Rolling your own

[Ranger_B]

I might have to look into this a little. I like playing around with smokes especially when you have a cracked wrapper on a nice smoke and then you just find another smoke to take the wrapper from

[BlkDrew]

Drew finally kicked a month long cold and started back to sticks last night ..... Some milagro and those roxys you sent me... Simply awesome even burn good draw and awesome flavor my buddy couldnt believe they were from a home roller.... Ill be ordering some more as soon as i finish these 5 since i have no room thanks


Glad you are feeling better. and i am glad you guys enjoyed them.:tu

[DBall]

Petit coronas? Better save me a couple of those, too... :banger

[BlkDrew]

i have found that these corona sized cigars are much easier to bunch bind and wrap. I am so glad i finally got this mold.
and just because i like being a picture whore
http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1093.jpg

[Ncpsycho]

Nice bro

[celtic250]

looking mighty nice! keep up the great work

[Zeuceone]

I like those.

[akumushi]

i have found that these corona sized cigars are much easier to bunch bind and wrap. I am so glad i finally got this mold.
and just because i like being a picture whore
http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1093.jpg

:dr
Looking good!

[irratebass]

Great job Andrew!

[kelmac07]

Coronas are looking good brother. :tu :tu

[maninblack]

Those corona's look great brother!

[Shawn hines]

Very nice looking

[Doctorossi]

Is that corona mold from a new (to you) mold supplier? I'm still looking for some more RG options than I've been able to find, to date.

[Blak Smyth]

i have found that these corona sized cigars are much easier to bunch bind and wrap. I am so glad i finally got this mold.
and just because i like being a picture whore
http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1093.jpg

Yah those are them!!!:tu Looking very good brother!

[coty]

So I have been keeping an eye on this thread and haven't said anything, I figure now is the time to say I would like to try one of these home rolls Drew. If you could PM me and let me now how to score a few it would be much abligued.

[coty]

BTW they look real good as well.

[ApexAZ]

Let me know if/when I can buy some, Andrew!

[boxmonkey]

i have found that these corona sized cigars are much easier to bunch bind and wrap. I am so glad i finally got this mold.
and just because i like being a picture whore
http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1093.jpg

loving that mold. I just wish I could upgrade to something like that. lol. maybe for my birthday.

[BlkDrew]

Is that corona mold from a new (to you) mold supplier? I'm still looking for some more RG options than I've been able to find, to date.

i got this one from the same place in PA ( BLH Industries) it is brand new.

[Homebrewer]

Great looking coronas! What did the mold cost you?

[BlkDrew]

Great looking coronas! What did the mold cost you?

75 shipped... It was the last of that size though as it was an older style mold

[Doctorossi]

i got this one from the same place in PA ( BLH Industries) it is brand new.

Thanks, man!

[boxmonkey]

Hey Drew, quick question. how long does it take you to roll one?

[BlkDrew]

Hey Drew, quick question. how long does it take you to roll one?

This will have to be broken down.. I spend about and hour bunching and binding 10, then about an hour and a half wrapping the 10. In between I do the pressing, rotation, press again. As well as prep my wrappers.

So in total 1 cigar should be about 10-15 min from bunching-wrapping.

[44stampede]

This will have to be broken down.. I spend about and hour bunching and binding 10, then about an hour and a half wrapping the 10. In between I do the pressing, rotation, press again. As well as prep my wrappers.

So in total 1 cigar should be about 10-15 min from bunching-wrapping.
Love to try a home rolled cigar.

[boxmonkey]

This will have to be broken down.. I spend about and hour bunching and binding 10, then about an hour and a half wrapping the 10. In between I do the pressing, rotation, press again. As well as prep my wrappers.

So in total 1 cigar should be about 10-15 min from bunching-wrapping.

ok. so I'm getting there. 8 in an hour for bunching. I didn't time it when wrapping them but yea.

[KenS]

Andrew, just finished my 2nd of the dominican robusto fiver you sent me. It was worthy of it's own review (linky (http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=52687)). Outstanding cigar! :tu :tu

[BlkDrew]

Andrew, just finished my 2nd of the dominican robusto fiver you sent me. It was worthy of it's own review (linky (http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=52687)). Outstanding cigar! :tu :tu

Thanks for the great review!

[wayner123]

So I finally got around to rolling up some cigars. Without the use of a mold or tuck cutter, I think I did alright. I will post pictures soon.

