How To

Posted by Smokin n Jokin on Tuesday, 13-Mar-2007

There are a few Ultimatic owners on here and I'm sure one of them will be along momentarily. In the meantime one of the settings is for kings, one for 100's and I believe one for regulars. It takes some practice getting the tubes on the nozzle. Try turning it a little bit and see if you can get it started, then if you can tap lightly on the filter to get it to go the rest of the way. The last four boxes of Tops tubes I bought were undersized and I had to throw most of them away. When you fill the chamber tamp it down lightly, then slide the tobacco from the middle to the corners, fill the void in the middle and then crank the handle.

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Posted by I didn't get blocked (did on Tuesday, 13-Mar-2007

I was the first one and I happened to see this..........
the far left setting is for 100mm cigs, although I personally use this setting along with quite a few others here (pretty sure) to make Kings. Your first problem IS INDEED the tubes, it is REDICULOUS that Top puts out a machine that there tubes don't fit (or work too well).....I have used Top regular on mine, without trouble, but nozzles can vary a bit...don't panic!!! Bugler tubes will do it, along with any others probably......Another reason I love the far left setting is that on mine I basically have no time release at all and it gives maximum fill. Capt'n Mike T (another Mike here) just got one and he swears by the factory settings so we'll see what he might come on with.....as for the instructions....they were so short on my Supermatic (same for Ultimatic) that I would reproduce them for you if you like (off-list if need-be)...the time release can be a pain to "fuss around with a bit" but I found it wasn't too hard. I also am under the impression that the Ultimatics come set in such a way that the 100mm setting doesn't like to lock in place because of the washer which needs moving out.....I am at insect.brain@gmail.com if you wish to ask me more PS- Don't WORRY, it's just more rewarding when you get it all set correct!!!!
mike c

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Posted by pelted with rocks and gar on Tuesday, 13-Mar-2007

OHHHHH almost forget...you can play with certain "ballpoint" pens until you find one that will stretch the circumferance of the tip of your tube to where it will fit!!!!
my strong advice: since your's has a larger nozzle, DO NOT BUY Any more TOP or GAMBLER tubes (same manufacturer)
ok-I gave my mail

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Posted by Xena on Tuesday, 13-Mar-2007

Ohh!!! thanks so much you guys!! I am going to get different tubes anyway when I run out of these, the first time I used the far left setting, it worked great, but then by the third or forth cigarette, it seemed to stick and rip the edges of the end of the tubes off - what am I doing wrong?? I will try the pen idea and see if I can stretch these a little until I get new ones - I would GREATLY appreciate a copy of those directions - my email is xena222@verizon dot net - thanks so much for your help - I am doing this to save money, the cost is helping me to buy something special for my daughter - hehe, so your help and soooo quickly, is so much appreciated!! Thanks!!!!! :D

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Posted by Matt on Tuesday, 13-Mar-2007

Hi Xena...take Mike's advice and get yourself some new tubes, first off. Secondly, switch between the far left setting and the middle EVERY time you try a new combination of tubes & tobacco. Sometimes you'll need to set it on the far left for one type of tobacco and tubes and sometimes you'll need to set it in the middle for another. You're going to also want to pay attention to how moist your tobacco is...too moist and you'll have a filter-end gap...not moist enough, it'll jam your machine. (don't be intimidated; by choosing SYO you're smart enough) You'll learn as you go and as long as you've got the stick-to-it-iveness, it'll become second nature to you.

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Posted by mike c on Tuesday, 13-Mar-2007

Just on more on-line one.....I had a Supermatic perfectly adjusted to "guage" my Ultimatic time-release by, although I doubt I need a visual at this point....I am putting this on-line because I trust the people on here (especially Dave L) about how to properly adjust.
My machine tore pieces of the paper off the tip as well, and drove me (more) insane. I am thinking I simply turned the gripper around as well as making the time release very very smooth to almost non-existent. I belive I have now put a new one on and you should see the massive dent in the side of use but it works like a family member....OH YES AND THEN THERE'S THAT MODEL AIRPLANE R/C HOSE-LINE that will save you if needed........DON'T PANIC!!!!

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Posted by it doesn't matter on Tuesday, 13-Mar-2007

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I'm taking bets I know the ULTIMATE problem with the torn ends on the Ultimatic THIS TIME!!!!! I believe the latest shipment of Ultimatic's unfortunately comes with a gripper cap no thicker than a condom (pardon language kids).....
so, bet you need R/C cable!!! or a new gripper from Arbro Inc, only prob. is flat $5.oo ship charge.

