Your SYO experience
How did you get started? Why do (or don't) you do it? Share your experiences with folks interested in making their own cigarettes.
Comments [ new ]
- SYO
- Posted by Newbe M on Monday, 20-Dec-2010
I am two weeks into smoking roll your own cigs. I absolutely love them. It was hard at first, as I was used to premade cigs (Winston Lights), but then I got used to the taste of a real cigarette again! I'll NOT switch back. I smoke less as the SYO cigs satisfy my cravings more, and the taste??? WOW I love it! My lungs hurt no more. I don't cough NEARLY as much, and my throat isn't sore all the time anymore. Need I say more? My husband is a non-smoker and we argue over who is going to roll my cigs for the week! It is actually fun! SYO has me forever!
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- You r'member
- Posted by G Dub on Monday, 17-Mar-2008
Ok I am sold. I have made 40 smokes. I have 18 left of that stack. I smoked the last half of my Marlboros with my wife.
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I am smoking less (was over 1 pack and under 2), enjoy it better and have now asked my wife to make a run for some midnight special.
By tomorrow (4 days) I will have hit the break even point of purchasing the tobacco, stuffer, and tubes, not including the additional midnight special bag.
I have been smoking for 25 + years. I am not taken in by fads or the general newness of something different. 4 days is enough time to know that its time for a change.
My neighbor is interested. One of the guys I work with is interested also, I gave him one of my SYO's and he said his friend does it also. Told him how much it cost to start, he didn't realize it was way less than a carton.
I hope to save 2 - 2.5k during the next year.
If your the next Newb, and you don't have a friend that stuffs and will let you sample, then roll the dice for 20 or so bucks and get started. 20 bucks and a few busted tubes along the way is a small price to pay. I make mine while reading the news on the net. The time required does not infringe on my day.
- Re: You r'member
- Posted by Voice OF Chunk on Monday, 17-Mar-2008
Here these words, it can really take years to get everyting as you want it. It's fun along the way, and you will likely will become aligned with some of the more dignified business that meem at no loss of getting their statisfactory repeat customers here. Your hobby will get even better and better as you move on to better tobacco and better machines (and transition to the smootheness and flavor of the SYO tobacco as opposed to the strychnine-ridden pre-mades).
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- Hi, Another Newb
- Posted by G Dub on Sunday, 16-Mar-2008
I finally made the jump. After complaining for so long about the price of premades I decided to try out making my own. Well first off, I wish I knew about pre rolled tubes. I am positive I would have started many years ealirer had I known just that point.
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Had some time last Friday and invited my wife to join me to check out the tobacco shop that's on the way of my commute. She was up for it and after about a half hour in the shop we left with 24.00 worth of items. A buggler stuffer, A can of zigzag american classic and a 200 count box of gambler tubes. I have stuffed my first 20 (wish I timed myself, seems like everyone enjoys those stats, I do.) The flavor is fine for me, I am looking forward to expirementing. After reading the forums, I will look for the midnight special (I smoked Marlboro lights). I will try a few by themselves and probably blend some to see if I can use the remainder of the zig zag. Showed my neighbor the process and gave him one of the cigs. Might have a convert on my first day.
I am frugal by choice. I work hard and am payed very well but I am fed up with having my pocket picked. I recycle. I recently started growing my own veggies (another forum to find, my thumb isn't green yet) I commute via HD motorcycle. I cut coupons (of use). I hardly use my credit card (reimbursable business trips/expenses) SYO is a natural jump for me. Again I wish I knew about the pre rolled tubes. Enjoyed reading the comments on this site and the pointers. Now I have to go look at the various stuffing machines.
G' day
- Re: Hi, Another Newb
- Posted by mike c on Sunday, 16-Mar-2008
and welcome aboard indeed-
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while I always point out I am the forum's most useless tobacco reviewer, the crank machines are where my heart is
It looks like you are beginning in the way many many of us had, and I encourage you to go through as much of the info here as you can stomach
it get's awesome, with better tobacco and machines and such
I absolutely refuse to buy a premade pack as it goes against my "religion"
however I am certainly not opposed to sucking down OPPM's.....and I did the other day.......
- Re: Hi, Another Newb
- Posted by Freddie on Sunday, 16-Mar-2008
Newb, beware of the electric machines... The ole hand crank supermatics and etc are hard to beat
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(I haven't bought a premade cig in over 5 yrs.) and still useing my ole faithful Supermatic II.
- Re: Hi, Another Newb
- Posted by mike c on Sunday, 16-Mar-2008
Freddie.....I think they just want us to let them handle the Magnum. Let's let 'em and we'll get our share of fun up the bend (not referring to Magnum). I would like everyone to feel comfortable with what they have or have not purchased, or will or won't. Everybody relax, share your info, joys, pitfalls whatever. freedom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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ps-your suggestions for Pete were a good thing
- Re: Hi, Another Newb
- Posted by G Dub on Sunday, 16-Mar-2008
I am looking at the Excel Platinum Cigarette Injector. It appears to have a bit of a hopper that I would imagine keep my loading area a bit tidier. I am still looking at other units and trying to read the forums for more info. Thanks for the info on electrics.
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- Re: Hi, Another Newb
- Posted by gobucks on Sunday, 16-Mar-2008
You can't go wrong with a premiere supermatic 2 or the new topomatic (with handle). I use the topo. I use the premiere ff tubes, seem to be good,and I can get them locally for $1.25. I don't like light tubes. Tried Gambler light tubes they have holes in them and, you suck a lot of air. Premiere lights didn't have holes and were better. I didn't notice any noticeable difference between gambler ff and premiere ff tubes. Keep in mind different tubes have different length filter elements anywhere from 15 to 25 mm. I want to try the silver tip extras they have a 25 mm filter element. May make for a lighter smoke. A lot of tobaccos that are straight tobacco without fillers and a lot of chemicals are stronger tobacco than pre mades. As far as tobacco, I like D&R Two Timer Gold. Of course every ones tastes are different. American Thrust (online) sells 1 ounce samples of tobaccos for $1.50. An ounce stuffs a little over a pack. For other online supplies check out LiL'Brown great prices.
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- Re: Hi, Another Newb
- Posted by G Dub on Sunday, 16-Mar-2008
Thanks gobucks,
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Got to say this site has some dedicated enthusiast willing to share the knowledge base. My earlier reply to Freddies post was pointing out that I thought these flat tops might lend themselves to a messy work area. I am no longer concerned about that issue as much. I adopted an unsed plastic serving tray. It serves the dual purpose of catching the excess tobacco and also easily put the items in storage.
Thanks again
- Re: Hi, Another Newb
- Posted by gobucks on Sunday, 16-Mar-2008
My Lady Friend got me a dustbuster, I now call it my tobaccobuster
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- Re: Hi, Another Newb
- Posted by gobucks on Sunday, 16-Mar-2008
One more thing, if you find this site helpful. Give thanks to Dave Lers.