I did learn some things though. It is very important to roll the cigar in the proper angle. Also, it is better to use 2 leaves for the binder like most of the cuban rollers do.

As an aside, I used the gum arabic resin that I had and it did well. However, I was looking at the picture below and I have seen the holder he is using for the glue in many other places. I also included a video that shows this same glue holder. Anyone got any ideas on what product that is? My google-fu has turned up nothing.

http://www.zestpj.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/dsc_0001.jpg

Video showing cigar glue container:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZmKL2P8H54

[Doctorossi]

Apologies if I missed it earlier in the thread, but has anyone found a good online source for chavetas?

[BlkDrew]

Apologies if I missed it earlier in the thread, but has anyone found a good online source for chavetas?

I can always make you one...

[wayner123]

I can always make you one...

How much would you charge?

[crazyirishman]

How much would you charge?

That's a great question. I'd like to know as well and get my hands on one or five. Haha.

[BlkDrew]

How much would you charge?

Oh a trade for some sticks...


@ Irishman
And were you referring to 5 chevetas? Or 5 hand rolled cigars

[crazyirishman]

Oh a trade for some sticks...


@ Irishman
And were you referring to 5 chevetas? Or 5 hand rolled cigars

Oh, cigars, sorry. Mea culpa.

Attentiveness is not always my strong suit.

[BlkDrew]

i guess im going to stick with these 42x5.? some are 5.5, some are 5.75. They are much easier to make since they are smaller, and i can make more faster... some will be for sale very soon.
http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1096.jpg
http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1095.jpg

[Ncpsycho]

Home made cabinet? Im liking it

[BlkDrew]

Home made cabinet? Im liking it

It is for resting the cigars after they are rolled., storing scraps etc.

[BlkDrew]

mmm Corona. I think i have a bit of an inventory, ya think? might as well keep on...

Also, i have been thinking about getting rid of my 5x50 mold... just a thought as i have more fun with the corona size.

http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1102.jpg

[schollianmj]

mmmm.... looks yummy! :)

[Flounder]

mmm Corona. I think i have a bit of an inventory, ya think? might as well keep on...

Also, i have been thinking about getting rid of my 5x50 mold... just a thought as i have more fun with the corona size.

http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1102.jpg

:dr

Let's get together again soon.

[Fordman4ever]

Wow, looks like you've got quite the operation going there. you smokes look great. Any idea when you will start selling them? I'd love to try the Roxy.

[CoreyD]

Whats the 7 medal things, file, and the sponge being used for?

[BlkDrew]

Whats the 7 medal things, file, and the sponge being used for?

Those are stamps and ink pads, for making the labels.

[CoreyD]

hmm I went to roll a batch before I got my 6x44 mold and My fillers alot more crumbly than my first batch I had. Even my viso is flaky. Am I only one that dampens the seco,ligero =filler a little to prevent flake when rolling? I keep it in bags and air tight container so the airs not the issue.

[BlkDrew]

I keep mine hydrated a little. This winter weather dries the stuff out fast. I usually spray a little on the seco and life to before I put it away.

[ghostrider]

Finally got my 5er in today after a little detour. They look amazing, very nicely rolled, nice weight to them. Going to let them rest a bit before trying one.

[Blak Smyth]

Those are stamps and ink pads, for making the labels.

Man Drew you need to tape the stamps together or something, hahah. Stamping every letter individually seems excessive, especially with your production picking up. These sticks are looking amazing Drew, how are they smoking these days?

Oh and I am a big fan of your recent corona molds! Keep up the great work! I am looking forward to meeting you this weekend!

[irratebass]

I would like to see a vid or a pic by pic of how you do your cool bands.

[Blak Smyth]

I would like to see a vid or a pic by pic of how you do your cool bands.

I believe he just stamps them Mickey.

[BlkDrew]

I believe he just stamps them Mickey.

Haha I go to the hobby supply store and get a giant sheet of paper, then cut 1cm x 3 inch strips and stamp the letters on with individual rubber letter stamps. Cheaper than buying them online, most places want a $75 set up fee on top of the 100 you will spend on bands.


I don't smoke many of my own. But I have not heard a lot of bad. I will be having some this week when I go to Michigan as well as bringing some down this weekend.

[DBall]

I am looking forward to meeting you this weekend!

Shane... are you coming out this way this weekend?

[crazyirishman]

Haha I go to the hobby supply store and get a giant sheet of paper, then cut 1cm x 3 inch strips and stamp the letters on with individual rubber letter stamps. Cheaper than buying them online, most places want a $75 set up fee on top of the 100 you will spend on bands.