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Re: Newbie needs LOTS of help please!: Posted by Sara on Monday, 16-Jul-2012
Yes! I've found that worn out, ill fitting, or incorrectly positioned gripper caps were the cause of most any problems I've had - Including the tubes not filling to the filter!
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Posted by Xena on Wednesday, 14-Mar-2007

Hey guys!!! Okay, the cig making quest went GREAT tonight, with all your help - I have even decided I will NEVER buy another pack of smokes again - LOL!!!
Thanks for the emails mike c, packing at the ends and changing to the middle setting solved my ripping problem - I can deal with these tubes until I run out and get new ones. I think mine does indeed have a wider nozzle - how do you guys think premiers will work with it?? If not good, I can get some Buglers I am sure.
On a side note, I do have a serious problem with that filter end gap, and the tobacco seems to stick out the end until I pack them down. Too moist?? Okay, I have been storing my Bugler in the freezer, is that bad?? Coincidentally, I will NOT give up - these taste a million times better than store bought - LOL!! Thanks for all your help - you guys are irreplacable in my book!!! :D

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Posted by Matt on Wednesday, 14-Mar-2007

While you can store tobacco in the freezer, it can dry it out or possibly pick up freezer odors. Room temperature is fine for storing tobacco as long as it's in an airtight container.

About the tubes, I highly recommend Bugler over Premier. Hell, I'd recommend Bugler over just about any tube.

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Re: Newbie needs LOTS of help please!: Posted by Xena on Thursday, 15-Mar-2007
Thanks Matt! Since I was storing it in the freezer, it has seemed to actually get a little more moist as I am making my cigs after I remove it from the cold - so I took it out and left it at room temp, I will try to roll some more tonight, and I am going to look into some of those Bugler tubes - you guys are a MASSIVE help - so appreciated is your time and knowledge! take care!!
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Posted by kasba22 on Thursday, 15-Mar-2007

When I first got my Supermatic, I also had trouble getting tubes on the nozzle. When I felt the nozzle with my finger I noticed that the edges were sharp and had some very small burrs that hung up the tube paper. I just took some 320 grit sand paper and sanded off the burrs and ever so slightly rounded the edges of the nozzle. It was like night and day, my tubes slide on very easily now.

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Posted by Xena on Friday, 16-Mar-2007

Thanks!! I noticed the edges seemed a little rough too on the nozzle of mine - I wasn't sure what to try to sand it with - but I will definitely give this a try too.
Anybody have any other suggestions to get rid of the filter end gap??
My cigs slide off the nozzle then slide back, but not onto the nozzle, are they supposed to stay on there throughout the process, or slide back on??

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Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Saturday, 17-Mar-2007

First, there will almost always be *some* filter gap, since the tobacco plug doesn't eject out from the chamber with the exact shape and size as the filter it's heading toward. You'll always have to give the buggers a couple of tamps. But the gap should always be negligible.

It sounds like in your case the tobacco's moisture content is too high. Newcomers can be easily confused about this; here's the best way to tell. Take a pinch of tobacco from its container and roll it between your fingers into a tight ball and set it down. Does it retain that shape? If so, it's too moist. It should resist your efforts to mash it into a tight ball and when you let go should try to immediately spring back into something closer to its original shape. It should feel slightly crisp to the touch yet be elastic and springy.

If you've been storing your tobacco in the freezer (don't), it will immediately begin to absorb some moisture from the air once it has been removed, since the moisture will be attracted to the cold tobacco and settle on it.

Check out this short video from RYO Magazine: [link]

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Posted by Xena on Saturday, 17-Mar-2007

Thanks a bunch!! The filter end gap I get is not generally REAL bad - I checked the mesurements as per the post here, and my machine is almost exactly 2 and 3/4 so I am pretty sure the problem is my tobacco - coming out of the freezer for sure - I wrongly assumed this would keep it "fresher" - LOL!!! Mine would start out very dry then go directly to too moist and now I understand why!!
Will try the rolling test tonight and see how mine is doing, the video was very helpful as well!! Thanks so much!!! :D

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Posted by Wazmo Nairz on Saturday, 17-Mar-2007

Also, and probably just as importantly, make sure your tubes remain as dry as possible. A tube that has sucked up a bit of humidity from the air exacerbates the problem of too-moist tobacco...and when you go to tamp the thing, it always wants to bend and buckle where the tipping paper meets the tube. I don't know where you live, but here in Florida humidty is a real problem for MYOing unless you keep all your supplies and stuff inside in the air conditioning. :-)

Also, there's always going to be some minimal gap, if only because the tobacco plug bein ejected from the chamber isn't going to be the exact diameter of the tube and with a flush end where it meets the filter. You'll always have to give 'em a couple tamps at least to settle it completely in. Otherwise, sounds like you're on your way!

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Re: Newbie needs LOTS of help please!: Posted by Xena on Monday, 19-Mar-2007
They have been coming out great for the last two days!!! This had been a journey, LOL, but coming along well! Just wanted to say THANKS to everyone who helped - you rule!!
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Empty space normal?