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- Re: Hi, Another Newb
- Posted by G Dub on Sunday, 16-Mar-2008
My Thanks to Dave.
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As I have been on this site off and on all day, I also see that he developed a hopper system. Very creative. Can't believe he was only selling one a month. Can't believe the makers didn't figure this out or rip him off on the idea.
- Just started SYOing again!
- Posted by Joe L on Sunday, 24-Feb-2008
Hello All,
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I just started SYOing again after 2 years. In 2002 i got layed off and had to cut corners. I went to a smoke shop to see what they had and walked out with a Suppermatic II, 14 Oz of menthol and 400 tubes for about what 2 cartons cost then. Used it for 2 years then started to order cigs on line for the next 2 years,,, till the State of MA sent an excise tax bill to me!!! Bought no-name smokes for a while but $40 a carton, was a killer. Then my oldest son was in the cellar looking around and found my old stuffer that was packed away!!! Back in business, saving money and have a better smoke.
I can't believe this machine is still working after 3 years of steady use and 2 years of storage. Not to mention that the market up the street sells tubes and tobacco now. Just in time as MA is almost ready to add an other $1.00 per pack tax increase. Wish I knew about this site awhile ago, I felt like I was on my own back then.
Thanks all
Joe from Cape Cod MA.
- Re: How I got started stuffing my own
- Posted by Jo on Saturday, 23-Feb-2008
My husband always bought gas for the car and bought my cigarettes at the same place. A blogger on another site had mentioned 'stuffing your own' and it interested me, so I asked my husband to pick me up a machine, tubes and some tobacco. He ignored me and kept buying cartons for me. He had decided I wouldn't like 'stuffing' and we would be out all the money for the machine. Having already figured out that the savings on the 'stuffing' was enough so I would have gotten my investment back in less than a month, I knew I didn't have anything to lose by trying the 'stuff your own' beat. I made up my mind to try it and if I didn't like it, to at least smoke enough to break even. There was always Ebay to sell used machines on.
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Luckily, I found this place. After reading on here, I was familiar with Supermatic II and Topomatic and learned about the difference in tobaccos, samples and things like that. So I was more knowledgeable when I finally ordered online. Just learning that I could order online was worth a lot.
Two years later, my husband still isn't convinced I will stay with it. He is a former smoker and you know how they are:)
The only cigarettes I could smoke of the premades, without coughing, was Kent and Kent light, but when they became too expensive, I changed to Winston, after trying many others. Winston says 'nothing added' and I tend to believe them. At least what they add, if they do, didn't make me cough or give me a headache.
I may have allergies or adverse reactions to most additives, because I can only smoke very few of the tobaccos sold for stuffing. Plain Windsail and some Sagamores, maybe Virgnia. I can't remember which of the Sagamores gave me a headache or made me cough when I smoked them. I am ordering samples to recheck which ones I can tolerate.
I can only smoke the plain Windsail, not the Windsail Silver or light, as odd as it may seem.
- Re: How I got started stuffing my own
- Posted by LibraRob on Thursday, 07-Nov-2013
That plain Windsail, Does it taste like Kent?
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I'm trying so hard to find a roll-your-own tobacco that taste very close to Kent 100's Full Flavor or Max 120's which are exactly the same.
- MYO-3 months now.
- Posted by Chris G on Thursday, 07-Feb-2008
Thank you for this site. Taxes in Wisconsin jumped over a buck a pack this year, pushing cartons to over $45. After a 16 ounces each of Stokleys #2, and Gamblers Tobacco, I became disillusioned. The first few cigs out of a bag were fine. Comparable to store bought cigs. Then the tobacco fell to shake and was near impossible to stuff. I stuck a wet sponge in the bag for 36 hours and could stuff again. Still not overly pleased with that tobacco. I would rate the small boxes of TOP, Bugler, and Drum as moderately better, with Drum as my favorite of this type of tobacco. Today, my order from LBSS arrived.
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Peter Stokkebye's Turkish Export is wonderful, smooth, tasty, and very easy to stuff, even with my slide Premier. I think I even caught a bit of a buzz from the first cig. Worth every penny. Absolutely beautiful. But I may be biased as my Great Grandfather grew tobacco in Bulgaria near the Black Sea coast. Actually, I think I now understand why he did what he did.
- Re: MYO-3 months now.
- Posted by Chris G on Tuesday, 18-Mar-2008
UPDATE:
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I used to smoke Winston's, Camel's and Marlboro's. Now 5 months of MYO, only 3 store bought packs in that time.
The Turkish tobacco (although I loved it) stunk up my house and clothes to the point where friends made comments. After trying many varieties. My favorites are Bali Shag, The Three Castles, Stokkebye Danish export, then at at lower level; American Spirit, McClintock, American Bison.
Jester, Samson and some of the darker Dutch tobaccos are nice to mix with the lighter Virginians.
For me; I have run across a couple of unacceptable tobaccos. One's I really don't like: Stokkebyes's London Export, Indo Shag
- Newbies
- Posted by Tom Suttie on Wednesday, 08-Aug-2007
I live in the U.K., so much of this will be foreign to U.S. smokers, apart from our devotion to SYO! Several years ago I bought an El Rey tube machine and stuffed it with a tobacco I can't remember the name of. It wasn,t very satisfactory as the cigarettes were rather loosely packed.
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About two years later I bought a Concept machine, with matching tobacco. Again not too good as the last half inch of the tobacco stuck in the tube and I had to 'twizzle' the end to stop that tobacco falling out. Nothing daunted I recently started buying Amber Leaf tobacco, and using it with my original El Ray machine, and have been delighted, despite the fact that Concept tubes are not supposed to be used with any other machine! This tobacco is slightly moister than Concept and works well with the El Rey machine.
These product names may not mean much to U.S. smokers, but it shows that it pays to perservere, to get oveer the awful tobacco taxes in both our countries.
- Re: Newbies
- Posted by mike c on Wednesday, 08-Aug-2007
you _COULDN'T BE_ more welcome, I have been puzzled blue why we don't have more overseas participants, no reason why we can't share info regardless if we can't smoke the same thing just yet, whatever....
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when I first came here, I sounded off loudly about the cig size Rizla tubes (same thing as your Concept, only marketed here differently) fitting on most or many of the regular handheld models and in fact to better results.....now, I need to ask if you can get the Supermatic machine over there with a fair amount of ease, because if you stay doing this, I promise you, you will want that unless you hold out for the apparently soon-on-market "Magnum" machine that is electric.....I hate the United States and all my best friends are over there, I am willing to send anything across the waters
welcome
- Re: Newbies
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Thursday, 13-Dec-2007
Welcome Aboard!