I don't smoke many of my own. But I have not heard a lot of bad. I will be having some this week when I go to Michigan as well as bringing some down this weekend.

Whereabouts in Michigan, sir?

[BlkDrew]

Shane... are you coming out this way this weekend?

Going to the Pittsburgh herf

@Crazyirishman- will be in Lansing for a funeral. Back to Rochester on Friday.

[irratebass]

Haha I go to the hobby supply store and get a giant sheet of paper, then cut 1cm x 3 inch strips and stamp the letters on with individual rubber letter stamps. Cheaper than buying them online, most places want a $75 set up fee on top of the 100 you will spend on bands.


I don't smoke many of my own. But I have not heard a lot of bad. I will be having some this week when I go to Michigan as well as bringing some down this weekend.

Thanks for the detailed info :tu

[Blak Smyth]

Shane... are you coming out this way this weekend?

No we are going to the Pittsburgh Herf:tu

[BlkDrew]

Well i had some Chevetas made up. I have 12, so if anyone is looking for one shoot me a PM.
http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1126.jpg

[BlkDrew]

Just picked one of these up, now i will be able to do more lengths and get a cleaner cut.

http://pmb-uvainc.com/pmbtobacco_files/pmbtobaccomain_files/TCUT_3.jpg

[Blak Smyth]

Drew Looking good brother! Getting some pro looking parts!
It was great meeting you in Pitt and trying the Maddies. The one you gave Ken was definitley better than the lighter one I burned, better draw too. Mine was good but Kens was great!

[maninblack]

Looking good Drew! You're gonna be the next big thing brother!

[SteelCityBoy]

Keep up the good work Drew! I will be paying attention! Really loved the Roxy Maduro you gave me at the Pittsburgh Herf!

The bomb that those "Zombie Hunters" sent us contained a Roxy M....I selected it and will keep it all to myself!!!! Ha! Good stuff bro....

Keep it coming! :tu

[BlkDrew]

if anyone is interested, I will have a new set of a test blend coming out. RG will be 52 and the wrappers will vary, some new dark leaves were given to me to try. pictures to come soon.

[BlkDrew]

this cost a pretty penny... i think the handle is gold according to what was paid...
http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1135.jpg
also some of the new sticks outer sets are 5.5x52, inners are 58x3.75
http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1136.jpg

[irratebass]

this cost a pretty penny... i think the handle is gold according to what was paid...
http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1135.jpg
also some of the new sticks outer sets are 5.5x52, inners are 58x3.75
http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1136.jpg

DAYUM! Those look tasty Andrew!!!!! Great job my friend. I want a ROXY sticker.

[BlkDrew]

DAYUM! Those look tasty Andrew!!!!! Great job my friend. I want a ROXY sticker.

hmm will have to get some made...

[irratebass]

hmm will have to get some made...

:tu

[guitar4001]

Hi there! I have been away from the asylum for a few months and I missed your thread about cigar rolling - it's very intriguing!

When I was in college (2002-2006) I rolled cigars. I acquired the various molds, tuck cutter, chaveta, rolling table, cigar glue, etc ever a period of about a year. I made roughly 3000 cigars over the 4 years, selling them to friends, a local store, and during promotional events in NC. I really enjoyed myself!

For labels (on the boxes and cigars), I used microsoft publisher to create a design (it was pretty easy to use) and printed a sheet of about 20 cigar bands at a time, cut them out by hand, and banded them onto the finished cigars with non-toxic glue sticks. The box labels were done in a similiar manner - created on MS publisher, printed, cut, and afixed to the box with a glue stick. I went to a cigar band printer with a design, but he wanted upwards of $1000 for the first printing of bands and they looked pretty bland. THe MS Publisher stuff looked better in the end.

All of my equipment was purchased second hand. The molds were purchased online through a variety of sources, most often through ebay for about $20.00 a piece. The tuck cutter (end cutter) came from ebay too for maybe $15.00. A friend who is a carpenter build me a collapseable rolling table that he modeled off of a rolling table at the Selma, NC JR Store. The chaveta was a repurposed Ulu knife from walmart. The "cigar glue" came from the local grocery store; liquid pectin. If I purchased all of my uqipment new, it would've cost me about $2000. I paid around $200.

The tobacco came from http://otoaocigars.com/main.htm.

