 months ago, serial also starts with Y 00367xx,
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internal parts have a gold tint, with some rainbow coloration like oil in a puddle, if the light hits it right.
- Re: Top-O-Matic Internals
- Posted by mike c on Saturday, 15-Mar-2008
Dave the internals on my friend Paul's machine are silver
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remember he was one of the first to get this newer model, so maybe they changed them---sanding on one of my silver supermatic linkages revealed it was just "plating"..whatever the heck I'm talking about
- Re: Top-O-Matic Internals (nozzle)
- Posted by mike c on Saturday, 15-Mar-2008
and something else: you claim your machine has the smallest nozzle yet, able to take cig size.
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the unit I see couldn't even take Top tubes, so maybe that is a new devolopment
- Re: Top-O-Matic Internals (nozzle)
- Posted by Jeffo on Saturday, 15-Mar-2008
I remember reading that quote also but it wasn't made by me. Although I do have some Rizla cigarette size tubes I ordered by mistake and have never opened maybe I'll try them on the Topo and report back. Here's the quote made by Dave Lers:
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Tight fitting tubes have been an ongoing complaint. While the machine manufacturers aren't to blame, its nice to see a machine with a nozzle that even the Rizla cig size tubes fit on. The new TOM has the smallest nozzle of all the current 'matics, about .002" (thickness of notebook paper) smaller than the nozzle on my new C-series Supermatic.
It's at the top of this page: [link]
...Jeff
- Re: Top-O-Matic Internals (nozzle)
- Posted by Jeffo on Saturday, 15-Mar-2008
Thanks for clearing that up. I tried those Rizla + cigarette size tubes on the new Top-O-Matic w/handle. They fit a little snug but work well on this machine albeit some carrot top to tear off but no filter void. Now I can use those tubes up. Thanks for the prompt...Jeffo
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- Re: (newer) Top-O-Matic (obesrvations)
- Posted by mike c on Sunday, 23-Dec-2007
1) aluminum cutter has a slice towards the right side that make way for some type of blade the is visible but further up in the chamber....maybe this feature will be painfully obvious to some of you but I am clueless, and he apparently never paid it any mind as it's the only machine he's known
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2) lack of chamber scratching from aluminum cutter so readily seen of Supermatic + clones
3) not much corner filling seemed necessary
4) crank arm on this machine finishes injection when the arm reaches the tube release which I don't think I can ever get used to, but he claims that's it's a stock setting....hmmm
5) bad with shake...ruined what had me jealous
- Re: (newer) Top-O-Matic (obesrvations)
- Posted by Dave L on Friday, 11-Jan-2008
1) The guide tab ("some type of blade") inside the housing is too keep the slice in the cutter lined up with the king size screw-on bracket (full depth VS my cutter depth bracket). Note: The plastic Supermatic cutter will not work in the new TOM unless you remove the tab and don't use the king size bracket.
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2) The chamber is stainless which is harder than mild steel.
3) Without the king size bracket, that's not surprising.
Machine is in pieces, more later.
- Re: Top-O-Matic (new model) observations
- Posted by mike c on Wednesday, 07-Nov-2007
friend Robin took me to the hospital yesterday....I saw her lighting up the most stupid-looking underfilled stick I've ever seen in my life, then I saw the rest of hers were underfilled......
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upon questioning, she said she had been too lazy to do whatever it is that she has to do to get them filled......
she uses the 100's setting so looks like that (gag, cough, ghasp, shriek)
plastic compressor/cutter BETTER fit the new one....
- Re: Top-O-Matic (new model) observations
- Posted by mike c on Friday, 09-Nov-2007
ended up at friends with new Topomatic yesterday...(well, the first incarnation with blue stickers in case they've done any changes)
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looked inside and despite all parts being filthy and covered with tobacco dust they were all silver colored, including the cam, whatever that means or doesn't mean.......I tried to make a stick but was unable since upon one of her husbands last repairs, for some reason he has it set where the injection process doesn't start until the crank arm is to the nozzle...strange....she had no problem, but had to do the tapping ritual in as big a way as any......(on 100 setting, acorn nut nowhere in sight)
the chamber looked silver and unpainted, THBOMK-memory
and he's supposed to be the engineer and so smart
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA (hehehehehehe)
- Top-O-Matic update
- Posted by SirVette on Wednesday, 24-Oct-2007
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I recently purchased the Top-O-Matic & thought some might be interested in an update. I removed the rubber bottom & all parts are metal & Stainless Steel. The only brass parts are 2 acorn nuts on top near handle. No plastic nuts or parts. While initially I would have preferred the Super (cost was not an issue) plastic parts like nuts are. I researched both the Supermatic & Top-O-Matic. Clearances seem to be fine.