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I must say I too am baffled why we don't have more folks here from your side of the pond! I've always been under the impression there's more of a choice of good tobaccos available from tobacconist over there than here. I know I've seen a lot of pipe tobacco blends from the U.K & the E.U. I was enjoying Look Out Milde Shage till it wasn't available anymore. I still have a machine or two I had when I began making my own around 1990, even most of the parts for an old red Supermatic I've been putting off rebuilding. Come back often, Capt Mike
- how i got started
- Posted by Jeff on Tuesday, 07-Aug-2007
My wife and I tried it about 4 years ago because a friend at work was doing it and it was cheaper at the time.
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But we went back to premade ones being they were only about $10 buck a carton at the reservation smoke shops.
But a couple years ago when the $%^$& of a Governor we have decided she wanted to ban all smoking in bars and restaurants and raise taxes on smokes.. over half of the smoke shops closed and the the other went up. we still had one that sold them for $16 a carton.
After they shut down after some illegal raids.. we now are back to making our own and it only works out to $9 bucks a carton.
We use mclintock light tobacco and blue premier tubes along with a
supermatic 2 i got free from a friend.
We find that even camels and marbs taste bad after smoking MYO's for awhile.
- Re: how i got started
- Posted by Tom on Sunday, 09-Dec-2007
I have to agree...I have loved Camels for the longest, but my girlfriend had started checking out myo websites and suggested that we try it (normally spending $50 every two weeks on cartons) being we would save money. I have yet to get a table top machine, but my little Top injector works fine for me (for now).
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Most of the joy has been from trying different tobaccos (blending different loose cigarette tobaccos as well as adding different pipe tobaccos for the aromatic effect) and tubes.
I have found that the Zig Zag tubes taste much better than the blue Premiere
- Taxation without Representation
- Posted by johnny jentel on Tuesday, 31-Jul-2007
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I decided to give MYO another try recently, after noting the fed and state governments seem to have targeted smokers as a source of revenue in the form of ever increasing taxes. Cigarette taxes are a revenue stream that politicians can milk repeatedly without angering the majority of the electorate, and even feel self righteous about doing it. Notice how the politicians are avoiding raising the other so called “sin” taxes. That endeavor is reserved for the evil cigarette smokers. But, if increased cig taxes are good, why not higher booze taxes , or higher Twinkie taxes, for that matter? So, anyway, I went online and bought a hand held injector, a couple lbs of tobacco and three boxes of tubes. I was pleasantly surprised to find that even the less expensive brands of tobacco produced a higher quality smoke at a fraction of the cost of manufactured cigarettes. It paid for itself within the first two-hundred MYO cigarettes. It does take some experimentation, however. One of my purchases was a lb of Ryback from D&R, which I was impressed with, but it’s a little too strong for a regular, everyday smoke. It won’t go to waste though. I’ll blend it with a milder tobacco.
This site is a good resource for the recent MYO convert. RYO Magazine is a good, as well.
- Re: Taxation without Representation
- Posted by Smokin n Jokin on Wednesday, 01-Aug-2007
Think about the devastation smokers could reak if they all quit buying premades for just six weeks. Especially in states where the cigarette taxes go for special programs instead of going into the general fund. I just read where one of the states raised cigarette taxes and in it increased their revenue over 150%. Let them get used to spending that for a couple of months and then see if they can go for a month with zero revenue. Imagine what that would do to their budget.
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- Re: Taxation without Representation
- Posted by Kim on Sunday, 17-Feb-2008
Hello! This is my first time posting to this website, and after reading the posts, I thought that it was time to share what made me decide to try SYO, and why I fell in love with doing it.
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I live in Michigan. When cigarettes are over $5.00 a pack, and climbing, and the general wage is falling, people losing jobs, homes, you name it. Jenny decides that they need to raise the "sin" tax. I decided around Thanksgiving time to give SYO a try, and I am not sorry that I did. I enjoy the actual taste! I was an avid Marlboro red 100 smoker for years, so there was some apprehension. I walked into the Admiral Discount Tobacco shop close to where I live and talked to the owner. She hooked me up with what I needed: 7 oz. of Rave FF, box of tubes, and I got a little Zig Zag HH injector, so I wouldn't be out too much if I didn't like it. Two weeks later, I walked back into the store and bought a Top O Matic. The only part I didn't care for were the headaches that I was experiencing smoking those first few sticks, but they were gone after a while. Possibly the chemical additives that are in Marlboro? I also like the fact that I am in control of my smoking experience....blending in flavored tobacco when I want a treat.
And I am not sorry that I started this....my cousin told me that she paid a little over $6.00 for a pack the other day. And it is only climbing. ..I went to buy a pound of tobacco last week, and noticed that the price was $.50 higher than I paid two weeks prior. Oh well, still more cost effective and enjoyable than smoking chemicals and puff stem.
And I am thankful for sites like this one and RYO Magazine. Great sources of info.
Well, that's my story...I'll keep on stuffin'!
- Re: Taxation without Representation
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Sunday, 17-Feb-2008
Welcome to the forum! You mention being a prior Marlboro smoker, have you ever tried Rowland Platinum? It's been years since I've had a Marlboro Red, but when I tried Rowland Platinum--it was kinda like DeJaVowho! I can promise you if you stick around the muddy waters will clear, and you'll find you can smoke like a Queen for a reasonable price. You may even come to think of yourself as a Connoisseur some day, and rightly so. You may find you enjoy several different blends a day, and even blend your own to suit you! You will be able to take comfort in the fact that your smokes have what you want in them, not what someone else wants so they can make a higher profit! Yes, I believe you'll be happier in the long run if you stick with us, and the only one you have to satisfy is yourself! Capt Mike
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- Re: Taxation without Representation
- Posted by Kim on Monday, 18-Feb-2008
Thank you for the welcome, Capt. Mike! I have not tried that particular tobacco, and I am still doing my sampling. I have been venturing on different sites and checking out different brands here and there, and reading comments on these sites helps, but I know that in the long run, it'll have to be my decision. I am very happy with the MYO experience. In fact, I find it very relaxing!
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Rowland Platinum...now I'll just have to give that a try!
- Re: Taxation without Representation
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Monday, 18-Feb-2008
Your welcome, and I'm glad you have decided to join us. You'll here me plugging D&R's tobaccos allot because they are simply the best I have ever had in the 41 years I've been smoking, in fact D&R has the only true all Turkish Blend on the market, and Mark uses the best tobacco he can get. There are other blends out there that are excellent as well. I even pick up a can of Bugler or Bugler Gold now and then. I've been into making my own since 1989-90 starting off with a hand roller and papers, and enjoy the variety I can either blend or buy. Just remember everyone's taste is different; including yours and what makes me happy may not work for you and vise-versa. You have entered a whole new world of smoking satisfaction, and I look forward to reading your posts as you make your discoveries along the way! Capt Mike
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- Re: Taxation without Representation
- Posted by David Brown on Monday, 18-Feb-2008
As posted below we've been doing ours for a while. I've converted a few friends back east but one friend kept telling me "yeah sounds great etc." he decided to come out to Arizona for a week for a visit, he told me before he got here "I smoke camels, and don't want to be preached to about changing".
