boxpress your own?

[bobajob]

I prefer a box press cigar. I wonder: is it possible to take regular sticks and press them yourself? Has anyone tried it?

[04EDGE40]

Seems like you would run the risk of cracking the wrapper... I would bet that the cigars are pressed into the box at a much higher humidity or when the leaves are still freshly rolled so that they are more pliable. Maybe try it with some cheapo sticks and see what happens!

[bobajob]

Seems like you would run the risk of cracking the wrapper... I would bet that the cigars are pressed into the box at a much higher humidity or when the leaves are still freshly rolled so that they are more pliable. Maybe try it with some cheapo sticks and see what happens!

Quite agree, but perhaps there is a method of creating the necessary conditions at home to prevent wrapper damage?

[mgcrunch]

I prefer a box press cigar. I wonder: is it possible to take regular sticks and press them yourself? Has anyone tried it?

I wouldn't recommend it. You'd have to humidify them to a high degree and then place them into a box that molds or presses that them exactly. Instead, consider you purchasing options for cigars that you may have seen without a press?

When it comes to Cuban cigars, for example, there are two avenues you can pursue. Slide lid boxes (e.g. 50 count RASS cabs) or dress boxes (25 count RASS). The dress boxes are a tight fit and you'll find that they're a shade box pressed, particularly apparent with age. The cabs, tied in bundles with room to relax, do not take that box pressed shape you're looking for. Same goes for some Fuente stuff, if you leave them in the box for a number of years.

Cheers,

[tmoran]

Most box-pressed cigars these days are not box-pressed in the traditional way. They just use squared off or oval molds, instead of cylindrical, for the rolled binder and filler. The wrapper is applied after coming out of the molds. I think traditional box-pressed cigars were boxed very damp and got their shape from the pressure applied by the top of dress boxes.

[HIM]

Box pressing is done after the wrapper is put on. But I believe box pressed cigars are rolled with an under filled bunch to compensate for the press. Not 100% about the second part but you can see how cigars are pressed here....

Skip to 31:30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npoawQ9cej0

[tmoran]

Interesting, I only watched the part you reference, but looks like a good video overall. I'll have to go back and watch the whole thing. Thanks for the correction. That's what I get for posting something I must have half-remembered from somewhere.

[pdq_wizzard]

Just to add, from what I understand the box pressed cigars are rolled more loosely.

Edit looks like I missed what HIM posted

[Demuths1770]

Just to add, from what I understand the box pressed cigars are rolled more loosely.

Edit looks like I missed what HIM posted

yeah i would have to agree they are rolled loosely they always seem "loose" but not in a bad way at all

[Ropey]

I love box-pressed but can't imagine doing it unless the cigar has just been rolled and is still "wet."