Posted by Jon on Monday, 04-Dec-2006

I've got a rizla hand injector and every time i make a cig there is a gap of air near the filter. Even after tapping the cig is rather soft. I tend to like the firm feel of marlboros and cant seem to reproduce those. Forget flicking the ash off, just holding the cig for more than a minute makes it start to crush. Im using zig zag light tubes, peoples tobacco(gross), and the rizla blue handheld injector. Would the new cigarette sized rizla tubes solve my problems.

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Posted by mike c on Monday, 04-Dec-2006

this ones for me
here's the deal...NONE of the king-size injectors fill the tobacco down to the filter....I am presently working to get companies to change the designs....The Rizla injector is my personal favorite, so much so that I have just set up a little "shrine" with my Rizla De Luxe injector, along with a sealed box of cigarette sized tubes and the original promo pamphlet about the tubes which says "size does matter"
LOL! yes I am INSANE!!! that's how I get paid LOL!!!anyway my injector is exactly the same as yours only colored red and set in a cool looking "base"...now to solve your problem ...you have 2 choices....either start tamping the hell out of your stick at the butt end, and then adding tobacco to the tip...I always used a plastic ball-point pen....
your next option is to switch to Rizla cigarette sized tubes, and this will make you PERFECT sticks OR you can retire your Rizla and get a Maiker 100mm injector, which will leave tobacco hanging out, but after tamping it works and eliminates the need to add tobacco....OR you can delve into the frightening world of machines, which I have just done, and will see if both my injectors get retired
I have included my email if anyone wants to speak off-list
hope that does it...sorry I didn't have a better fix!
mike c

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Posted by Jon on Monday, 04-Dec-2006

i've heard the cigarette size tubes will fit on the original rizla injector, any idea if this is true? Also, a little off topic but i normally smoke lights, i've got light tubes with light tobacco and yet i've got crazy headaches going on here, almost as bad as when i first started smoking.

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Posted by mc on Tuesday, 05-Dec-2006

the Rizla machine you own absolutely will make Rizla cigarette size...if you reread what I wrote you'll see that's what I was telling you...I should have mentioned they will fit tightly but work nicely...also...others here at SYO have claimed good results making KING SIZE with the Zig-Zag "Precision Pro" which I think is more accessible than the Maiker...it may even work better than the Maiker...I don't know...you could also use ANY 100mm injector to make KING SIZE

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Posted by Jon on Tuesday, 05-Dec-2006

Honestly im not sure i'll even bother with the cigarette size tubes. I bought a pack of marloboros today and i got such a great feeling from smoking one, something the stuffed ones didnt give me, also my headaches went away mid day prob because the marlboros are lighter. I noticed the manufactured cigs have about a 22mm or larger filter and they use puffed tobacco, so im just not used to tobacco this strong, if i used ultralight tobacco maybe then i'd be ok. Considering i used to smoke reds and even those didnt give me headaches this stuff must be pretty darn strong.

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Posted by platoslostdialogue on Tuesday, 05-Dec-2006

That would be all the crazy chemicals the PM puts in marlboros so you keep smoking them.

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Wedgies, Shake, Rattling and Rolling

Posted by mike c (out of bed for 1m) on Wednesday, 06-Dec-2006

this is important to me, first, I am afraid I came off "smart-ass" sounding in my reply to Jon....sorry Jon, I was really annoyed at myself, and my damned Rizla De Luze causes more confusion than it's worth....DnR doesn't know of it, DnR suppliers never heard of it, Robert Burton Associates never heard of it (back in 2002,or o3), and now in 2006, once again, I had to actually ARGUE it's existence with Kevin there...he wants a photo...which BTW I need someone to tell me how to submit photos here...but that can wait....now, I am hoping you are still watching us here....what Platoslostdialogue told you was cram-packed with meaning in every short word....Marlboro Red is the most INGENIOUSLY SINISTER concoction ever created in cigarettedom....and they know it too....that was MY brand forever...my friend Mark coined the term "lung-punch" for what they give you....it is just lucky that money drove me back to SYO, because I had NO IDEA it was "elitist" until I found myself plopped right here....my lungs were starting to get really scary pains, and I would have just kept smoking on and on and on if it were not for cash-flow....now, eyes wide open from this list and it's contents
I will never return....the MYO cigarettes are a different experience, and do require adjustment after you are used to the super-tight perfection and gun-powder ignited paper, etc (ok maybe I did BS a little). I really think you should try the cig size tubes first, as these pack tight, and really smooth/lighten the smoke (really too much for me)...light cigarettes in general always gave me a headache, I thought it was extra "filler material"...the cig size will still not be your absolutely perfect marlboro stick, but the memory fades and gives way to a new joy...think about it...peace
mc

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Re: Empty space normal?: Posted by Jon on Wednesday, 06-Dec-2006
Mike, thanks for the advice on the cig size tubes, just picked some up tonight and what an improvement. It fits perfect on the rizla de luxe and they are really great tubes. They lightened the smoke to just perfect. Thanks to your advice im hooked as a stuffer(next i'll work on quiting). As a cross over to MYO these tubes really are the best thing in the world(ok, now im sounding cocky). I'll fiddle in mixing when i finish this batch of people choice but i'll stick with the rizla tubes until they stop making them.