Fast foward to 2012 and I am in the Army, married with 2 little boys, and pressed for time. I'd love to get back in the hobby, but now may not be the time.

I may have some MS Publisher templates for cigar bands on my PC if that interests you. Please keep at it, it looks like you are doing excellent with your latest creations. Thanks for sharing.

-Paul

[Shawn hines]

Hi there! I have been away from the asylum for a few months and I missed your thread about cigar rolling - it's very intriguing!

When I was in college (2002-2006) I rolled cigars. I acquired the various molds, tuck cutter, chaveta, rolling table, cigar glue, etc ever a period of about a year. I made roughly 3000 cigars over the 4 years, selling them to friends, a local store, and during promotional events in NC. I really enjoyed myself!

For labels (on the boxes and cigars), I used microsoft publisher to create a design (it was pretty easy to use) and printed a sheet of about 20 cigar bands at a time, cut them out by hand, and banded them onto the finished cigars with non-toxic glue sticks. The box labels were done in a similiar manner - created on MS publisher, printed, cut, and afixed to the box with a glue stick. I went to a cigar band printer with a design, but he wanted upwards of $1000 for the first printing of bands and they looked pretty bland. THe MS Publisher stuff looked better in the end.

All of my equipment was purchased second hand. The molds were purchased online through a variety of sources, most often through ebay for about $20.00 a piece. The tuck cutter (end cutter) came from ebay too for maybe $15.00. A friend who is a carpenter build me a collapseable rolling table that he modeled off of a rolling table at the Selma, NC JR Store. The chaveta was a repurposed Ulu knife from walmart. The "cigar glue" came from the local grocery store; liquid pectin. If I purchased all of my uqipment new, it would've cost me about $2000. I paid around $200.

The tobacco came from http://otoaocigars.com/main.htm.

Fast foward to 2012 and I am in the Army, married with 2 little boys, and pressed for time. I'd love to get back in the hobby, but now may not be the time.

I may have some MS Publisher templates for cigar bands on my PC if that interests you. Please keep at it, it looks like you are doing excellent with your latest creations. Thanks for sharing.

-Paul

I am currently at Camp Patriot in Kuwait, if you got anything for the Military brothers, I would like to look at them...

[BlkDrew]

ok back to the rolling aspects of things. I learned a couple neats tricks from a great guy. In order to do a pigtail, either long or short, you cut your cap with the cap tool ( copper pipe) and make a pac man ( cut a V in the cap) so you can go around the pigtail.

Worked out great.
http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1140.jpg

I also have a 3.75x58 "~nub" that has an aged wrapper.
http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1141.jpg

[Homebrewer]

I need a lot of help with caps. Maybe you could do a video or series of photos w/ explanation. Your cigars look great.

[maninblack]

PM sent on the nub sized smoke Andrew.

[joeobx]

Andrew, I just looked back at your first pics in Oct and the ones you posted yesterday and all I can say is WOW. After reading the reviews I will definitely be picking up some in the future.
Looking good:tu

[irratebass]

ok back to the rolling aspects of things. I learned a couple neats tricks from a great guy. In order to do a pigtail, either long or short, you cut your cap with the cap tool ( copper pipe) and make a pac man ( cut a V in the cap) so you can go around the pigtail.

Worked out great.
http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1140.jpg

I also have a 3.75x58 "~nub" that has an aged wrapper.
http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1141.jpg

Looks solid Andrew! Great stuff :tu

[schollianmj]

Sweet, Roxy Nubs.... :) or wait, Nub is trademarked, and Roxy was taken from your dog.... So, Roxy Pugs?:banger

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a21/schollianmj/IMAG0221.jpg

[irratebass]

Cute dog :tu

[BlkDrew]

Or stub. But the pug pic is funny.

[schollianmj]

I had a Dobie Rotti mix about 10 years ago, i work with a lot of shepards, yet somehow my wife talked me into getting a Pug... im confused. Dont judge me... :)

[Blak Smyth]

Loving the pigtails Andrew!
Maybe a good feature on the Brain Sticks?

A Couple other names could be :
Stump
Shank
Butt

[Crownedone]

Just recently came off the road and the first smoke I wanted to try was the maduro roxy. It had a good pre light smell and flavor, eventhough the prelite draw was abit tight I lit it up. Dispite it being young it burned well and lasted about 90min without a relight. It's flavor was boardering on greatness but must set longer. The rest will stay put for a few months to see how they mature. Love these smokes.