Works out of the box. Only a very minimal amount falls through. Evidently I like burning rubber & don't mind a tire store however there was none of this odor in the rubber base.
- Re: Top-O-Matic update
- Posted by Dave L on Wednesday, 24-Oct-2007
Though it doesn't really matter, I would be extremely surprised if there was any stainless in the new TOM. The only plastic that the new Supermatic has, that the TOM doesn't have, is the cutter/compressor. While I've only used the plastic cutter in an old TOM, its looking like a must have.
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- Re: Top-O-Matic update
- Posted by SirVette on Wednesday, 24-Oct-2007
Dave
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Top-O-Matic manual "The stainless-steel tobacco chamber prevents corrosion, ..."
The chamber & injector appear stainless steel.
Bill
PS That's good news on the metal nuts.
John on Saturday, 23-Sep-2006
" I recently purchased a Top-o-Matic and love it, especially since the bushing nut is made of metal, whereby the Premier Supermatic is plastic." [link]
- Re: Top-O-Matic update
- Posted by Dave L on Wednesday, 24-Oct-2007
I take it you didn't read the topic (above/"topic" link) where I compare the inferior (at least on the original) TOM bushing nut to the Supermatic's (there's even an image). The first thing I did with my TOM was to replace the bushing/nut with Supermatic ones. I have edited the post* you quoted, only the 500 series Supermatic has a plastic nut.
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Are you saying that the chamber bottom/sides and the spoon guide (what you call injector?) piece (which is made from one piece of steel and spot welded to the machine housing) is unpainted inside and out and is a matte silver color? While it would be nice (and a huge step up from their painted rust), it makes no sense, corrosion is a non issue and stainless is expensive. For the whole chamber to be stainless, the machine top/housing would also have to be stainless. I could be wrong but this sounds like RBA and their new, lower quality/not "precision" linkage (i.e. advertising BS).
*If you copy the "link" at the bottom of the post you are quoting, you can link directly to the post instead of the page its on (I had to use the search engine to find the post).
- Re: Top-O-Matic update
- Posted by SirVette on Thursday, 25-Oct-2007
Dave
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The chamber is a separate piece from (not) the top of the machine & stainless steel - the bottom, sides & including the top of the chamber. No paint on it.
By injector the part that fills the cig. tube.
- Re: Top-O-Matic update
- Posted by mike c on Wednesday, 24-Oct-2007
while my career with machines is shorter than many of you, I am now an absolute pro....take Dave's words on the plastic cutter add-infinitum....
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the plastic cutter is the most important piece of equipment there is, unless you are skilled and modified one.......
to my knowledge the Top won't quite accept it, and for Arnold's sake let's hope they never do
no offense on anyone....I simply state brutal truths
- Re: Top-O-Matic update
- Posted by mike c on Wednesday, 24-Oct-2007
oops...if Dave says he's using a TOP with a plastic cutter that's news to me, and extremely good news for the TOP crowd.......however he may still be referring to his modification pre-dating the plastic one, etc....
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further, while the SM2 may have a plastic nut, I think you may be confusing the bushing itself with the bushing nut???
I think the bushings are all plastic which isn't a problem, either way....
- Re: Top-O-Matic update
- Posted by Dave L on Wednesday, 24-Oct-2007
The new Supermatic cutter is the same size as the original TOM cutter and a few thousands thicker than the aluminum Supermatic cutter. No mods or pre-dating, the plastic Supermatic cutter fits and works fine in the TOM.
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_Only_ the 500-series Supermatic has a plastic nut on the bushing, the Supermatic II bushing is integral with the housing, i.e. no nut.
- Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Saturday, 10-Feb-2007
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Here's a picture of one. You can see the adjustment I was concerned about w/ acorn nut.
- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by scott johnson on Saturday, 10-Feb-2007
I wonder how well it works with 100's. Being there is no adjustment for release timing that I saw.