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He got here and when I picked him up at the airport his cigarettes were in his luggage. So he bummed one, then another and another. Finally he watched me making some and was intrigued. He wound up buying a Supermatic and I taught him how to use it before he left. When he bought his machine we picked up some various Stokkebye's tobaccos and he fell in love.
Since then after his return to Indianapolis he's converted five other people and is still going strong after three months, he took my challenge and bought a pack of camels after one month and he told me he wound up taking two drags putting it out and throwing the rest away.
The wife and I have gone through four or five different tobaccos and have settled into getting about 2 pounds of Sagamore long cut, two 14 ounce bags of D&R SJ Rimboche and two bags of Sagamore Canadian per month for the both of us, and while we spend about $140 a month it's still so much cheaper than buying premade cigarettes.
My advice to you Kim, explore some of the online outlets like tobaccostation and RYO tobacco and D&R. As well as Stokkebye and some of the higher end tobaccos before settling on anything. That way you'll kind of get a taste of what's available. No one can tell you what is best for you. I know for the wife and I it has been a journey where we will go two or three months on one type of tobacco and then get something different with our regular order and have been surprised and have pretty much settled on a mix of various tobaccos, this way were not locked in to a constant everyday smoke.
- Re: Taxation without Representation
- Posted by Kim on Monday, 18-Feb-2008
Like I said, I have been stuffing for a few months now, and I enjoy it. My mom's boyfriend has been doing RYO since I have known him, and he smoked Bugler. I remember the first time that I got a smoke from him when I was going through my first divorce, and gagged, because I was smoking Marlboros. The other day, he came over and dug me out after the blizzards that came through. When I told him that I didn't have any money to give him, he just said," I just want one of your cigarettes". I gave him a smoke, and he really enjoyed it. So, I gave him a sandwhich baggie full of my Rave FF and some tubes. Another friend gave him a Supermatic for doing work for him, and now he is stuffing away.
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- Been here...
- Posted by ebenezer on Friday, 01-Jun-2007
I've been reading, never posted. I did SYO, I am back. I started with D&R working for N&J 3 years ago. Ran into it, no research. I smoked the 3 pounds I bought. Knew I made bad tobacco decisions. I ironically moved to North Carolina. Stopped by D&R on the job(meter),idiot, Still buying Winston Lights(2.45pack). N&J has me back where I started, yet I am enjoying my recent D&R shipment. Enjoy it!
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- My SYO Journey
- Posted by David Brown on Wednesday, 30-May-2007
I started jeez I guess in about 82 in Germany there were many different hand injectors available and I forget where I got mine but we were limited to 4 cartons of smokes a month but I could get a can or two and some tubes and get on through the month.
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I then dabbled with it again in about 90, I got a Laredo and just did it to be different since the price difference was not that much at the time. Over time I lost interest again.
Then 2 years ago we moved to Arizona and I retired and money got to be a consideration, I found RYO magazine and got a supermatic, found tobacco station so I could get a months worth for me and the wife for 1/5th the cost of commercial smokes and at 5.60 a pack if you save 400+ a month is HUGE.
We quickly discovered that what we were making were better tasting and we didnt cough and weez as much. (I even had my doctor ask me after listening to my lungs if I had quit) I told him what I was doing and he said " I still dont recommend it but from what I hear in your lungs dont go back to what you were doing"
We since have gotten a excel as a backup and split time between the two. Have discovered Zen ES tubes and think we have found our perfect tube.
We treat ourselves with vera cruz tubes and different shags every now and again and are more satisfied now that we have been in years.
Here where we are we have had a number of retirees bum a smoke every now and then and remark "what brand is this?"
We tell them about it and have converted a few :)
But for us we will be SYO for life now and when and if they catch up on taxes on SYO we will grow our own.
- Re: My SYO Journey
- Posted by Dano on Thursday, 31-May-2007
I had to reply because it sounds like you were in the Military. (RE: Limited to 4 Cartons a month :) I was in Taiwan in the early 70's, we were limited to 10 cartons a month, 10 cases of beer and 15 quarts of liquor. Naturally on the 1'st of the month, we bought the limit, hauled it down town and sold it on the black market for about a 300% profit :) Of course, after you got your allotment you could still buy 2 cartons at a time at the local base store, same for beer & liquor.
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Like you, I also had a Laredo machine, in the 70's. But as I recall you had to use the Laredo tubes because they were the only tubes to be found. That whole thing didn't work out too well, but was a great idea ahead of it's time.
- Re: My SYO Journey
- Posted by Jo on Friday, 22-Feb-2008
What tobacco do you smoke? Were you using Zen tubes when your doctor told you to continue what you were doing?
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The reason I ask is I am always on the look out for a tobacco that isn't harsh and hard on the lungs. I usually smoke the plain Windsail with the Windsail tubes. I use the lite and the regular tubes about half and half.
- Re: My SYO Journey
- Posted by mrscsi on Friday, 22-Feb-2008
We generally smoke Sagamore long cut for our daily smoke, and I break that up normally with either S. J. Rimboche or two timer. Yes the wife smokes Zen king-size, and I smoke the 100s. The 100s have a 25 mm filter element. I find it is the smoothest smoking tube I have tried.
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Sagamore while not harsh does have flavor and if you smoke too much of it does get a little heavy on my lungs. The S. J. Rimboche is probably the finest tobacco I have ever smoked. But then again that's just my opinion :-) I noticed when I break up my daily routine with some S. J. Rimboche that I don't cough nearly as much as I do on the Sagamore alone.
Of course my wife went to Indiana for Christmas and brought back a cold which had been suffering with for the last month, but I think I've just about got it beat so I have been coughing more than normal. But tend to cough less when smoking SJ. Rimboche . Everything I smoke is in the Zen 100 mm tube.
Hope that helps
- Re: My SYO Journey
- Posted by Jo on Saturday, 23-Feb-2008
My family, even those who don't live with us, all have had the 'cough'. I am the only smoker and don't smoke around them. Those who have seen their doctor have been diagnosed with bronchitis and given an antihistimine, antibiotic and cough syrup.
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I took different cold medications and they helped a lot, but when I ran out and took benadryll, an allergy medication, that seemed to help more than anything. I also found that a cough syrup that shows on the label that it has an expectorant, which thins the mucous, helped a lot, too. Robotussin makes it and there are generics that work, too.
There are very few tobaccos that don't make me cough. The plain Windsail, not the silver or light or other Windsail, is the only tobacco D & R has that doesn't make me cough. The one I smoke is listed as Windsail and on the front of the 14 oz package, it says Special Edition American Gold. The Rimboche tobaccos make me cough.
