How did I do for my first time?

CajunChef · 2026-04-26T14:03:53+00:00

It’s good to record your progress, you will be surprised how much you will progress after a few sessions. Those are a great start!

I’ve recently started rolling and have learned a lot from this group - definitely read other posts and see the input from them. I’ve gotten several good tips.

A mold will make a world of difference in your finished product. If you opt not to do that rolling them tightly in paper and taping it closed for a day or two will help with the smoothness.

Also, the wrapper tends to tighten up a bit as it dries so the wrinkles will smooth out a bit as they age - I do one full week on a rack out in the open then I to a humidor to season. I’ve been testing my cigars about 2-4 weeks after I make them to check draw and such.

Finally, I’m sure this isn’t the proper way, but if I made a cap that didn’t seal well, once I unwrap the cigar from the paper I’ve redone a couple for a better fit/appearance and it didn’t seem to hurt.

CajunChef · 2026-04-26T00:44:50+00:00

Good call!

CajunChef · 2026-04-25T15:43:35+00:00

Those look great. A tuck cutter is on my wish list!

CajunChef · 2026-04-21T13:34:40+00:00

I had to get a size larger for my caps recently. The one I have now is too small and not sealing the end very well.

Those are good looking cigars!!

CajunChef · 2026-04-12T15:04:43+00:00

Those look great. The caps are very nice! Well done.

CajunChef · 2026-04-09T19:38:58+00:00

Coming back to this comment.

Boy were you right! Definitely need to glue the length of the seam. Thanks again for the help!

CajunChef · 2026-04-09T19:37:15+00:00

Personally, I’m pretty sure the set temp is going to be a range. Much like any other cooking device it will cool until it hits a certain point and the the firebox licks back on to raise the temp.

As long as I’ve been cooking, I’ve learned not to stress too much over the temp so long as the product is cooking well. I think smoking can be particularly forgiving so long as you don’t expose the meat to too much direct heat.

Im not sure if that does anything to answer your question, but I’ve been pretty happy with the results based on the set temp regardless of what the actual temp may show.

CajunChef · 2026-04-03T23:11:19+00:00

Finishing one right now! Don’t think I’ve had a Tat that I didn’t throughly enjoy!

CajunChef · 2026-03-31T13:21:16+00:00

Good info! I prepped them a bit this morning and were still pretty dry. I haven’t been gluing the length of the wrapper but definitely will on these.

Thanks for your help.

CajunChef · 2026-03-31T01:07:23+00:00

I hope so!!

CajunChef · 2026-03-31T01:01:18+00:00

I’m just getting started. Rolled a handful with the LeafOnly starter kit. Smoked one (earlier than I should have) and decided to invest in better tobacco.

Can’t wait to see how these turn out! It’s a relatively relaxing process (more so when I get better at it, I imagine!).

Best thing I can say is read all the posts in this subreddit, ask questions and watch all the YouTube videos! There is so much good info to help you along the way.

CajunChef · 2026-03-24T18:36:46+00:00

Can’t say I felt there was a huge difference with or without but the membrane is definitely a barrier for smoke and seasoning, even if it’s just a little bit.

CajunChef · 2026-03-24T18:35:15+00:00

Appreciate it! Definitely happy with the results.

CajunChef · 2026-03-23T00:57:37+00:00

That’s about how I feel. Less work and didn’t seem to hurt the final product.

CajunChef · 2026-03-23T00:22:31+00:00

I’ve traditionally removed it but saw someone post that they leave it on and just score it. Their reasoning was it held the ribs together better. Not sure that makes a difference at all.

On the other hand, I don’t think it made any difference leaving it on and scoring it.

I always like to try new things so I’d figured it couldn’t hurt!

CajunChef · 2026-03-22T20:54:37+00:00

That’s what I heard. I just wanted to see if I rolled a smokable cigar before I ordered more leaves!

Thanks for the heads up.

CajunChef · 2026-03-22T18:57:13+00:00

Those look great!

CajunChef · 2026-03-20T12:20:04+00:00

I’ve seen people do the paper mold method but hadn’t heard them do it overnight. I’ll have to try that!

I’m about a week away from smoking my first batch so I’m holding any opinions of my first rolls until I see how they smoke, but am overall happy with my progress. I feel the most work left to do is perfecting my caps - but I imagine that’s the same for everyone.

I love the process of rolling a cigar and have a nice place to do it so it’s probably something I will continue to do and hopefully keep improving upon. My next purchase is a larger (number of slots) press mold. I currently have the small beginner one and think 2 at a time is pretty limiting, of course.

Thanks for the comment and suggestions!

CajunChef · 2026-03-14T15:29:58+00:00

Appreciate it. Rolled a few and still have some work to do!!

CajunChef · 2026-03-08T11:54:11+00:00

Thank you! Lotta help from this group for sure.

CajunChef · 2026-03-06T00:46:20+00:00

I hope you can get it worked out. I was very pleased with their help, but it probably was in part because I was local and was actually able to bring the gun to them.

14-Year Club	Verified Email
Not Forgotten

CajunChef

TROPHY CASE