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by mike c on Sunday, 11-Feb-2007
I told her to try the 100 setting, and while their ego's clash with mine in this area, and they don't want to resort to my Imperial training and skill, she is smart, and I bet she tried. The "gripper and cap" seemed a bit too close to the tube, but again I was in ultra-scan-fast mode and could have made any number of wrong first-impresions...but my track-record is good,...form my SM experiance, having little to no time release on the 1oo's notch is the key to the kingdom...but then there's Scott who claimed perfect sticks moist out of can (on King size, I've assumed) .......we need a lister to hear the call. Go pick one up early (preferably before 9am central if shops are open) so this list is all the way up on it.....DO IT OR I'll FLAME MY BEST FRIENDS, and I know you want to give them a break.....and please, have the machine up for serious discussion by 10:AM cental so when I wake I have something solid to catch my ADD, and since those of us that are staying through time on SYO, want to look back at all the game we were on top off...we shouldn't allow 30 to 50 lame US dollars to interfere with our more well-to-do prospective VIP-by-invitataional initiates to prove how a few bucks to donate for fame, fortune, and just maybe, a shared social alliance......when I wake up... would make the birds sing....
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- Re: New Model Top-O & 100mm's
- Posted by cheap & chippy chopper on Wednesday, 25-Apr-2007
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I finally started using my new Top-O-Matic this past weekend, to try out the 100mm tubes I bought.
-- I had to file the rasp off all around the tip of the nozzle. Otherwise, tubes won't go on and get sliced up in the process.
-- It leaves a lot more overhang than I expected, so snipping is necessary.
Otherwise, it works great with 100mms.
However, two questions:
1) DAVE: Will your hopper fit on this machine?
2) ANYONE: Why are my cigs coming out OVAL? Flattened?
thanks! :-)
- Re: New Model Top-O & 100mm's
- Posted by Dave L on Thursday, 26-Apr-2007
The hopper trays may be back on track (if my deal on a shear goes through) but I have not seen the new TOM. If there were no changes to basic dimensions it would only work with the angle piece removed (i.e. a dedicated 100's machine).
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I've seen other comments about the oval shape but its so slight I've never really noticed it. It may be more pronounced on machines where the cutter/compressor cycles closer to the spoon (two half circles coming closer together and forming an oval shaped tobacco plug).
- Re: New Model Top-O & 100mm's
- Posted by michael coleman on Thursday, 26-Apr-2007
I noticed that I was over-stuffing at the time I commented on the oval shape
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being new at this, she may be as well....
generally it is so slight as to be a non-issue.
as for the "overhang" when using 100mm, this is certainly better than underfill, which I think has been the general problem with people making 100's on earlier machines.
I am also wondering if she is tapping the tobacco down properly.....but it sounds like this may be a good machine in that respect.
- Re: New Model Top-O & 100mm's
- Posted by cheap & chippy chopper on Friday, 27-Apr-2007
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Hi guys ~ thank you for your help!
Michael ~ The oval shape is, as you say, a pretty minor issue. As it happens, I already tried a lighter fill, different tobaccos, different tubes, and still get the same flattened product.
On the overhang, this goes into an interesting (to me anyway, lol) difference between premades and mymades.
I can tap a premade a few times on a thumbnail and get a firmer pack (evidenced by a little more space at the tip end). If I tap a mymade, bits o' baccy fly out but the pack doesn't seem to improve nor do I see a reduction in the overhang. This morning, I started pulling out a few strands rather than snipping them, then tapping lightly a couple times, then shaking any excess out. Voila, perfect stick that leaves little to no shake in a cigarette case carried all day.
This leads into my stuffing technique -- you're right, I do tend toward overstuffing, but I've been working carefully to get the perfect balance: a great fill while virtually nothing is caught by the cutter. I've found this machine likes less packed to the right (tip) end than it claims. Loosening up a bit at that end really helps the overhang dealio, too. :-)
Dave ~ Thanks for the hopper update. I wouldn't mind getting another crank machine to do Kings, and devoting this one to 100s. Was just wondering whether the bolts and handle meant you'd have to resize the hopper itself. I'll look forward to what you come up with. :-)
- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by John Diamond on Friday, 05-Oct-2007
I recently received the new TOP (the one with the handle) and am having problems stuffing 100mm cigarettes.
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What happens is that just before the cig is completely filled up the crankshft gets very hard and I end up with the cig being released before the tube is completely filled up. What is causing the problem is that each time I make a cig there is a chunk of tobacco stuck in the protruting tube holder. I think this may be due to a misaligning of the feeder or the fact that the feeder in the new model is shorter than in the old model.
Is anyone having a similar problem and how to correct it?
This new TOP model is my third machine and my second TOP and, having used these crank machines for some time now, I know not to use moist tobacco.