The other that I can smoke is from the company that makes Sagamore brands, 'Roll Your Own Tobacco'. You mentioned Sagamore. It has been awhile, but I think it is Sagamore Virginia Blend, Sagamore Platinum - Gold and House Blend #1 that I can smoke without coughing, but it seems like one gave me a headache. I just made an order for the samples of these to see for sure which ones I can smoke. They aren't listing House Blend #1, so I am going to call the order in and find out why. I wanted to try their candles, so I will make use of the postage being the same to order the samples.
[link]
- Re: My SYO Journey
- Posted by Jo on Saturday, 23-Feb-2008
Do you use the Zen regular or light tubes? I decided to order those along with the samples. D & R don't carry Zen.
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I have been using the Windsail light and regular tubes about half and half and have decided to use the regular from now on. Tobacco tastes harsher to me when in the light tube. They say that the light aren't any healthier.
- My SYO experience
- Posted by Dave Grant on Thursday, 18-Jan-2007
I got into MYO/SYO way back in, I guess it was the late 60s or early 70s, mainly for economic reasons. I was out of the service, and trying to attend school on the GI bill, so money was tight. I had tried hand rolling and just wasn't very good at it, although I could make a smokeable stick, and the hand-rollers I had seen weren't exactly what I wanted either. I saw a Laredo kit in one of the local shops and decided to give it a try. The Laredo stood me in good stead for about two years, before my finances improved to the point I could buy premades (silly me).
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After a good many years, and many tax increases, I was picking up a couple of cartons of Brand X smokes, when I ran across an Excel starter kit in one of the local shops, did a little mental math, and decided that if it worked as advertised, it would pay for itself in just a couple of cartons. So, I took it home, and haven't looked back since. Now a SupermaticII and a Supermatic (and soon, maybe a Top-O-Matic) later, and many, many boxes of tubes, cans and pouches of 'baccy, I'm perfectly happy to spend a little time makin' my own and experimenting with this and that, and spreading the word.
Somebody will ask me for a smoke, and I whip out my plastic case and hand 'em a stick, and they'll ask, "What brand is this?","How much do they cost?", "How do you get the tobacco and filters in there?", etc., etc., and I'll give 'em the spiel about how to get started, where to get materials, where to find resources, etc. Some follow through, and some seem to not mind feeding the state and Federal government's coffers. Ah, well, all I can say is, "Keep on rollin' and keep on smokin'"
- my cheap little stuffer
- Posted by Anna on Sunday, 14-Jan-2007
Reading these forums is so interesting and learned a great deal. I just use a cheap little blue stuffer made by Bugle that is so easy to use and makes perfect smokes for me. My only addition is a pair of blunted small scissors which I use to tamp the excess tobacco down after removing it from the stuffer.
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Please explain what "shake" is? I can't find the term in your glossary. Love this website.
- Re: my cheap little stuffer
- Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Sunday, 14-Jan-2007
Well, shake is the smaller bits and pieces which are broken off from a tobacco strand, as well as the almost dust-like tobacco I'm sure you're familiar with. You'll usually find it near the bottom of a tin or bag of tobbaco, where it tends to settle. Typically comes from excessive handling, or from overly dehydrated tobacco which tends to crumble really easily.
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- Re: my cheap little stuffer
- Posted by mike c on Sunday, 14-Jan-2007
hello Anna...
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I find your post so "refreshing"...I am tempted to boggle your mind about the Buglar machine, but will spare you...so long as anyone here is enjoying what they are doing, it matters NOT how....."shake" is simply the powder that remains when the tobacco supply gets low, etc....it tends to play havoc with the crank-style machines....I had 2 jams last night....this is what happens when you brag
- Re: my cheap little stuffer
- Posted by Dano on Tuesday, 16-Jan-2007
Hell girl! Get rid of z scissors and give that cig a few good taps on the filter to pack it down. Everybody will tell you that the overhang will disappear with a few good taps :)
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- Re: my cheap little stuffer
- Posted by Jo on Saturday, 23-Feb-2008
When I rolled a pack at a time, I put my cigarettes inside a plastic cigarette case and turned it so the filter was down and tapped it a few times and it settled the overhang, if I had it and also moved the tobacco to the filter if it wasn't there already.
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Or you can do 5 or 6 cigarettes at a time by by holding them in your hand upside down and hitting the filters on the machine a few times until the cigarettes look and feel to suit you.
- I finally threw that Top handheld in the trash
- Posted by Dan S on Saturday, 13-Jan-2007
All the recent posts about handhelds vs. crankers prompted me to write this. Just thought I'd share my experiances.
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I started SYO about two years ago. I was ordering premades off of some internet store, when I noticed the Top starter kit, and I thought I'd give it a try. This came with a box of tubes a Top HH injector and a can of Top tobacco. Now i didn't have alot of luck with this. I couldn't make a decent smoke, they were mostly under filled and very loose. If I tried more tobacco the tube would slip off the injector. I still thought it was pretty cool that you could make your own smokes and and showed them to friends and coworkers.
These frustrations led me to the internet for help where I found RYO magazine and this site. I ordered an Excel machine.
The Excel worked great, at first I was using to much tobacco but eventually I got a feel for it. Later I got a Premier Delux HH the one that has the base you can set the injector in. This worked great too. In some instances better then the Excel.
For instance Athey in a Gizah Charbon tube use the HH. I also had some of those Rizla Light tubes in the blue box that I couldn't get a good stick using the Excel. Sometimes I think humidty and tobacco moisture also allow me to get better quality using the hand held.
Now I usually stuff about a pack or two a day using the Excel. If I get lazy or don't have time to make my daily supply, I just fill a cigarette case with empty tubes, fill a container with some tobacco, and grab the HH. I work outdoors so I can smoke whenever I please. If I worked in an office, I'd probably just keep some tobacco and a HH in a drawer and and make them as needed.
I keep thinking of getting a big crank machine but I really don't need it. So I'll wait till I come across a really good deal or maybe if the Excel ever breaks beyond repair.
p.s. I finally threw that Top handheld in the trash
- Newbie here......
