Rollin' my own......

[Garbandz]

Just got my first order of leaf yesterday,spent a couple happy hours experimenting on sizes and blends.First couple were somewhat ugly,but they started to look better by the 4th or 5th one.

Rolled a few robusto size,then switched to a lancero vitola,then a couple of corona gordas.

The wrappers I got are Conn. broadleaf and "Fronto"{new to me} and they go on smooth and tight. I got Nic ligero and Nic seco for filler,with a small bag of broadleaf for a change of profile. I chose broadleaf for the binder.I got 4 binders and wrappers from each leaf,a surprise to me. The scrap broadleaf had some nice bits too,some good enough for binders.

I got 3 fillers,one binder, and two wrappers to start,just to be sure I had enough,probably will have some wrapper left. Maybe I will use it to practice on yard gars,for a different profile.

I am waiting for them to dry down a bit so I can try them, and watching videos to improve my finishing technique. I am using pigtails now,they seem to be the easiest to do. I left the feet shaggy,I may trim them later.

The site I used for leaf is LeafOnly.com,I spoke to a gentleman named Rich. He was very helpful,and I will be calling him again for another order.....

[big_jaygee]

sounds interesting Tom and i hope it works out for you. if and when you get a few laying around and want to sell a couple i would be interested.

best of luck and have fun :tu

[Blak Smyth]

Pics would be awesome! BlkDrew went through this process (http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=50311&highlight=rolling)before. If he is still around he would be a great resource to bounce your ideas off of. I haven't seen him in some time though.

[Garbandz]

sounds interesting Tom and i hope it works out for you. if and when you get a few laying around and want to sell a couple i would be interested.

best of luck and have fun :tu

They also offer rolled sticks,check the site.Of course mine will be better......:r :r :r

[emopunker2004]

Pics would be awesome! BlkDrew went through this process before. If he is still around he would be a great resource to bounce your ideas off of. I haven't seen him in some time though.

He logged on a week ago

[DaBear]

I need to get back into rolling. Its been about a year since I last rolled. And this reminds me, I still have a handful of my own tester blends and lonsdales in the humi. May have to see how they've turned out tonight.

[Porch Dweller]

If you're not shy, post a few pic's; I'd love to see them.

[CigarNut]

Just got my first order of leaf yesterday,spent a couple happy hours experimenting on sizes and blends.First couple were somewhat ugly,but they started to look better by the 4th or 5th one.

Rolled a few robusto size,then switched to a lancero vitola,then a couple of corona gordas.

The wrappers I got are Conn. broadleaf and "Fronto"{new to me} and they go on smooth and tight. I got Nic ligero and Nic seco for filler,with a small bag of broadleaf for a change of profile. I chose broadleaf for the binder.I got 4 binders and wrappers from each leaf,a surprise to me. The scrap broadleaf had some nice bits too,some good enough for binders.

I got 3 fillers,one binder, and two wrappers to start,just to be sure I had enough,probably will have some wrapper left. Maybe I will use it to practice on yard gars,for a different profile.

I am waiting for them to dry down a bit so I can try them, and watching videos to improve my finishing technique. I am using pigtails now,they seem to be the easiest to do. I left the feet shaggy,I may trim them later.

The site I used for leaf is LeafOnly.com,I spoke to a gentleman named Rich. He was very helpful,and I will be calling him again for another order.....

:np

[TJarv]

Do you just store the leaves in the humidor until you use them?

[Sadden]

:np

[Ncpsycho]

Blkdrews were really good def look his up

[Garbandz]

here you go..........you can see I did not use cigar molds,but rolled them freehand.


storage is in plastic bags they came in........

[cjhalbrooks]

Not bad for rolling freehand. When you smoke the first one please Tell us about it.

[Porch Dweller]

Not bad for rolling freehand. When you smoke the first one please Tell us about it.

Seconded

[Fordman4ever]

I'd love to try one of the Lanceros. When you get enough, and wouldn't mind selling them, let me know. They look awesome.