BTW: You didnt come off as a smart ass, you came off as a well educated informant to other MYO'ers. Thanks
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Re: Empty space normal?: Posted by jcat on Tuesday, 05-Dec-2006
sometimes it takes awhile to find out the little tricks to stuffing.the rizla blue is one of the best i have found as for as hand injectors go,it is a very different machine then the cigarette size! if you have to take the time to go through the posts here.what i learned is to make sure your tobacco is dried right and to stuff the front end and rear end tight! look for how to stuff it will help
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Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Thursday, 14-Sep-2006

Obviously stuffing a smoke can become quite a serious adventure for many; and for others it's some sort of race to see who can, with apologies to H.B. Halicki, "Stuff in 60 Seconds."

Like many here, I've been doing this thing for a number of years with various devices and with more tobaccos than I ever even knew existed back when I smoked pre-manufactured swill and I've learned a few simple truths....

1. Prepare the material. I realise "dry" tobacco is a relative term, and figuring out which cuts of 'baccy will stuff at different moisture levels becomes a tactile thing, like throwing free throws or three pointers. Once you memorise the "feel", you're set. I can instantly tell, just by the tactile feedback from closing the cutter, how hard or easy a particular stuff is gonna be...I adjust the next accordingly. Also, like many here point out, atmospheric humidity plays a big part in the process. It keeps tobacco too moist, affects the machine operation and makes tubes far too limp.

2. Take your time. What's the rush? Evenly fill the chamber in the manner recommended by the label on each and every Supermatic and you will never have a problem, period (unless your machine is hosed. In that case, instead of working up peculiar stuffing rituals, get the thing serviced/adjusted/fixed).

3. Keep the short, dusty stuff outta the chamber. Never use shake and dust alone, period. There is always shake and dust in every bag or pouch you will ever buy and you always encounter it towards the end of a bag. I try to separate as much of it as I can when I first open a bag, throwing away the really fine dust and keeping the shorter, broken srands in another container--which I mix with the full strands when I prepare to stuff. Less waste, less jamming, fewer rituals.

4. This ain't rocket science. It's simply performing a task. Performing any task successfully requires nothing more than the proper tool for the job (properly maintained), the proper materials for the job, and instructions (along with, eventually, experience). I know I used to make this thing into something harder than it was long ago, usually because I was trying to avoid following those basic instructions by trying to use up my shake, by not waiting to allow the tobacco to breathe and dry ut a bit and by try to use the same techniques with every different moisture level/cut there was and by thinking I was going to come up with some new method no one had ever discovered before. hah!

Hell, sometimes it might take me 6 to 10 mintues to stuff a pack if I'm just casually cranking along, maybe talking to someone or reading the paper while I stuff; and that's fine by me. I figure that even at 8 minutes a pack including prep time, I can enjoy the activity without grief (in a chill-out, Zen-like way, I guess). I can't see why, with life being the aggrevating thing it is anyway, I should aggrevate myself further by knowingly trying to do something improperly and suffering the consequences.

Just my $0.47 (2 cents adjusted for inflation).

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A 'Wedge Stuff'

Posted by Kent C on Friday, 08-Sep-2006

I was having some tough cranks and after going over all the info on using, tuning, cleaning etc. I was still having some problems. Since there was no problem mechanically, I started thinking about the stuffing - I know about overstuffing and how dry tobacco, esp. at least in my experience can bring the machine to a halt.

I decided to do exactly opposite of what was recommended - fill the middle instead of the ends and frankly it made sense to me - if you fill the ends where is the tobacco going to go? Wouldn't filling the middle tend to even out the packing better. Well, no. Lol. that didn't work out all that well. But, I then tried stuffing a 'wedge' - filling lightly on the left by the nossle - to the point where you can see some metal on the 'floor' of the slot, and filling a wedge shaped fill toward the right side.

Since then I've packed about 2 cartons worth without any stops or even hard cranks. And I think this is partly because I'm using the 100s setting on the size lever for Kings, I'm getting a good fill near the filter as well. [my spoon actually goes between the filter and the paper on Vera Cruz tubes, I think allowing the filling of the neck better - I know all spoons may not do that.] One tap usually and then I rollout tobacco to the open end of the cigarette. I also know that the type of tobacco could be a factor so I'm not saying this will work for everyone, just something to try if you're having problems.

I use Rowland light, Wingate light and McC menthol. I agree with one poster that moist tobacco (not too moist) stuffs better. I take a 1x1 inch cube of sponge - squeezing it out - and put in the storage container and rewet it every two days.