- Posted by smokin n jokin on Tuesday, 09-Jan-2007
So I guess this is where I should start. First I'd like to say hello to everyone and thank the owner of this site for the wealth of information here. I haven't read it all yet but I'm working my way through it. I've only been making my own sticks for two or three weeks now. I decided to look into SYO when a lady (and I use the term loosely) named Nadine Basha decided it would be a good idea to impose a regressive, discriminatory tax on me through a ballot proposition to provide dental and health care for the children of parents that couldn't afford to have them in the first place. That brought the state tax here in Arizona to around $2.00 a package. I was smoking the cheapest brand of generic cigarettes I could find and still every time I turned around I was hitting the ATM up for $100.00 to buy cigarettes. I drove by a smoke shop one day and decided to stop in and check it out. I talked to the owner for a few minutes and left with a supermatic II, a box of Premier tubes and a bag of Golden Harvest full flavor. I wasn't real concerned with the quality of the tobacco seeing as how I had been smoking the equivalent of dried sheep manure anyway. Not that there's anything wrong with Golden Harvest. It's been a very rewarding and satisfying ride since then. As everyone probably does I started out with what is most available and cost effective, Top, Zigzag, Bugler and the like. I found that most of them were a little to strong and harsh for me. At first I couldn't tell much difference between them, I could hardly tell the difference between menthol and non-menthol but now that I have been smoking tobacco instead of chemicals for a couple of weeks I can not only tell the difference between brands but subtle differences between different blends from the same company. From there I graduated to the more popular blends like Gambler, Stokers, McClintock, Midnight Special and those types, even tried a few of the Danish and Dutch recipes like Bali shag and Jester. I enjoy them for a change but not for an everyday smoke. Now I'm into premium tobaccos like Lanes Golden Virginia and Tinderbox Virginia. It seems I'm partial to the smoothness of flu cured Virginia tobacco but I also enjoy the taste of dark fired Kentucky. I don't care for the bite of burley. I'll probably end up with a blend of the two. I don't think I'm saving any money as of yet because I probably have $300.00 worth of different tobaccos and I've only been doing this for less than a month and I haven't bought anything mail order yet. Fortunately there are a number of excellent smoke shops here so everything has been available locally. I do intend to try some of D&R's blends though. What I find particularly rewarding is the ability to blend different types and tweak recipes. I also enjoy it when a co-worker that has run out of cigarettes or one that just smokes occasionally or when they are having a particularly stressful day asks me if they can bum a cigarette. I tell them sure, would you like a blend of the finest golden Virginias from three different continents.....or would you like to try some dark fired Kentucky with a little bit of Turkish, or maybe a blend of both. After they try one they all want to know more. So far I've turned a few neighbors and about a half a dozen co-workers on to MYO. They are most surprised by how easy they are to make how well the end product turns out. Speaking of smoking, I better quit typing and go check on the baby back ribs. Later dudes and dudettes.
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- Re: Newbie here......
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Saturday, 13-Jan-2007
Welcome the the forum! I wish everyone had your patience! You are in for a pleasant surprise when you wrap your hands around any of D & R's tobaccos! I personally like the Two Timer, Windsail Platinum, and Ramback Turkish. You will enter a new world of smoking pleasure with these tobaccos; IMHO. D & R's Ramback Turkish is the only true exclusively Turkish Blend I know of in existence and availability. With these tobaccos you can make your own custom blend that will be your own! And truly exquisite. Mike
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- Re: Newbie here......
- Posted by smokin n jokin on Saturday, 13-Jan-2007
Hi Mike....and thanks for the welcome. I ordered some of the D&H samples from American Thrust. What a deal. It sounds like I will probably prefer the windsail or the two timer. I like a menthol now and then so will probably try the Wingate also. I haven't tried Turkish yet that I know of but when I was shopping online I ran across either a three or five pound bag of what was supposed to be Turkish somewhere. If I find it again I'll let you know.
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- Re: Newbie here......
- Posted by Dano on Tuesday, 16-Jan-2007
Why didn't you order the D&H samples from D&H, they would have been cheaper?? :)
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Dano
- Re: Newbie here......
- Posted by smokin n jokin on Wednesday, 17-Jan-2007
I didn't notice that they had them and I wanted to make the $90.00 order so I didn't have to pay shipping. D&H's samples are a little higher. Thrust's samples are a $1.00 an ounce, D&H's figure out to about $1.50 an ounce plus shipping. The only tobacco I've tried so far that I can't hack is Stokers #2 light (#2 FF could become my regular tobacco but right now I like McClintock a little better) and I like a varity so when I order I'll probably order their samples packs.
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- Why Do I? REBELLION HAHAHAHA
- Posted by m delysid c on Saturday, 04-Nov-2006
cant resist...for me, the ultimate reason to MYO/SYO is the fun!!! sitting here this morning hurriedly making smokes of dust/shake and thinking ahead of my train and bus travels downtown, and wondering how many bums would hit me up today.
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Looking FORWARD to them as opposed to with pre-mades. I never did want to refuse anyone but with todays prices you tend to prefer those that offer to pay with pre-mades. Sure enough, the second I get to the train station, here comes #1..he offered to pay and kept trying and I kept refusing. As he walked away I almost felt guilty giving him such a strong smoke that may even fall apart..hehe...I twist the ends to keep the tobacco in as I hate loose shake in my case but MOST of all, I like to see the reaction on peoples faces when they see something that looks homemade/suspicious..with bum #2 I told him It was safe and contained no pcp, embalming fluid, nor marijuana. Later on the bus he said something to me about my smokes being highly intoxicating (can't repeat his words) but it threw me and it turned out he had liked it and wanted another...I got the royal friendship treatment from him. Just the other day, I got hit up, whipped out my case, and got refused as the guy was afraid my smokes may contain something that would make him twitch,,,now THAT is nice!!! One time I was downtown at a busy bus-stop making smokes as I am known to just carry a bag with all the gear and the police drove up and glared at me and then ordered me to leave as they thought I was engaging in something undesirable. It is still amazing how many people freak out on MYO smokes as to them it looks like a magic trick....and on to another thought..I was reading back through the handheld thread while filling my cigarette box (discovered my small one holds 25 to each compartment perfectly, and I think it took me about 3 hours to make 25!!!!! tell me I am not dedicated!! I don't see how people were doing packs in 5 minutes!! but mine are done NICE....anyway I sure wish one of you seasoned experts with a good shop would investigate the 100mm HH's and tell me which has the proper rubber clamper and not the buglar or top design!!!
* a mike but not mike 1*
- Re: Why Do I? REBELLION HAHAHAHA
- Posted by scott johnson on Saturday, 04-Nov-2006
The Zig-Zag handheld does 100mm and has the rubber gripper for the tube. i don't make 100's, but it does a fair job on the king size tubes.
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- Re: Why Do I? REBELLION HAHAHAHA
- Posted by mike c on Saturday, 04-Nov-2006
most excellent. that is the one I have access to..now if i can get a ride....
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thank you SO MUCH
mc
- Re: Why Do I? REBELLION HAHAHAHA
- Posted by Ralph on Saturday, 11-Nov-2006
Had a guy come by selling magazines. I didn't want any but we talked and he asked for cig. Obviously smelled the plume out of my house. Pulled out the machine on the front porch and made him a mess. He wanted to take a leak in my back yard (I live semi-rural) but I insisted he use my facilities.