[Garbandz]

update....just had a few minutes today..........the long one is 9 inches...............

[Porch Dweller]

update....just had a few minutes today..........the long one is 9 inches...............

:tu

What are you going to call the 9" one, a Lonsdale Doble? :)

[Garbandz]

A "Lancelot"...:r :r :r

todays' batch......another"Lancelot"

[emopunker2004]

I like the name of the 9" Tom

[big_jaygee]

They do look interesting :tu

I like the "Lancelot". Add me to the waiting list as well :tu

[Porch Dweller]

A "Lancelot"...:r :r :r

todays' batch......another"Lancelot"

I like it!

[BlkDrew]

Pics would be awesome! BlkDrew went through this process (http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=50311&highlight=rolling)before. If he is still around he would be a great resource to bounce your ideas off of. I haven't seen him in some time though.

I am just LAZY.... after moving in to the new house and starting the new job i have yet to set up my table... guess i will be doing it this weekend.

[Garbandz]

Just ordered my second batch of filler,Cameroon,Brasil and a Havana seed grown in Conn.
The broadleaf scrap I ordered has gone a long way as binder,giving me a cheap leaf to practice with,and saving the better leaf for when I am more comfortable rolling sticks.....

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

Very cool Tom. Oddly, I had a dream about rolling my own a couple nights back, it's funny your thread on rolling popped up today. Other than youtube videos, what sources are you using for "how-to" info? I'd love to take a crack at it.

[Garbandz]

I have watched rollers at events and actually spent some time with a roller that used to work in a B&M locally. Other than that I am a rookie.
Smoked one of my own sticks tonight,still a bit moist,but had a good flavor and burned surprisingly well.
Probably had too much ligero in it,it was pretty bold,but better than I thought it would be..........

[Garbandz]

Have about 50 rolled now,refining my technique. Definitely using less ligero,it is powerful stuff when young. Added some cameroon as a binder, and have been using the maduro broadleaf wrapper,it works beautifully and has a huge deep flavor. The scrap broadleaf makes a good binder,and saves a few bucks while I am learning. Some of you will really enjoy doing this,I am convinced.
I will be ready to send a few out soon,if you are interested......

[big_jaygee]

Have about 50 rolled now,refining my technique. Definitely using less ligero,it is powerful stuff when young. Added some cameroon as a binder, and have been using the maduro broadleaf wrapper,it works beautifully and has a huge deep flavor. The scrap broadleaf makes a good binder,and saves a few bucks while I am learning. Some of you will really enjoy doing this,I am convinced.
I will be ready to send a few out soon,if you are interested......

i am interested bro :banger

[Lockspur]

i am interested bro :banger

Count me in as well. Hell...I'd even PAY for a couple. :D

[big_jaygee]

Count me in as well. Hell...I'd even PAY for a couple. :D

I figured that was a given. But yes I will pay as well :tu

[Lockspur]

I figured that was a given. But yes I will pay as well :tu

cheap-a$$! :D

[OnePyroTec]

If you want to give a hard to work with Brazilian maduro wrapper a shot give me a shout. I have had it sitting around for many, many years and don't think I'll ever use it all up.

[Garbandz]

AM finishing a cigar from the LeafOnly folks,who supply the tobacco I am currently using.
They call it 91,it has a pale blonde conn.wrapper,and is a really nice stick.
Smooth,toast and grainy notes,light tobacco on the palate,and a wonderful aroma,fragrant almost floral notes,and spice.There is a slight dryness on the finish,delicate,interesting.
I expected it to be pretty light,but there is a lot to enjoy,while I would put it on the light side of medium.
I have tried a few of the ones I rolled,and I continue to be pleased by the character of the tobacco I have gotten from these folks.
If you decide to try this hobby,you will have no worries about the quality of the leaf,and I am rethinking my blends to go a bit milder.......

[FNA]

I don't have a mold either so also roll free hand.