[hammondc]

Damn bro. You are getting hella good at it.

[cobra03]

I really enjoyed the Roxy M's i have been smoking and just got a 5er of Roxy S in the mail from Andrew. They look fantastic. They are taking a little nap before i try them. I'll let you guys know how they smoke when i try one next week.

[dom1n8r]

Andrew...I'd like to try out some of your Roxys. Can you PM me so we can discuss a sell?

D

[BlkDrew]

wow, almost hit the second page... we should make this a Sticky... who knows maybe some day.
I just purchased a bunch more of the Maduro leaves already opened from LeafOnly, although this time i think they really over wetted them.

I also purchased through the guy in Ohio, Whole Leaf tobacco, i still have yet to receive his shipment, but i bought through ebay. I purchased a lb of the Dominican Liger, and Dominican Seco.

Who else has purchased from him? how was the tobacco when you got it?

[DaBear]

wow, almost hit the second page... we should make this a Sticky... who knows maybe some day.
I just purchased a bunch more of the Maduro leaves already opened from LeafOnly, although this time i think they really over wetted them.

I also purchased through the guy in Ohio, Whole Leaf tobacco, i still have yet to receive his shipment, but i bought through ebay. I purchased a lb of the Dominican Liger, and Dominican Seco.

Who else has purchased from him? how was the tobacco when you got it?

I purchased from him, but I don't believe he has Dominican tobacco, all the stuff listed on his site is US grown. :confused:

It doesn't come opened or anything, but the leaf comes at a decent moisture to make destemming fairly easy. If you open the bag the leaves are shipped in and let them sit over night, the destemming is a little less of a hassle, the leaf likes to stick to your fingers the way its shipped and can lead to some tears. Overall hes a good place to go, but I wasn't a big fan of the flavors from the tobacco, very mildly flavored, the broadleaf wrapper was just about all I could taste.

[boxmonkey]

Anyone else notice BLH industries website has been down? and they aren't responding to emails. I'm wanting to get some new molds, but want to get away from the wood molds. Anyone know where I can find another place making composite molds?

[BlkDrew]

Justo Fulgueiras & Son makes some, but they have a minimum qty that you have to purchase.

Blh may be down to restructure, I know they started doing new molds and may not have inventory for private sale.

[boxmonkey]

Justo Fulgueiras & Son makes some, but they have a minimum qty that you have to purchase.

Blh may be down to restructure, I know they started doing new molds and may not have inventory for private sale.

their website is down. only way to view it is cashed.

I think I found their site and it was like 40$ a mold and you needed to order at least 10. not looking to spend that much money on a mold right now. even though that means I can bunch many cigars and then come back and wrap them. I just don't know about spending 400 on a hobby I just started. maybe in 10 years when I open my own cigar lounge.

[BlkDrew]

messing around... this is easier to do with the thinner wrapper leaves, the thicker, ie. Maduro is hard to do this with.

http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1152.jpg

[Blak Smyth]

messing around... this is easier to do with the thinner wrapper leaves, the thicker, ie. Maduro is hard to do this with.

http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1152.jpg

You are such a badass! :tu

[BlkDrew]

You are such a badass! :tu

I hope you just want the short pig tail. ;)

[Blak Smyth]

I hope you just want the short pig tail. ;)

Whatevers fine brother :tu

This is a gorgeous design here, don't think I have seen a Lancero with a curled pigtail before:
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS2d6G5awNnGRcy5dCy8inEsAbHSRlqo qNq9NOW8WS3I0zMVhDiHA

[cobra03]

Andrew i smoked one of those Roxy S i just got while i was on my ice fishing trip. Found it to be a little milder than the M but tasty. The construction was great. Draw was a hair tight but it burnt like a champ. Stayed even despite 20mph winds on the ice no touch ups.

[BlkDrew]

I purchased from him, but I don't believe he has Dominican tobacco, all the stuff listed on his site is US grown. :confused:

It doesn't come opened or anything, but the leaf comes at a decent moisture to make destemming fairly easy. If you open the bag the leaves are shipped in and let them sit over night, the destemming is a little less of a hassle, the leaf likes to stick to your fingers the way its shipped and can lead to some tears. Overall hes a good place to go, but I wasn't a big fan of the flavors from the tobacco, very mildly flavored, the broadleaf wrapper was just about all I could taste.

Well I made a purchase through him, did not like what i got so i returned it. He feels as though i am working for some guy from Leaf Only and that i just wanted to find out what he was selling.

