A Few Questions

[Marc L]

I like that jar because it makes what is actually a good amount for me at this point. I'll say something like 60 sticks.. I'm not sure but, as long as I keep it in the frig it's good.

I think bamboo users have been liking it I believe. pizza cutter in hand, you sound like your ready to go.

Sounds goods. I might be the most anal one around about getting the case right. I'm not sure so much about the other rollers detailed specifics but, I've tried to make mine as clear as I can. trying to help.. you will have to develop your own sensibility to it.

Here is a video on some favored bunching methods. if you don't ever understand what I say or are curious about something, let me know. I'm not sure if I have the best communication skills.

[rodwha]

Cased I gather means the moisture level of the filler?

I'm rather excited and will get started shortly. I'll rewatch a few videos (I learn better by watching and doing), but I feel I could likely roll a reasonable cigar now with the exception of the cap as I'm uncertain as to how the glue should be applied (figure the whole thing).

In general I like to research interests and ask lots of questions. I'm a bit of a perfectionist who over time learned that perfect isn't always achievable and that 97% is good enough is some applications, though I always strive for perfect.

After I get the hang of this and know for sure that it's something I'll continue to do I want to get a chaveta knife.

I meant to pick up a rolling pin as well. Maybe another time...

Initially I was considering buying another cheap mold from Leaf Only like the one included (~$20 for a double cavity mold), but even 4 at a time seems to lack the end product for the time.

Thanks for all of your time and help so far!

[rodwha]

Interesting way he worked with the filler. In the few videos I've seen I can't say I've seen individual leaves rolled like that.

Apparently the stem isn't removed from filler?

Is it still considered long filler when using scraps to fill voids as he did? I don't recall seeing that in other videos.

SCORE! Dickinson's jelly jars! Just need the kiddo to eat a bunch of PB&Js.

[Marc L]

give me a minute to respond.. I'm watching you.

[rodwha]

Getting started and cut the stem from my wrapper and got out the binder leaves. I found them drier then they were the other day so I went through them looking for one more moist and found two that look to have what looks to me like mold. Yea or nay?



For now I'll keep them separated in another bag and continue.

[Marc L]

Case = moisture level

Videos can be helpful to a degree but, can also lead to a lot of questions. some playlists of mine.. some of your inquiries may be best addressed directly.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...B443D55985FD3D
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...wueTmcFEdGaF2v
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...VnWTVxjdTgxDAE

know that the amount and ability of your growth is potentially endless. embrace the natural growth that is yours.

A chaveta is not a need but, does for me at least, have a certain feeling of some.. I dont know, thing to it when used.

Bunching techniques are about draw and burn. leaf placement as well as type of combinations and amounts and pressures are key.

stems can be an important part of the blend.

"scraps" are typically use to back-fill as well as place flavor components. here is a deconstruction video of a Padron 64 that surprised many people.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isMA8cGXOWQ

[rodwha]

Attempt #1:



What the hell?!?!

Attempt #2:



Looks so much better! However I used 4 leaves for filler instead of 5 as the last one (dude in the video said 3-5 leaves) and it didn't fill the 48 ring mold. Hmmm...

[Marc L]

Oops.. you slipped a post in there on me. your talking about the stem I take it. mold is something you'll want to watch out for. to create it you will need a humid and warm stagnant environment. that looks to be discoloration. mold will have fuzz in most cases.

Skip the rolling pin. get a spark plug socket. its less unruly and if you end up needing it, its much easier.

Congratulations! you've done it and, a shaggy foot pyramid for you first stick at that. nice! Leaf count can get tricky given they very in size. Weight is the best measure.

[rodwha]

Just rolled the wrappers on the two sticks I made yesterday:



A few things I've learned:

Smoothing out the binder and wrapper leaves and then keeping them nice while rolling them requires three hands somehow. I had torn one binder leaf a little while doing this.

Orienting the wrapper leaf didn't seem to work correctly for me. The end of the leaf ending up close to the middle on the smaller stick. What the hell happened?!?! I ensured the veins were oriented correctly. I guess that's not as important as ensuring there's plenty of end to twist?

I never could get a nice tight pigtail like in the video.

Not the foot but the other end (forgot the term) never ended in a nice rounded end.

The cap cutting tool is clearly too small even for my undersized stick. I didn't even bother with the bigger one that's correctly sized at ~48 ring.

I didn't use my cigar cutter to make a nice clean foot. Usually I like for things to be proper but I just didn't see the point and was afraid I might just mess it up anyway.

This was fun regardless. I'll watch some other videos before I do this again.

[Bruck]

@rodwha - sorry, I haven't signed in for a few days and it looks like most of your questions are answered but if not, feel free to ping me or send a PM. Looks like you're off to a good start - your initial sticks look far better than mine did!

My higher level advice is, learn to sing on key before singing loud The important things are flavor and burn characteristics. Work on burn first, which is mainly a function of how you work the filler bundle. Watch videos and practice. For flavor, buy small samples of various leaves and try them. I think Leafonly sells 1/4 pound units of some stuff. I'm happy to share my experience if you're interested.

I'm probably not the best person to advise on aesthetics, but I would say, it'll come with practice. I don't put a lot of effort into appearance myself - i'm happy if it looks more like a cigar than a stool sample

My biggest challenge continues to be the draw - after rolling 454 cigars I still manage to make a few that are too loose or too tight. I guess I'm not Cuban enough. That reminds me - you should keep a log book of your cigar rolling.