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- Re: Why Do I? REBELLION HAHAHAHA
- Posted by Warrior on the Edge of Time on Sunday, 12-Nov-2006
takes me back....wish I could live in a home again, especially out of the thick of the city a ways...and where it is safe to be friendly with people (I recall fuller brush salesmen, amd piano tuners, and knife sharpeners)
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I got called off for dinner and a movie at a friends and off I went with pie pan, bag-of-tobacco, tamping pen, HH injector, cig case w/empty tubes, and just sat there making smokes as I need them ..(they didn't notice a thing out-of ordinary) CAPU96 has rather convinced me to return to my old ways and just make em' as I need em' since thats what I do at home in front of this comp....I had free service but we lost the password so I had to get internet service JUST so I could stay with you people....I get no television reception at this apt, and I won't shell for cable
as I'd rather have internet
*whew*
plume away!
mike c
- How I got started stuffing my own
- Posted by Dolores on Sunday, 20-Aug-2006
A couple years ago an Indian tribe in my state decided to sell premade cigarettes on their own land. Our governor in collaboration with our attorney general - with the strongarm of our state troopers - reacted with immediate aggression to halt their sales. I don't know if this made any headlines outside my tiny state, although it informed me that if I continued to smoke, I should consider alternative means to support my habit. I didn't entirely quit smoking as I switched to smoking OPB (other people's brands)...basically, whatever I bummed off friends who smoked. One ordered cigarettes off the net from an Indian reservation in another state. I tried them and found them less than satisfying, which led me to search the net for other options.
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Fortunately, I discovered the RYO magazine online and subsequently found this web site (thank you David Lers!!!). I read articles about tobacco and various rolling and injector devices, as well as a number of posts on this discussion forum. A pack of name brand smokes runs close to $6/pack at convenience marts and a carton over $52 at our local shopping warehouse club (before 7% sales tax, on top of the exorbitant taxes already figured into the carton pricing). This said, the savings alone to stuff my own was an attractive option - as I figured I had little to lose as I intended to smoke whatever I ending up stuffing.
I purchased nearly 20 $1 samples through American Thrust (several of which I have yet to stuff) and a few variety sample kits from D&R (none of which I've tried yet). Everything I've tried thus far is beyond superior to the horrid premades I previously smoked. I have the regular posters on this discussion forum to thank for the excellent choices I made on my two purchases.
I've shared my samples with my elderly neighbor, who in turn has shared the cigs I've stuffed with his friends. After trying the smokes I had stuffed, my neighbor finds his former brands little to be desired and has asked me to stuff his cigarettes. In fact, he's enjoyed all that we've tried so much that he's leaving the tobacco choices to me! It's fortuitous that we both dig full flavor non-menthol tobaccos.
His grandchildren are tried and true menthol smokers - loyal to their brands, and they too are quite impressed with the better tasting tobaccos combined with the factory appearance. In fact, they've been bumming cigs off of us to sample what their grandfather and I have enjoyed immensely over the past couple weeks. None of us knew that we had such options to smoke a variety of great tasting tobaccos without the heavy taxation.
Earlier this evening I smoked a regular Pall Mall 100 to remind me what it tasted like and I nearly gagged. It was a highly unpleasant smoking experience, to say the least. As I type this, I'm smoking PS Turkish Export (one of my $1 samples) and the samples I purchased are in a completely different league.
I look forward to stuffing what I purchased from D&R and am grateful for the tremendous advantage of learning from others on this forum - THANKS!!!
- Re: How I got started stuffing my own
- Posted by Jay on Tuesday, 22-Aug-2006
I've been a 1-month MYO smoker (as of this post's date), and I love the full flavored SYO regular tobacco. I didn't care for the SYO menthol. Menthol tobacco works better with menthol tubes as I learned. The tobacco tastes more like a regular if you stuff menthol tobacco in a nonmenthol cig tube. SYO menthol also smells more like a port when it's in the regular Premier tube.
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So I guess I'm a former menthol smoker now, albeit those MYO menthols (SYO menthol in the Premier menthol 100mm tubes) at least taste like a REAL menthol compared to a port.
This SYO regular tobacco stuffed in Premier regular tubes make premade full flavored regulars taste like trash (and that's actually what premades are made of....trash made to look like tobacco).
I notice I'm slowly increasing my amount in "natural fashion" after I started smoking less for the first few weeks of MYO's. I'm probably getting back up to the level I was at when I used to smoke ports because my body is fully used to (and is fully in love) with smoke from 100 percent tobacco. But I actually don't mind smoking heavily again. Besides, I've already saved 100s of bucks (within the past month) from not buying port cartons anymore.
- Re: How I got started stuffing my own
- Posted by Dolores on Tuesday, 22-Aug-2006
Thanks Jay for sharing your insights on stuffing menthol tobacco into menthol tubes vs. non-menthol tubes. My neighbor's grandkids want to sample menthol tobaccos and as I'm not a menthol smoker - I'm not quite sure how to go about it. I'll have to read up what others have to say before I begin experimenting with methol samples.
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I agree...premades taste quite nasty compared to everything I've stuffed thus far.
- Re: How I got started stuffing my own
- Posted by Kent on Tuesday, 22-Aug-2006
Dolores,
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This thread:[link] ...may help.
- Re: How I got started stuffing my own
- Posted by Dolores on Tuesday, 22-Aug-2006
Kent ~ thank you!!! As I smoke non-menthol, I'll definitely suggest this as an option to my elderly neighbor's grandchildren who do if they are willing to invest the time, effort, and cash. I suspect they aren't unless I do it for them, which will leave them where they are - purchasing factory premades for a lot more $$$.
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- Re: How I got started stuffing my own
- Posted by Jay on Tuesday, 22-Aug-2006
Well, tough luck to them in spending more money for premade menthols that don't have real tobacco in the actual menthols.
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I'm sorry I didn't catch your comment to the cited menthol thread. But if anyone wants me to make cigs for them, they would have to tolerate smoking regular cigs. As much as I love the idea of helping my family members and friends who all smoke, I don't see the point of buying menthol tobacco/menthol tubes just for the intent of making them for others.
The startup kit is the only real expensive part of switching to stuffing your own. I paid $72 for a Supermatic machine, a pack to hold the cigs, 2 cartons of regular 100mm tubes, and a pound of the FF regular tobacco. The savings are more noticeable when it comes time to refill your stock of regular tubes and the regular tobacco you prefer.
I'm sorry. I can't resist holding my feelings. I'm happier as a smoker now. As others have said in other threads on this site, I wish I learned about SYO's when I first started smoking at 13. I would've saved probably millions of bucks on my smoking habit if I started smoking REAL cigs (that being SYO cigs) instead of the premades teens prefer.
- Re: How I got started stuffing my own
- Posted by Dolores on Wednesday, 23-Aug-2006
Jay, we're on the same wavelength here! I don't mind stuffing cigs for my elderly neighbor since he'll smoke whatever I stuff, although I can't see investing my time, energy, and cash for his grandkids who smoke something entirely different. I'll share info and provide referrals to reputable merchants, but the rest is up to them.