Long story short is i returned the tobacco with DC and he is not giving me a refund. here is the email conversation.


Yeah, right...you're going to leave negative feedback any way i refund you're order. You're a plant from LeafOnly and I don't sell on ebay anyway. Go ahad and leave your feedback. I'll be smoking LeafOnly sooner than they can say "fire it up"

Cute maneuver Rich. I never knew about you before I started WholeLeaf. You will soon learn you've chosen the wrong enemy.

Regards,

Don Carey
WholeLeafTobacco.com

btw...no refund will be issued



-----Original Message-----
From: winterstick66 <winterstick66@aol.com>
To: willbuild14u <willbuild14u@aol.com>
Sent: Sat, Feb 25, 2012 6:44 am
Subject: Re: Purchase through ebay

Hi Don,

I saw that it was delivered. Do you know when the refund will be given?

Thanks

Andrew

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 24, 2012, at 3:05 AM, willbuild14u@aol.com wrote:

Thank you for your reply. Now that I know you know what you're talking about, I'll be happy to refund your full purchase price.

In four years of doing business, you're the first person to ever complain and it was VERY important to me to understand what your problem was.

So, if you don't mind me asking....where do you get your long filler from and what do you pay for it?

Please join the FairTradeTobacco.com forum and share your knowledge about tobacco.

Thanks,

Don Carey

[fencefixer]

messing around... this is easier to do with the thinner wrapper leaves, the thicker, ie. Maduro is hard to do this with.

http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1152.jpg

You're not seriously using the Cisco/Linksys wireless router setup wizard disc, are you? :sl

[maninblack]

messing around... this is easier to do with the thinner wrapper leaves, the thicker, ie. Maduro is hard to do this with.

http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1152.jpg

That pigtail looks awesome!! You got some for sale?

[BlkDrew]

That pigtail looks awesome!! You got some for sale?

I can do some.


I posted earlier about my dealings with another tobacco company, which is why the thread was brought back.

[maninblack]

Is that a habano wrapper with a pigtail? Maduro would be sweet but it would be hard to do.

[Fredo456]

I just read through the whole thread.

Very interesting, and I'll try hard not to get into this hobby (at least not yet).

I was wondering: Why are the cigars stored in a regular cabinet instead of a humidor?

Thanks.

[DaBear]

Well dang. I wasn't planning on buying from WLT again, but now I for sure will not. Sorry to hear about that Andrew

[BlkDrew]

I just read through the whole thread.

Very interesting, and I'll try hard not to get into this hobby (at least not yet).

I was wondering: Why are the cigars stored in a regular cabinet instead of a humidor?

Thanks.

They are kept in there for 1-2 weeks then they go in my Humi. since the wrappers are so moist when rolled it gives them a chance to even out with the rest of the tobacco before being put in the humidor, it works the best so that is why i do it.

[DBall]

Well I made a purchase through him, did not like what i got so i returned it. He feels as though i am working for some guy from Leaf Only and that i just wanted to find out what he was selling.

Long story short is i returned the tobacco with DC and he is not giving me a refund. here is the email conversation.


Yeah, right...you're going to leave negative feedback any way i refund you're order. You're a plant from LeafOnly and I don't sell on ebay anyway. Go ahad and leave your feedback. I'll be smoking LeafOnly sooner than they can say "fire it up"

Cute maneuver Rich. I never knew about you before I started WholeLeaf. You will soon learn you've chosen the wrong enemy.

Regards,

Don Carey
WholeLeafTobacco.com

btw...no refund will be issued




So wait... you returned a product and the dude refuses to return your money? I'd contact the better business bureau and the authorities... I don't care if it is $3 you are owed. That's just plain sh*tty business practice. Stuff like that really fires me up... :sl

[Blak Smyth]

messing around... this is easier to do with the thinner wrapper leaves, the thicker, ie. Maduro is hard to do this with.

http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1152.jpg

I just can't get over how awesome this pigtail is! Amazing work Andrew!!!

[BlkDrew]

So wait... you returned a product and the dude refuses to return your money? I'd contact the better business bureau and the authorities... I don't care if it is $3 you are owed. That's just plain sh*tty business practice. Stuff like that really fires me up... :sl

I opened a dispute in payfail and he refunded the money... all is good.

[BlkDrew]

working on a box for a brother. will be doing 20 like this for him

http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1162.jpg

[maninblack]

Those look sweet Andrew!!