Thanks to all for your help
- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by Dave L on Friday, 05-Oct-2007
Does the action get hard when the elbow of the spoon arm contacts the tube release (looks different but the principle is the same)? Are you also getting a filter end void? When you crank the machine does the base of the spoon (what I believe you are calling the feeder) come out to/close to the tip of the nozzle? It sounds like the tube release plate needs adjustment.
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by mike, ya know on Friday, 05-Oct-2007
My friend(s) machine works fine....same model...it was a bit tight, and I'd personally sell it off for a plastic cutter job, but it has to be a glitch or misalignment of this particular machine
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by mike c on Friday, 05-Oct-2007
I just made a call to my friend who I do not see in person but very seldom....in the interest of wanting to help/do good.
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I was mistaken...(she said) 100's were always a problem. I did my best to describe the problem here, and she agreed hers did the same.....I also heard of several parts having broken and been replaced, but apparently Republic was very good about replacements, etc.
My personal opinion has always been that the machines just don't work great for 100's (unless you have special skill, like some), but I seem to recall that if I want to make them I just have to tap and fill a bit more than with my king-size...now I will attempt to take a seat in the back quietly.....
- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by John Diamond on Saturday, 20-Oct-2007
First off thanks to all for the responses and apologies for not being able to respond. At first couldn't find my original post and later on e had medical problems with Dad. Today If found my original post :).
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Within days of my post got in touch with Lil' Brown, whom I believe is the best in terms of service and price, for a replacement. So, the problem I will describe is from recollection.
"Does the action get hard when the elbow of the spoon arm contacts the tube release (looks different but the principle is the same)?"
Yes, at about that point of contact with the tube release mechanism. Or, at the point the crankshaft is about perpendicular to your chest.
"Are you also getting a filter end void?"
No. I don't even get to completely fill a tube with a void at the filter end. What happens is that at the point we described above, the tube, whether be it a Premier or a TOP tube, tilts toward the tube release handle, making the tube non-aligned with the feeder spoon, and the spoon tears the tube. I've tried stuffing with McClintock, TOP, and other tobaccos, but to no avail.
Inspecting the tobacco chamber, after attempting to stuff a tube, I notice a chunk of tightly pressed tobacco that is slightly less the length of 1/2 inch stuck between the entrance of the injector and the tobacco chamber. IOW, this chunk of hard-pressed tobacco never makes it to the tube, which causes the hardness of the crankshaft and the tube to tilt to the right and toward the tube release handle.
"When you crank the machine does the base of the spoon (what I believe you are calling the feeder) come out to/close to the tip of the nozzle? It sounds like the tube release plate needs adjustment."
Sorry for mixing up the terms :)!
The answer to that is NO. In fact, comparing the feeder of the new TOP with the old TOP, I noticed that the feeder left a wider gap with the nozzle, as if the feeder was slightly curved and bent. But that could have been just my impression.
What I believe caused the problem was the the shorter feeder on the TOP w/Handle. On this new machine the feeder does not extend all the way close to the nozzle, thereby leaving a wider gap between the tip end of the feeder and the nozzle. When the tobacco is pressed within the tobacco chamber, the tobacco within this gap is not properly pressed, IE, it is left looser than the tobacco in the feeder. When the crankshaft continues with its final press from the perpendicular position I described above, it chunks up into a very hard 1/2 chunk thereby preventing it to got through the nozzle and into the tube. This in turn causes the feeder to curve slightly and tear up the tube.
I could be very wrong, however, on what caused the problem.
- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by Kerry on Friday, 05-Oct-2007
How long have you been using crank machines? You say you have gone through 2 and are on a third? Am I correct? What happened to the other 2 machines?
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Your accurate answers to these questions are critical to getting accurate answers to your questions from anyone here.
- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by John Diamond on Saturday, 20-Oct-2007
"How long have you been using crank machines? You say you have gone through 2 and are on a third? Am I correct? What happened to the other 2 machines?"
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Kerry, I've been using crank machines for approximately 2 1/2 - 3 years.
My first one was the Premier Supermatic. I replaced some parts on it and it still works, although not as smoothly as the TOP machine. I'm holding on to it in case of an emergency. It lasted me about a year and a half prior to replacing the parts.
My second one was the TOP prior to the one with the handle. This one lasted me 13 months. On this machine I slightly sanded the bottom of the tobacco chamber which, I believe, later on caused the the tube release mechanism to come off. I'm currently using this machine with the tube release mechanism completely removed. Works great! What I do is I hold the tube with my finger and when finger feels the tube ready to pop out I let go of the finger and get a perfect cigarette - no gaps at either end. It works so great w/o the tube hold/release mechanism that I recommend it to anyone whose machine is having problems with its hold/release mechanism.
- Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Thursday, 18-Jan-2007
I stopped at a mom & pop type cigarette/tobacco store today, and sighted the New Model Topomatic. There's no adjustment arm--just a piece of angle sheet; with an acorn nut to adjust between King Size and 100"s. And of coarse the handle. I don't think I care for this setup. The price was $40. I think I will buy an "Old Model" Topomatic just to keep as a spare when I get paid. Mike
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by scott johnson on Friday, 19-Jan-2007
I stopped in a Smoker Friendly store today to see what was new. They had a new top-o-matic out on the counter for demo. I was buying some tobacco, so I stuffed some of their tubes with my tobacco. It seemed to work smoother than my old supermatic. perfectly packed the smoke! It's a good working machine. I do like the handle also.
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Friday, 19-Jan-2007
How about the mechanism--how does the adjuster work? Mike
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by scott johnson on Friday, 19-Jan-2007
The little angled piece sits into the tobacco chamber. meaning less tobacco is needed to fill the chamber for King size smokes. All you have to do is take the acorn nut off and pull that angled piece off and you are making 100's. But for king size, you don't have to worry about filling that right hand corner so tightly.
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Saturday, 20-Jan-2007
The thought occurred to me the machine was calibrated for 100"s;; and that angle-sheet simply eliminates the extra tobacco when making Kings. No guesswork--no adjustment! I'll stick with the old style I believe. Mike
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by scott johnson on Saturday, 20-Jan-2007
It worked really well though. made a perfect stick my first time using it. Might be less need for adjustment this way.
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Thursday, 25-Jan-2007
Yes, I agree! I just hope they continue to build both styles of machine, Mike
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by Dave L on Thursday, 25-Jan-2007
I was wondering about this. Did they just remove the selector or have they also changed the gripper/release in some way?
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I'm also puzzled by what sounds like a gap between the base of the spoon and the tobacco when filling the chamber to make Kings. It would seem that the tips of the finished smokes would end up on the loose side.
- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by scott johnson on Thursday, 25-Jan-2007
As far as I can tell, there is a gap like you thought. When I tried it, It packed a stick perfectly. I doubt it will do that once the spoon starts wearing a little.
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It seems to have a preset gripper like the SM II. Only way to switch between kings and 100's is to remove the guard thingy.
I would like to see what it does on 100's, I think it will fall short without an adjustable timing release.
- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by deb on Monday, 15-Nov-2010
does anyone use the pipe tobacco in this machine. i have 2 machines and neither one want to fill our tubes.
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by TopOMatic on Tuesday, 30-Nov-2010
These machines were made for a finer cut than pipe tobacco.
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Try processing your pipe tobacco a bit, either in a food chopper or by rubbing it out - take a handful and ball it up in your hands, and rub like making a meatball, letting the tobacco fall.
- Top-O-Matic- New Model
- Posted by mike c on Saturday, 16-Dec-2006
I didn't buy one!!! Republic said the new model has just started going out...it has some changes, but other than the handle I didn't ask, etc... she couldn't tell who has them, I would be interested to hear of anybody spotting and or purchasing one
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don't take me wrong, was just gathering info....
I'm finished now
mc
- Re: Top-O-Matic- New Model
- Posted by fishguts122 on Monday, 08-Jan-2007
Hey guys I have the new one and i had it about 6 weeks before my first Problem well it seems to me that you have to really know what your doing before this thing can work for you to have the perfect cigs All I can say is Dont Over fill even a little!! I found that instead of packing both sides as it tells you to do that if you pack the side of exit and leave the rest evenly thats as good as it gets with out stressing the Machine I like to think then this Machine should last a very long time
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- Re: Top-O-Matic- New Model
- Posted by Warren on Monday, 08-Jan-2007
> All I can say is Dont Over fill even a little!!
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With the original ToM I overfill the chamber on every cigarette, but I don't compress it on either end (I prefer looser packing which yields hotter burn, a bit stronger smoke, easier to draw). The cutter just goes through whatever is over the top. What happens with the new model on overfill?