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Like you, I too wish I knew about making one's own cigs decades ago when I was also a mere teen, as I would have saved a LOT of cash as well.
Smoking is quite enjoyable now, and I think of it in terms of another neighbor who relishes smoking his daily cigar of choice.
- Re: How I got started stuffing my own
- Posted by Jay on Wednesday, 23-Aug-2006
Hey Dolores,
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I included my email addy this time in case you ever wanted to continue chatting away from the forum about smoking regular SYO's. You know, for avoiding unneccessary "cluttering" on this forum?
I agree smoking is more enjoyable for me now as well. I think these regulars I make myself even smell a lot better than premade regulars.
My mother is actually the only other non-menthol smoker in my family (except unlike myself, she has enjoyed regular cigs since her Day 1 as a smoker). Unfortunately, she thinks the full-flavored regulars I make myself are too strong for her. That's probably because she's used to smoking lights. Despite the fact she smokes regulars too, Doral Lights/Virginia Slims regulars (her two brands) both don't smell the same to me anymore. Those Dorals' smoke flat out stinks, and I can imagine what both of those trashy premade regulars taste like now.
I could buy a pound of light regular tobacco and some light tubes for her to try, but I don't think she's actually interested in SYO's. Besides, she's too busy to set aside time for actually making the cigs themselves. No point in making cigs if one actually doesn't have the time to make them.
- Re: How I got started stuffing my own
- Posted by Jay on Tuesday, 22-Aug-2006
Well, I was mainly a menthol smoker when I smoked premades, but I've switched to regulars thanks in part to stuffing my own. Since Newports are the type of menthol where you taste very little mint (compared to Salems and Benson and Hedges Menthols), the transition to regular MYO's was good for me.
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I checked out that menthol thread myself. But I'm happy with the taste of the full-flavored SYO regular tobacco I smoke. If someone asked me "What do your stuffed regulars come close to tasting like, in terms of premade regulars?" I honestly couldn't answer that Q. All I could say is if you think Winstons are "additive free" as they claim, you might think again after smoking a pack I made myself.
While Winstons may not have as many chemicals in them as a Marlboro Red, I still think Winstons have a few chemicals in them still. Anyone can compare the taste of a regular MYO and the taste of a Winston, and you might end up thinking the actual additive free cig is the regular cig I stuffed myself.
Good luck with finding the perfect menthol tobacco combo, for the neighbor's grandkids. It might help to find out which menthols they prefer smoking. In the cited menthol thread, I notice a lot of comparisons between premade menthol brands and the different brands of loose menthol tobacco.
- SYO has saved my income life as a smoker
- Posted by Jay on Sunday, 23-Jul-2006
I'm only 28, but I also smoke close to 2 packs per day. I first learned about MYO about a month ago. And with the help of a new friend, I finally learned how to use my machine the proper way (it's a Supermatic machine).
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And then when I got back home, I tried practicing making my own again with my regular SYO FF tobacco, with the tips he gave me. Making my own cigs is easy now that I got the hang of it.
But as far as how they taste, these regular MYO 100s I've been making taste MUCH better than any other factory non-menthol brand I have ever smoked, Winstons included. My mother tried one. She thinks they're way too strong, but I don't think so. They're perfect to me. I think these cigs I've been making are TRUE non-menthol cigs. I think the Winston ads have been lying about "no additives" because MYO cigs taste much fresher and even smell better.
I'm actually a menthol smoker (but I do like regulars occassionally), but I tried a menthol MYO from my friend as well. That menthol had a much bigger taste than factory menthols (more mint in SYO menthol tobacco to me).
The menthol one is similar to a Newport but taste and smell a lot better than a Newport (the same brand I used to smoke).
I've been smoking nothing but MYOs all day today, and m body doesn't seem to miss the Newport smoke. Maybe when I buy my next refill, I can buy bags of both tobacco flavors and the menthol tubes this time.
Aside from helping me save money, MYO's also allow me to mix regular and menthol tobacco in a cig. Something that can't be done with factory cigs. And since I'll be saving money, I wouldn't be surprised if I actually end up smoking a little bit more.
I don't like sweeping tobacco bits off of the table after making a pack, but that's not a biggie to me. I certainly feel sorry for those who spend WAY TOO MUCH money on factory cigs, when MYO/RYO's are the actual best-tasting cigs in the tobacco industry! Paying essentially 6-13 bucks for making my own carton when the MYO cigs taste like pure tobacco (and a lot of factory brands don't even taste like real tobacco) is a steal in my books.
- Re: SYO has saved my income life as a smoker
- Posted by Jay on Sunday, 23-Jul-2006
And for the record, the type of tobacco I'm using to make my own happens to be called "SYO full flavored regular" from the stuffyourown.com shop.
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- Re: SYO has saved my income life as a smoker
- Posted by Warren on Sunday, 23-Jul-2006
> I don't like sweeping tobacco bits off of the table
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> after making a pack, but that's not a biggie to me.
I keep the machine on a big plastic tray, along with a can of tobacco and a box of tubes. I also removed the rubber pad from under the machine (I use mostly Top-o-Matic, which is an improved clone of Suprematic). Another part I took out is the big spring which retracts the lever. Once you get the new resistance-free move down (careful on the first few tries since it can damage the mechanism if you apply the same old force), it works quicker and takes less effort.
After making couple packs, I crank the empty machine few times, then scoop (with an old credit card) all of the tobacco bits and dust from the tray into the trash can. It takes no time to tidy it all up and no need to open the machine and clean the tobacco from inside.
- Re: SYO has saved my income life as a smoker
- Posted by Dave L on Tuesday, 25-Jul-2006
Because of the misinformation that's been posted, here and elsewhere, I'm sensitive to phrases like 'improved clone'. TTBOMK the only thing that can be said in favor of the TOM is that it requires less cleaning (due to increased cutter/compressor clearance). FWIW, my personal favorite is still the Supermatic II.
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On cleanup. I use a small dust pan and brush set that I got at the dollar store.
On the mainspring. I had thought the faster spring retraction of the spoon was better (like yanking a tablecloth and leaving the dishes) but I didn't notice a functional difference with the spring removed. I tried using the machine for a few days with the spring removed and decided that I prefer the 'feel' of the machine with the spring in.
- Re: SYO has saved my income life as a smoker
- Posted by Jay on Wednesday, 26-Jul-2006
I tried smoking my first port after 3 days of smoking ones I made myself. That port felt more like I was smoking a CHEMICAL-ette! The premade cig had no tobacco taste at all, and if there was menthol in that cig, my tongue didn't taste any mint in it!
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Good-bye for good Newports and all of the other premade brands! It sucks I wasted probably close to a quarter of a million bucks on premade cig cartons over the years, when I wasn't smoking REAL tobacco to begin with!
I just hope it takes another 10-20 years before the govts learn about smokers like myself buying loose tobacco online.
See also: Posts from 2003 to June 2006