[wayner123]

So I have been rolling more and more of my own. It certainly is time consuming, but it's been fun. I don't have any molds, but after watching a slew of videos on youtube (Hamlet, La China, Reynaldo, etc.) I am getting better and better. I have even done a lancero without a mold and I am getting pretty good at lonsdales.

One thing that is of upmost importance is when you get the leaves in, make sure to go ahead and sort them and flatten them out. This bit of prep work helps immensely when going to roll.

Any of you that are rolling have any tips about sorting and flattening?

I also wanted to add, that while the leaf I have now is not the best quality out there. ( I may get some better variety next time) the flavor has been very good. I would put it up there with any $5-$8 smoke.

[boxmonkey]

any one know where I can find a tuck cutter?

[BlkDrew]

any one know where I can find a tuck cutter?

Check on eBay every now and again under the search terms "antique cigar" or antique cigar cutter. A new one costs about 175$ I will keep my eyes open as I've seen a few.

[boxmonkey]

thanks. The only ones I've found have been $200+

[wayner123]

Have any of you home rollers tried the Nicaraguan Viso from otoaocigars? If so, how does it compare in taste/flavor to the '98 Ligero?

[BlkDrew]

Have any of you home rollers tried the Nicaraguan Viso from otoaocigars? If so, how does it compare in taste/flavor to the '98 Ligero?

how has the tobacco been from Otoao? i noticed earlier that you had posted something about opening leaves. do you have to open and flatten your filler? or are you just referring to the wrappers?

[wayner123]

how has the tobacco been from Otoao? i noticed earlier that you had posted something about opening leaves. do you have to open and flatten your filler? or are you just referring to the wrappers?

I haven't bought any from Otoao, but that Viso has me wanting to buy from him.

I have only bought from leafonly. I have had to flatten and partially unroll the leaves I was sent of the aged Nic Seco and aged Nic Ligero. And I have been using the havana 7 as a binder and doing prep work by de-stemming it and flattening them as well. Then there is the Havana Prime I use for my wrappers and I de-stem and flatten them out as well. So when I go to roll it's a easier and less time consuming.

I flatten the filler because I find it easier to bunch that way. I get a good spiral.

[BlkDrew]

i found that using the Havana 7 as the binder and the Havana prime for the wrapper works very well. the prime is very easy to work with.

I did notice some of my seco and ligero had bunched up or rolled. now that i know what you mean i have had to open some up but i am able to do that when bunching.

as far as Otoao, i think you have to call and place an order or do it through email, i do not know how secure his transactions are with a credit card and honestly that is the only thing holding me back.

[levrac68]

Do you have a room?
Does your dog bite?

:r

[CoreyD]

as far as Otoao, i think you have to call and place an order or do it through email, i do not know how secure his transactions are with a credit card and honestly that is the only thing holding me back.

This is correct and the purchases I have made so I have not had any issues months after. Great guy to work with. Very friendly and makes you feel like a part of the family.

As for the Viso I'm not sure what to think on it. It is more of a mellow out Nicaraguan but with some body. As far as the '98 Ligero Nic goes it is a completely different tasting lave. More spicy. His fillers and seco are great tasting and the Ecudorian sumatra binder is yummy. All have that nice aged taste after letting rest a few months in the humi rolled.
I really only shop at leaf only now till I find a better priced tasting wrapper out there. It'd be nice to find a few farms from the country of origin to purchase from and go that route to save $$ but I don't usually buy over a lb of binder,lb of wrapper or so forth of the other leaves at a time . To even get ins to some of the big name cigar companies leaves would be nice as well.

[Crownedone]

So blkdrew, what sizes are you rolling now? I enjoyed the last 5er and thinking about trying another size if you make them.

[BlkDrew]

So blkdrew, what sizes are you rolling now? I enjoyed the last 5er and thinking about trying another size if you make them.

I am doing a 42x 5.5ish

[ApexAZ]

I am doing a 42x 5.5ish

I want some of the 42's! Do you have stock?

[BlkDrew]

I want some of the 42's! Do you have stock?

I will get on it this week, I currently have 5 which are spoken for. I will have stock next week.

[emopunker2004]

Andrew, did you ever find any boxes to box your own?

[BlkDrew]

Andrew, did you ever find any boxes to box your own?

Nope not really, DBall gave me a couple boxes which are good for the 5x52. It'd be nice to find some for fivers of the 42's. I think I may look into something like Viaje did with the super shot and go cardboard.