I have set up an image gallery for friends just starting out. Most of it is simple stuff you guys know, but you may want to check it out. It takes a password to get in which is 'MYO' without the quotes and the link is here [link] I explain the 'wedge stuff' in the caption of one of the images. And you'll see a cheap 'bin/hopper' I use for stuffing and a few other things... It's helped my friends get started and reduces phone calls :-)

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Posted by Dave L on Saturday, 09-Sep-2006

What's recommended is to fill the slot evenly. The reason for putting a little extra effort into filling the corners is that the middle is more accessible and easier to pack, the ends have a tendency to end up on the loose side.

Stops or jambing are the result of using too much tobacco or a machine that is gunked up. The only thing your 'wedge' has done is get you to use less tobacco. Filling the left side loosely is why you have to go through the gyrations of tapping the filter (while the tube is on the machine) and jambing the spoon into the filter. Packing the right side too tight is why you have to 'roll' the tip of your finished smoke to get a decent draw.

I don't recommend sponges, or anything organic, in with the tobacco because they are a potential breeding ground for mold.

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Posted by Kent C on Sunday, 10-Sep-2006

Dave,

Thanks for the comments. The 'extra effort filling the corners' wasn't always working for me. I think it can create a bottleneck at the nozzle, and I posted the suggestion for people who were having problems and had tried all the fixes. It does 'force' you to use less tobacco and that was part of the point. I hang the sponge off the top of the container not touching the tobacco. It's not a long storage container, and have never had a mold problem, but again, appreciate the advice, and the site.

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Posted by Dave L on Wednesday, 13-Sep-2006

Everything gets bigger on the way out, the nozzle is bigger than the tobacco plug and the tube is bigger than the nozzle. Wazmo's experiment [link] shows that the only time you get tobacco plug pileup is when the tobacco is way too moist (my last can of LE had a whopping 79%RH). The pileup is because there's too much friction (spoon mods might prevent the pileup but not the gumming, filter end voids, etc. that happen when the tobacco is too moist), not because of any bottleneck. Dave's Excel mod [link] uses a slightly smaller diameter nozzle and a bottleneck might be a concern there.

It bothers me when folks develop all sorts of complicated methods to use less tobacco (partly closed tobacco chamber, weighing out the tobacco, etc.). It takes time/experience to get a feel for how much tobacco to use. If you keep it simple, stuffing will be easier and more enjoyable in the long run. It occurs to me that maybe I've taken filling the chamber for granted. While I suggest not piling up too much tobacco on top of the slot, I do fill the slot flush with the top of the machine. The more tobacco above the chamber the greater the buffer, i.e. the harder it is to over-pack the chamber. If you pileup too much tobacco the finished smoke is likely to be under/unevenly packed, too little and you won't get the spongy feedback you want.

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Throw it? Re: A 'Wedge Stuff'

Posted by Kent C on Wednesday, 13-Sep-2006

Dave,

Understand your concerns. And thanks for the tips. I think 'complicated methods' overstates it in my case, unless I didn't make myself clear but that will happen. I can still finish a pack in 5 minutes or less. What bothers me is some of the posts here, where people have given up, have had functional machines, but still are having problems and a few posts mentioning 19 to 20 'tapping moves' on the cigarette afterwards! At this point, I tap the filter once, throw it once and roll it out a bit. If you don't have to do that - great. From the emails I've got, some people are being helped.

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Posted by Kerry on Wednesday, 13-Sep-2006

I'll have to agree with Dave 100% on this one.

Part of your "method" still has me scratching my head... "I tap the filter once, throw it once and roll it out a bit". Throw it? Roll it out a bit? Way too much extra effort for me. Do you throw it against the wall? LOL!

Oh well, if it works for you...

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Learning curve Re: Throw it? Re: A 'Wedge Stuff': Posted by Kerry on Wednesday, 13-Sep-2006
Just reread your original post and I am absolutely sure that your tobacco is too moist.

Actually, "more dry" tobacco stuffs easier as long as it is not shake or dust. You didn't say how many times you have had to clean your machine, but if it has been more than once every 6 months to a year your tobacco is TOO moist.

Too moist tobacco will also cause all the problems you have said you have had along with gumming up the machine.

The ONLY way I have ever had "too dry" tobacco to jam a machine (it has never caused gumming) is if it has become so brittle that it has ALREADY become shake or dust. Even then, I can stuff it by using much less, by volume, in the chamber. The smoke isn't as good, but I don't waste the tobacco.

Forget the "wedge" and work on keeping your tobacco in a condition that will stuff better. Keeping it well hydrated is good for blending and storage, but not so good when you stuff. I think Dave says about 60% [65%] humidity is right, but I have had different results. Maybe just a difference in the calibration of our hygrometers. Also, I have found that ambient humidity (dewpoint is a better measure) can greatly affect the quality of my stuffing. Try putting some of your tobacco (uncovered) in the 'fridge for 20 or 30 minutes before you stuff. Use only what you will stuff so you don't dry out all of your tobacco.