- Re: Top-O-Matic- New Model
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Monday, 08-Jan-2007
Tonight I had the same problem; and thought about your post. What I did was load up the last of my Windsail Platinum, and made two smokes right off the bat that I could hardly draw through! The tobacco is not quite shake, but isn't top of the bag either! I ended up just making sure there was tobacco in both left and right sides and even with the top of the cutter/compressor-- in the middle--no extra tobacco needed. How to say this--I just dragged the tobacco from the pile on top of my Topomatic to the chamber opening, and let it fall in. Then, just made sure there was tobacco in both ends. I still ended up with some firmly packed smokes! Mike
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- Re: Top-O-Matic- New Model
- Posted by mike c on Tuesday, 09-Jan-2007
please pardon that I'm not replying to the exact right post...best I can muster at moment
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are you saying that your Topomatic firearm will shoot a plug all the way tight against the filter and yet leave overhang that really just needs a clip instead of a tamp???
if so, now that's a bad bad boy......and on the KING SIZE setting??? BTW, I adhered to your advice and NEVER touched the settings on my Supermatic, simply used it to model the Ultimatic....after 20 mins of begging I'm pretty sure Mark sent me a properly calibrated set-up. I *did* have to clean the underside however, as the SM had a thick lube which caused tobacco flotsam to congregate......the Ultimatic just gets siliconed and doesn't seem to have that problem...yet
- Re: Top-O-Matic- New Model
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Tuesday, 09-Jan-2007
Yes, my Topomatic will do just that 90% of the time; depending on the tobacco used. It works especially well with Look Out Milde Shag for some reason. Tamping is a habit that's hard to stop. Like you said I believe--this machine would probably shoot buckshot! Just as long as I continue to follow the instructions ie filling the chamber ends first--then the middle gently without packing. Mike
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- Re: Top-O-Matic- New Model
- Posted by Jim on Tuesday, 21-Sep-2010
i bought my T-2 in June . it worked great until tonite . the plastic bushing the handle shaft goes thru crumbled. so now i'm to pay $7.95 for .95 cent part that will probably go south in another 3 months. China made junk . Made @ a cost of about $2.00 and sold to us for $40.00 then hold us over the cliff on parts.Does anyone make a quality USA made machine. My buddy's mothers T-2 has been falling apart for months he keep fixing it. I opted for this because I was told it was top of the line. Gezz my nice has been make her stick for yrs with an $8.00 with no problem. Granted they aren't as uniform as with the T-2 ..i need a better machine
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- Re: Top-O-Matic- New Model
- Posted by Cranker on Saturday, 25-Sep-2010
I am sure you could get a nice USA machine made with geniune union-made parts, service and shipping.
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Would cost you somewhere around $250.
It's 35 bucks all over the place... I swear we all want Tiffany quality and Wal-Mart prices. No wonder the manufacturers ignore us.
- Re: Top-O-Matic- New Model
- Posted by CrankO on Thursday, 14-Oct-2010
Stop making 2 cartons at a time.
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- Re: Top-O-Matic- New Model
- Posted by malissa on Saturday, 26-Mar-2011
i have bought 2 of the T2's in less than a year for 50 bucks a pop. I have had the very same problems with this poor-quality machine. the plastic bushing on the handle becomes very loose/breaks and no amount of tightening will fix it and in fact makes it worse. After this happens, things start to jam up, bend, warp and before you know it, your chucking it across the room. I cant be bothered to send in my machine for repair or wait on ordering new parts because quite frankly..i need to roll cigarettes so i just go buy a new one. :) I had an original Top-o-matic before that which lasted about 2 years for me without any problems before it started to go downhill. Ill not be wasting my money on the T2 anymore. the only good thing about the T2 is that it looks nice and shiny.
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- Re: Top-O-Matic- New Model
- Posted by Dan on Tuesday, 30-Aug-2011
I purchased the T2 Top-O-Matic about 6 months ago and have wore out the cam (part #T2017) twice now (the second cam came from a friend who had broke the handle on his). It appears that it is made of "soft" metal that doesn't stand up to normal use. After claiming that the unit is "the strongest" and made of superior materials I have to wonder what the inferior brands use for materials, aluminum ? I would return it for replacement but it is a "one time" warranty (and for $12.50) and by now I would not have any other means of replacing it except at $9.30 ($1.80 plus $7.50 S/H) a crack, which I would have to do about 4 times a year. It would be wonderful if TOP would replace it with a substantially harder metal but I doubt that they would. Would you do that TOP ??
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- Re: Top-O-Matic- T2
- Posted by Mom120 on Tuesday, 03-Apr-2012
haven't had any problem with mine.. have had it a year now... My son however.. turned it upside down and lost the little rubber thingy that holds the papers.... Anyone have a P/N for that?
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