What I have done is after I bunch and bind, I roll up tightly in plastic wrap like Saran wrap. Egven a couple hours helps - I'm sure you are as eager as I am to get the 'product' finished too, but if you can hold off wrapping overnight, the tight plastic wrapping really does act as a mold. It helps with achieving a nice even shape with straight sides.

I don't own digital camera or cell phone so no pix to demonstrate effectiveness of this method.

[OnePyroTec]

Some old timers use newspaper instead of molds.

Sometimes I will use a mold, sometimes free hand. Depends on the mood I'm in and size/shape I want to finish with.

[BlkDrew]

I don't have a mold either so also roll free hand.

What I have done is after I bunch and bind, I roll up tightly in plastic wrap like Saran wrap. Egven a couple hours helps - I'm sure you are as eager as I am to get the 'product' finished too, but if you can hold off wrapping overnight, the tight plastic wrapping really does act as a mold. It helps with achieving a nice even shape with straight sides.

I don't own digital camera or cell phone so no pix to demonstrate effectiveness of this method.

if you dont have a mold you can use 2 inch strips of news paper, roll it from the foot to the tip and twist. this will provide a good form for the cigar.

[Garbandz]

Wayne [Onepyrotec] sent me some nice Brazilian wrapper,with an almost smokey aroma.Many thanks,will surely be using this!!
Approaching 60 rolled smokes,and working on smoking the first couple of batches,trying them and evaluating the blends.So far they have not made anyone puke,and I am reblending later batches with less ligero.The rolling is getting easier,it is still a job to get the draw right,and to be consistent with the size.
The newspaper tip is a good one,be sure to try it........

[Theo Cincy]

"So far they haven't made anyone puke." Hilarious. You crack me up. I would be up to test the one of the lanceros you have rolled, one of my favorite vitolas. Let me know, Tom.
Thanks,
Theo

[big_jaygee]

"So far they haven't made anyone puke." Hilarious. You crack me up. I would be up to test the one of the LANCELOT'S you have rolled, one of my favorite vitolas. Let me know, Tom.
Thanks,
Theo

Fixed :r :r

another weeks rest Tom and i will try them out. thanks for letting me be a test subject :tu

[Garbandz]

Took a handfull to the Wednesday nite herf,6 of us had a fresh stick together.Still fairly strong,but burnt well and stayed together.Adjusting the blend has produced some interesting profiles,all of us agree the tobacco is very good.I really like the broadleaf flavors mixed with nicaraguan filler,and cameroon adds a spicy note......

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

I got home from a work trip late last night to find 3 really well made sticks, thanks a bunch Tom. I'm amazed at the construction and shape you get by going free hand, these guys are really nice looking.
I'm itching to try one tonight and will let the other 2 rest for a bit.

[Garbandz]

Scotty and Jason,waiting to hear from you...........

[big_jaygee]

I plan on smoking it tomorrow Tom. I ended up having to work today and didn't bring any cigars with me.

[big_jaygee]

OK smoked one of the skinny ones today... it has a great flavor and smell to it. The draw was real tight but loosed up about half way. I would mark this as a mild cigar. I am posting a picture. But don't know how big it is as I am doing this from the phone so sorry if it is huge.http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b492/big_jgarza/IMG_20130714_193957_654_zpsaec8738c.jpg

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

Tom, great smoke! I smoked one Friday night out back while chatting with the neighbors over a few beers. As was mentioned the draw was a bit tight but smoked just fine, I think that should loosen up with a bit of age too. Great aroma (the guys next door asked if I had more to share) and taste. I'm looking forward to seeing what some age does to these sticks. I'm still blown away by the construction. If you remember, were the ones you sent me completely freehand or did you go with the newspaper trick?

[Garbandz]

Really glad you like them,I have smoked a few more and I am impressed with the leaf I bought,it is really good quality.It has some veins that are visible,but they are no problem for me.
Those were freehand,but have been using newspaper since the 3rd batch.Somewhere around 65 sticks rolled so far,they are getting better looking,and not so tight.
Almost ready to order more leaf,will go with nica and honduran fillers,and maduro broadleaf wrapper.The maduro is just amazing.......