In any case, either your machine is indeed out of "spec" or you are trying to stuff overly moist tobacco. I have 2 Blue Supermatics and both of them stuff quite well. Never made any changes to them from how they came from the factory although I did have to replace a few parts in one during my "learning curve".

If you were a "hand held machine" stuffer before you bought your first Supermatic, the tendency is to "pack" the chamber of the Big Blue. With quality tobacco at a reasonable moisture level, simply fill the chamber up to the top of the machine. Use your fingers to make sure you have an even fill, but don't pack it. If you have problems with this method, then you can do the same thing but then use your finger tips to press down as the extreme ends of the chamber pressing the tobacco into the ends and slightly compacting the tobacco under your finger tips.

I usually end up with about 1/8 of an inch sticking out and a couple of taps takes care of that. Dave says to "snip" anything more than that, but I simply pull off any excess over approx. 1/8 inch and tap.

Time, repetition and experience... I think that is an old saw. (grin)

Good luck!

P.S.

The less you work your tobacco, the less shake and "crumbs" you will have and the better it will stuff.
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Re: Throw it? Re: A 'Wedge Stuff'

Posted by Kent C on Wednesday, 13-Sep-2006

Lol. The tap on the filter is while it's on the machine, then the 'throw' is the regular tap of the finished cig. I do less than what Doug does in the video at RYOmag. I see a bunch of posts on pinching off the tobacco on the end of the cig which I don't have to do. I guess what looks 'extra' for some isn't for others. For example I wouldn't want to reach to the back of the machine to crank it, but that's just me.

And no, I don't have a problem with moisture, the tobacco is at the same moisture level now (I gauge it) with no problems as before when I was having some hard cranks. But thanks for the tips - perhaps it will help out someone else lurking.

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Re: Throw it? Re: A 'Wedge Stuff'

Posted by Kerry on Wednesday, 13-Sep-2006

How often do you have to clean your machine? Truthfully?

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Maintainence...

Posted by Kent C on Wednesday, 13-Sep-2006

I find 'truthfully?' odd. Almost all that I do is in the link to the photos in my first 'wedge' post. I'm not hiding anything. But, since you're interested - I use canned air in the chamber after every 'session' focusing on under the cutter - which is about 3-5 packs. I scrape the top of the cutter when it needs it. I disassemble and clean the cutter probably every 3-4 cartons - lube, oil, check the air pressure :-)

How about you?

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Re: Maintainence...: Posted by Kerry on Wednesday, 13-Sep-2006
I simply take the machine apart and clean it from once to twice a year using water and alcohol.

Your assertions convince me that you are stuffing overly moist tobacco. I have never seen your site as the password didn't work for me. Perhaps the fact that I did't lower my firewall to access it was the reason.

Think of me what you will... I tried your "wedge" idea and it was as I expected. Too much trouble for absolutely no reason or gain.
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Re: Maintainence...

Posted by Chuck on Thursday, 14-Sep-2006

If you're happy with this method, I guess that is all that matters, but...all indications are that you are stuffing tobacco with too much moisture content. If you need to scrape the top of the cutter - too much moisture. If the finished stick doesn't fall cleanly off the nozzle at the end of the stroke - too much moisture. If you need to disassemble/clean after only 3-4 cartons - too much moisture.

Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.

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Re: Maintainence...: Posted by Kent C on Thursday, 14-Sep-2006
Chuck,

I think your probably right on what was happening before. At this point I'm not having problems. I haven't had to disassemble since I started with using this technique, which is basically, as someone pointed out, just using less tobacco.
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Posted by Howard on Sunday, 10-Sep-2006

Kent, you really have a nice work area and it looks like you are well read up on MYO, there are a lot of new comers to MYO and I'm sure they will get some pointers from your excellant photo layout. There are many of us that have had problems with complete filling of the tubes, front and back. Listening to some of the posters here and taking some advice from here and there helps a lot and I'm sure that some will like your work area or at least get some ideas from it. I use something similar to it and did modify the handle as Mr. Lers pointed out, he has many good tips and photos also. I leave my computer set at this site whenever I either want to stuff some cigarettes or do some maintainance to get myself out of a pickle that I caused by either using to moist tobacco or not reassembling correctly after cleaning up my messes with the cruded up cutter. Anyway thanks again for the layout photos.