[emopunker2004]

Nope not really, DBall gave me a couple boxes which are good for the 5x52. It'd be nice to find some for fivers of the 42's. I think I may look into something like Viaje did with the super shot and go cardboard.

Could always go the newspaper route like the WLP series :2

[emopunker2004]

looky what i got.....


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6893978318_1c6f745e47_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thestemens16/6893978318/)
DSC_3670 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thestemens16/6893978318/) by thestemens16 (http://www.flickr.com/people/thestemens16/), on Flickr

[DaBear]

Quick bump, about to place an order through leaf only. I remember you saying you could ask the guys there to pre-open the leaves Andrew, are they still doing that?

[BlkDrew]

yeah, call and ask Rich or John. might cost a tiny bit extra. i have not made a purchase in a month or more, i actually will be buying again soon.

[lenguamor]

looky what i got.....


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6893978318_1c6f745e47_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thestemens16/6893978318/)
DSC_3670 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thestemens16/6893978318/) by thestemens16 (http://www.flickr.com/people/thestemens16/), on Flickr

Those look tasty.

[DaBear]

yeah, call and ask Rich or John. might cost a tiny bit extra. i have not made a purchase in a month or more, i actually will be buying again soon.

Alright, thanks. So you just place the order and then call in? Or do you call the order in and ask while placing it?

[BlkDrew]

i just call and place the order with one of them, that way it is all clear.

[DaBear]

Called, but no pick up, and since it isn't a big enough deal to me, I just went ahead and placed the order online. Since this is my first time dealing with them, opening the leaves could be half the fun, just for the smell. :dr Went with some samples to try my hand at making some milder smokes:
1x Dominican Ligero
2x Dominican Seco
1x Broadleaf Scraps(just to mess around with, at $2.49 its worth it to me)
2x Havana 7(for binder)
1x Connecticut Shade
1x Capper(since I hadn't gotten one before)

All I'm hoping for is 20 smokes with that, but I feel like I may be able to get more.

Any tips you have for dealing with Connecticut would be helpful since I know its a delicate leaf.

[BlkDrew]

If you got the shade leaf, it is more forgiving than most. Just remember to hydrate the wrapper leaf slowly and only hydrate what you are going to use. the filler should be ready to go right out of the box.

[DaBear]

Just got my order in, and mmmmmmmm :dr It smells gooooood. No complaints about leaf quality or anything like that, but the capper tool I ordered was not shipped and I received no notification, so I'm a little irked about that, but I'll just assume someone had a brain fart somewhere along the packing process and forgot it. Not a huge deal, I'll find something to use in the mean time(I'm thinking bottle cap and a knife)

[kelmac07]

Andrew...gifted a robusto Roxy Maduro to a friend at this weeks VCM Thursday Herf and he really enjoyed it. :tu :tu

[BlkDrew]

Andrew...gifted a robusto Roxy Maduro to a friend at this weeks VCM Thursday Herf and he really enjoyed it. :tu :tu

Nice good to know they are still getting around. I should have a website built by the end of the summer.

[BlkDrew]

Just got my order in, and mmmmmmmm :dr It smells gooooood. No complaints about leaf quality or anything like that, but the capper tool I ordered was not shipped and I received no notification, so I'm a little irked about that, but I'll just assume someone had a brain fart somewhere along the packing process and forgot it. Not a huge deal, I'll find something to use in the mean time(I'm thinking bottle cap and a knife)

go to lowes or home depot and get a copper union and sharpen it..... thats what i do

[BlkDrew]

alright, got some new leaf in. PA Oscuro. this stuff smells amazing. rolled 6 with it today, cant wait to let them rest a little bit.

http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1353.jpg
http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1352.jpg

[DMK]

Them look tasty....:dr

[363]

Them look tasty....:dr

+1 oh man!:dr

[BlkDrew]

alright, here is some havana ct bound goodness, five will have Premium ct shade leaf wrappers and 5 will have the PA Oscuro (the single one on the far end) these are 5x42

http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1358.jpg

[BlkDrew]

http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy93/vorand58/IMG_1359.jpg

[Big Maduro]

Those are some good lookin smokes. My hats off to ya.

[maninblack]

Damn those look good Andrew!!

[jpb437]

I just found this thread and read the whole thing while sitting at home sick today. Now I want to start rolling my own. This is awesome. Perhaps I have a new hobby for after the kiddos move out.