[big_jaygee]

i have to agree with the wrapper Tom it is a nice smoke. i will try to get another one in today.

[Garbandz]

Smoking one now,2 weeks of drying has paid off.Smoother and creamy with a big leather/wood note on the palate.The aroma is spicy and floral. The finish is earthy and long.
Decent yard gar.

[Garbandz]

Ordered my third batch of leaf yesterday,getting down to the scraps.Nic seco,columbian seco,brazil viso,and broadleaf.Still have some ligero from my first order.
I figure I have rolled 80 + sticks,and still have a good bit of wrapper from previous orders.
A few of the first 10 sticks I rolled are a couple of months old now,and are medium bodied and very fragrant,and I doubt they will get much older.The later ones are still young,but still tasty,showing a fresh taste I enjoy.I did one batch with pipe tobacco,some flake style that rolled close,and they are massive,probably too much for me on a regular basis.
I look at a cigar differently now,and I realize the practice it takes to do this regularly and do it well.My sticks are better looking now,but still I get a little run sometimes.I even did some in Culebre style,they are a hoot to smoke.

Some of you should try rolling,you could enjoy it a lot.......

[BlackDog]

Very neat Tom. I've seen cigars rolled before at B&M events, but didn't know that hobbyists rolled cigars too. Good luck with it!

[Garbandz]

The company I use is LeafOnly.com.They supply home rollers nationwide,and have cigarette tobaccos as well..........

[Garbandz]

Ordered fourth batch today,finally needed wrapper.Had to get some broadleaf maduro,and got some binder as well as broadleaf....
really do enjoy the hobby,got a chaveta to work with,too.

[Veatorious]

Tom, I have enjoyed this thread. I applaud you for taking this hobby to the next level. Any new developments since August? I would love to see any new pictures of your progress, and if you ever wish to sell any please let me know.

Good luck.

[OnePyroTec]

yup, I'm curious if you have given the Brazilian Maduro a try yet.

[Garbandz]

Brazilian maduro was brilliant! Thanks again,Wayne... Slight smokey aroma and nicely cured,went a long way and was much appreciated.
If I could buy it I would,excellent leaf.

Went to an event with a roller last month and had a good time talking to him,he showed me a couple tricks and how to do a triple cap.He let me sit and finish a few sticks for him,to the amazement of my friends.He is a cuban guy and is starting out with his own brand,and even gave me some of his wrapper glue.Great guy,Noel Rojo.........

[big_jaygee]

sounds like a great time Tom :tu glad to see your still sticking with it

[Porch Dweller]

sounds like a great time Tom :tu glad to see your still sticking with it

:tpd:

I enjoy reading about this. Going to post some more pic's anytime soon?

[OnePyroTec]

I wouldn't mind seeing a few more pictures either :tu

Hell, I may even be persuaded into parting with a little more wrapper. -(P

[DirtRider500R]

I wouldn't mind seeing a few more pictures either :tu


:tpd: Some pics of your process would be awesome!!

[Smoqman]

Looks and sounds like a ton of fun. I am hoping to get my soil right for growing some leaf, and perhaps experimenting (if I ever find the time!)

Very cool guys!

[Theo Cincy]

Burning this one down today. Great smooth favor, easy draw, and even burn. I think it has been resting about 6 months in a cab of illusion Rothschilds.
Thanks again Tom
http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p484/Theosiffel/Mobile%20Uploads/20140301_150400.jpg (http://s1152.photobucket.com/user/Theosiffel/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140301_150400.jpg.html)

[alfredo_buscatti]

Throw $150.00 at it and you could buy pounds of tobacco and the necessary tools. Hmm. . .easy to spend the same on a box. Be willing to work and study a bit and you could probably roll a box for ~$30.00. Hmmm. . .

[OnePyroTec]

Be willing to work and study a bit and you could probably roll a box for ~$30.00. Hmmm. . .

If it were that easy, everyone would do it. Try doing what you claim as "could probably" and get back with us. :r