Howard

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Re: A 'Wedge Stuff': Posted by Kent C on Sunday, 10-Sep-2006
Howard,

Thanks, and I agree - this site is invaluable with all the various views. I wanted to make it clear that some of my suggestions were for people with similar setup - machine and type of tobacco and wouldn't apply to everyone. The work area works well with little mess. Perhaps the photo gallery will help others besides the friends I made it for.
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Posted by Peter on Friday, 05-Aug-2005

I recently got a Premier Supermatic and even after a few weeks of "practice" I still have issues with inconsistent packing. I have been using all sorts of tobacco (Bali Shag, McClintock Red, Midnight Special, American Thrust Additive Free) and 50% of the time I find smokes being packed too loosely, they burn fast and harsh and I don't get much tobacco at the end of the cigarette. If I tap the cig several times on the table after making it it is tighter but still if I squeeze the tube it feels soft and loose, compared to a firm feeling of commercial cigarettes. Worst thing even is when I carry them in the case in my pocket all day (I use a metal clasp case bought on ebay), at the end of the day 1/4 of the tobacco has crumbled out of most sticks and is in my pant pockets. While that happens with store bought cigs too, it's never to the point that the cigarettes have 1/4 inch of paper at the end. I have less of a problem if I use shag tobacco, but then I often have the problem of too much tobacco hanging out at the end of the cigarette, even after tapping it on the table like 10 times, such that I have to cut/pinch it off. But even with shag tobacco I find the smokes are not packed quite tight unless I really whack the stick on the table 20 times -and then they're too tight- there doesn't seem to be a happy medium . If I try and put more tobacco in the slot the machine jams. Any suggestions? I typically let the tobacco dry for a few minutes (leave the bag open) while I get everything else ready. During the summer it's very dry here, so I figured that should be plenty. The tobacco has the feeling of crisp tea leaves when I inject it. Many thanks in advance for any comments!

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Posted by Hey Pocky Way on Friday, 05-Aug-2005

Peter, I feel your pain. I was very frustrated when I first started using my Supermatic Premier, and even bought an Excel to use. After almost a year of stuffing I found that the Premier makes better sticks, but it does require constant cleaning. First, I only use tobacco from D&R, so I can't address any problems that may be related to the tobacco you are using. I don't let the tobacco dry out much, because I like the cigarettes better when the tobacco isn't too dried out - I think that is one of the advantages of making your own. But, the Supermatic cutter does get gunked up. About every 100 cigs, I have to take it apart and use alcohol to clean off the cutter. I can take it apart (two screws), remove the cutter, clean it, and reassemble it in less than 5 minutes.

I had to play with the adjustment to get a full tube. I do tap the filter end about 10 times which takes care of the void near the filter. I use a setting that leaves about 3/8" to 1/2" of tobacco sticking out of the end of the tube, but once I finish tamping it down, I end up with very little hanging out that I trim with scissors.

Warren had a good suggestion about Goo Gone, and I think I'll pick some up and try it. I tried Militec oil, which when heated, is supposed to bond with the metal (it's for firearms), and that helped some once I put it on the blade and heated it with a blow drier, but it didn't last.

Hang in there Peter, it will get better.

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Re: Supermatic Premier: Posted by Dave L on Saturday, 06-Aug-2005
If you have to tap the filter that much and have that much tobacco sticking out, your gripper isn't gripping or your release timing is too early and needs to be adjusted.
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Re: Supermatic Premier: Posted by Peter on Tuesday, 09-Aug-2005
I did clean the machine by filling the chamber with rubbing alcohol and cranking the mechanism several times. Indeed quite a bit of chunks of tobacco dust came off that I wiped out with a paper towel and it runs a lot smoother. I'm a bit hesitant to using stronger solvents as those typically leave a residue, usually you can't detect it but it's still there. Goo gone is basically paint thinner, chemically speaking, and most of those solvents leave residues that you don't really want to be mixing into your tobacco.

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Posted by Tim Aydt on Friday, 05-Aug-2005

You will ALWAYS have a little tobacco sticking out of the end if you are making kings. I pinch/tear it off.

Remember to pack a little extra tobacco into the ends of the chamber. I can't stress how important this is. I rarely have to tamp my cigs.

As for loose cigarettes, it takes time and practice to get them just right. My wife still can not make good 100's. I find it best to blend one part shag with two parts regular tobacco for best results. I also sift the shake out. This gives me a consistancy that is springy and holds together, ie it won't fall out the end of the cig. If your tobacco is crisp, then it's too dry.

Eventually, you should develope a feel for when the chamber has just the right amount of tobacco. Don't give up. As I said, it takes practice.

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Posted by Peter on Tuesday, 09-Aug-2005

It also appears that mixing some shag tobacco into regular cut tobacco, it seems it helps hold the cigarette contents together better, thanks for the tip. I have just been buying 1 oz pouches to try different varieties and I do find they have a lot of "shake" such that I can only make about 18 decent cigarettes out of a 1 oz bag. Is it better to get larger bags/tins?

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Re: Supermatic Premier: Posted by Tim Aydt on Sunday, 04-Sep-2005
I have been averaging 21 cigarettes per ounce when making 100's. That's pre-sifting weight. When blending 12 oz. of tobacco I have been getting less than 1 oz. of "shake" with Sagamore light and Sagamore Halfzware. I used to get 4 oz. of "shake" per pound with H&R Light.

My experience with "shake" is that it only make a cigarette denser, causing it to be harder to take a puff. I'm fairly sure that you get the same number of cigarettes per pound with the "shake" taken out.
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Supermatic 2 problems

Posted by Ralph on Monday, 08-Aug-2005

Try putting the machine on the 100 setting. Use king tubes. Make sure you pack the chamber firmly with tobacco. If there is tobacco hanging off, pinch it off or push it into the end of the ciggy. Your cig will only be as tightly packed as you pack the chamber. The left end of the chamber is critical for a packed ciggy at the filter.

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Re: Supermatic Premier: Posted by Peter on Tuesday, 09-Aug-2005
Yes it does seem that on the 100 setting the cigs pack better. I always thought 100's had more tobacco but the slot always holds the same amount....hmm.
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Posted by brian on Monday, 29-Aug-2005

My dad and I both have these machines and have the same problem. Half way through the crank cycle they jam up. Iv taken it apart and cleand it, but no better.The only way to not have it jam up is to put so little tobacco in it that it only fills it half way. Each machine has only made about a carton or better each.

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Re: Supermatic 2 problems: Posted by Tim Aydt on Monday, 29-Aug-2005
What type of tobacco are you using? Some shag-cut tobacco are often too moist and cause problems even when they are dry.
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Re: HowTo

Posted by Hey Pocky Way on Tuesday, 17-May-2005

I have both a Supermatic Premier and an Excel. I prefer the Excel. Some minor problems I have with the Excel are under filling and a small tear at the tip of the tube. King size tubes are consistently under filled by about a half an inch. When I pull the filled tube off the machine, the tube looks about 1/4" under filled. Once I tap it down about 5-6 times, I then have a half inch gap. I try oversutffing the right hand end of the Excel chamber, but that doesn't seem to help. I'm using D&R tobacco that is not too moist, or too dry. A minor tear out from the tube gripper I can live with, but the under filling is driving me nuts. Is there any adjustment to correct this I can make on the Excel?

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Re: HowTo: Posted by Dave L on Thursday, 19-May-2005
The tube tear-out is surprising, I didn't think the Excel could grip that hard. IIRC there's a small plastic arm that controls the release, maybe its broken. If not you could try wrapping a bit of tape around it so it releases earlier.

When I switched to the Supermatic after using the Excel I had problems overfilling the tobacco chamber. Because of the thickness of the plastic housing on the Excel you may find that it takes a bit more stuffing to get enough tobacco into the chamber of the Excel. Give both ends of the chamber a little extra attention
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Re: HowTo: Posted by Kev on Thursday, 19-May-2005
I switched from a Premier to an Excel a few months ago. I only get a tear (or sometimes a pushed indention) when I overstuff the chamber. Overstuffing also causes the space just before the filter since it has too much tobacco. I've only used Rimboche and Two Timer tobacco with Gizeh Silver Tip and Charbone tubes on the Excel. It could be related to the tubes though.

I've had more problems with my Premier (the tube size adjuster rivet broke from the tobacco tray leaving a hole)than the Excel. But I also believe the Premier had to suffer through my learning experience with SYO since it was my first machine. I haven't had to adjust or disassemble/clean the Excel yet. The abused Premier requires it before I can stuff a carton.
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Posted by Dave L on Wednesday, 09-Feb-2005

I moved your post here. Have you read the above? Unless you have damaged your machine, you are using too moist and/or too much tobacco. Coarser cut tobacco will be more forgiving.

Nov '05: This was probably a maintenance issue and Kev probably nailed with: "You should remove the cutter and make sure there's not a build-up". If your machine starts jambing after working fine (no change in tobacco etc.), its probably gunk buildup on the bottom of the cutter.

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Posted by Erin on Wednesday, 09-Feb-2005

How would I know if i damaged my machine? How would I fix it? I can dry crank it just fine & with no problems at all. I don't even know what it could be

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Posted by Kev on Wednesday, 09-Feb-2005

You should remove the cutter and make sure there's not a build-up. Remove the crank nut on the bottom side and the two nuts that hold the cutter hinges. Do this with the machine laying upside down so the crank doesn't fall out. Wet tobacco buildup on the cutter causes it to jam. Never force it to stuff.

Carefully note the position of everything while doing this since you will have to re-assemble. You'll also need to do this in order to occasionally clean/oil everything.

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Re: Big jammingproblems!!!: Posted by Tim Aydt on Wednesday, 09-Feb-2005
I have worst problems with dry tobacco jamming than I do moist, but it sounds like too much tobacco.
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Posted by Mary on Wednesday, 10-Aug-2005

I can't get the crank nut on the bottom side of the machine off. If I have the machine on the table with the cutter and spoon toward me.... which way does the nut turn to loosen it.
Sorry if this sounds dumb... but I don't want to force it the wrong way.
Thanks.

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Posted by Tim Aydt on Wednesday, 10-Aug-2005

Counterclockwise to loosen. Righty tighty, lefty loosey.

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