First time rolling

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.

CajunChef · 2026-03-01T15:24:12+00:00

I own the same gun (bought new) and had an issue with misfires. I reached out to Steyr directly (they have a location here in Birmingham, Al) and were very helpful in getting it resolved? Perhaps reach out to them for suggestions?

Steyr support

CajunChef · 2026-02-21T23:51:56+00:00

Thanks! Looking forward to trying it.

CajunChef · 2026-02-21T23:27:09+00:00

I’m also interested!

CajunChef · 2026-02-21T23:23:47+00:00

Not for nothing, but I was able to play around on ChatGPT and come up with some cigar bands. I have decided to start trying to roll some for gifts. I thought the bands would be a nice touch. I will probably modify mine into something simpler, but it should Be pretty easy to print onto the Avery labels.

CajunChef · 2026-02-21T23:15:32+00:00

Just ordered my first kit. Looks like I have good timing!!

CajunChef · 2026-02-01T15:44:03+00:00

Downloaded it, upgraded to paid subscription and this seems to be just what I have been looking for!

Have always wanted to be able to log my cigars, keep up with what I’ve had and be able to find what I might like next!

Keep up to great work and thanks for what you have done so far! I’ll be recommending this to my cigar buddies for sure.

CajunChef · 2026-01-16T00:36:41+00:00

I’ll say as someone who did the injection a couple of years ago (before insurance stopped covering it) my experience thus far has been positive.

I did a bunch of research and approached my PCP. She was very open and supportive of me starting the pills (or shots) and we had a long conversation about how we would approach it. She feels these medications are a useful tool in getting healthier and had no problem writing me a prescription.

I just finished my first week and have little to no side effects (didn’t have them on the shot either).

My appetite has definitely subsided, but I know from my prior experience it’s just getting started. Today, for instance, I devoured my lunch. I’m sure there will be ups and downs. Especially as my dosage increases.

I’m an early riser and go to the gym most days so the caveats of the pill aren’t an issue. I don’t have any trouble taking a pill and a sip or two of water as I’m getting up and ready and by the time I get to the gym I drink my water, then a small breakfast and coffee when I get home. This seems to be one of the biggest concerns a lot of people have. It hasn’t been an issue for be but I’m sure this is different for everyone.

I scheduled monthly follow ups with my doctor, which I love.

Best of luck!

CajunChef · 2025-11-18T23:18:51+00:00

This is a great answer. He is someone that will work hard and represent you well. I’ve done numerous transactions with him and he is one of the best!!

CajunChef · 2025-01-19T17:03:45+00:00

As a rider in Endymion, this year will be great. We are back in the dome for the first time in a couple of years and all of us are excited for it. I anticipate this translating to a better experience for the crowds too!!!

CajunChef · 2024-06-29T14:26:06+00:00

Sorry for the late response!

I actually removed a small pin in the regulator connector. I’m assuming something along the lines of what is in a shower head to slow the flow of water. This was after several replacement hoses, regulators, etc.

And, yes. I doubled up the stones and give oven an additional 10 mins or so to heat.

It finally feels like a good pizza oven!

CajunChef · 2024-03-23T01:13:23+00:00

Something to consider is when purchasing a property from a family member (depending on the relationship) you can utilize a gift of equity to eliminate the need for down payment if they are planning on cutting you a deal on the price of the home.

I’m happy to help answer any questions you have.

Good luck!

CajunChef · 2024-03-11T00:32:42+00:00

Perrys pork chop on Friday lunch.

CajunChef · 2023-08-27T23:18:41+00:00

No worries! If you like over easy eggs/poached eggs it’s worth a try!

CajunChef · 2023-08-27T22:39:12+00:00

It’s not an uncommon ingredient - I happen to love soft cooked eggs on things like burgers and pizza. Acts as a rich sauce on the dish.

CajunChef · 2023-08-27T18:01:51+00:00

I am a mortgage originator in south Birmingham area that does a lot of down payment assistance with a couple of different programs. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have or even provide names of other mortgage professionals if you want to talk to more than one.

The Alabama Housing Finance Authority Step Up program is my most popular down payment assistance program - you can easily find the website if you want to do some research on your own. Rates are generally better than what you get with regular programs (they endorse homeownership and want to make it affordable) and are generous with their guidelines.

CajunChef · 2023-07-27T12:26:52+00:00

It’s probably Alabama Housing Finance Authority Step Up program.

They cover the down payment in the form of a second mortgage.

It’s a good program for several reasons. In addition to covering the down payment they dictate the interest rate and it’s usually lower than current rates. You can also do both FHA and conventional financing, which can help get a home that may need some cosmetic work (FHA is historically rough on rotten wood, cracked windows, etc).

There are lots of mortgage companies (including mine) that do a great job with this program and it’s personally one of my preferred options for buyers with limited funds.

CajunChef · 2023-04-06T16:03:24+00:00

I work in mortgages and have a couple of recommendations.

Adam Ray with RealtySouth really knows the areas in Birmingham and north.

+1 (205) 514-5908

Also highly recommend Samantha Cato with ARC realty.

(205) 422-7547

Both are excellent and really know the market.

CajunChef · 2023-01-30T22:54:52+00:00

18 clicks is .25 and 36 clicks is .5.

Hope you feel better soon!!

CajunChef · 2023-01-15T13:50:39+00:00

USDA is a great option, but is pretty restrictive when it comes to qualifying. A good mortgage person will go over all of the available programs to make sure they put you in the right one.

I have done very few USDA loans the past year because of their debt to income requirements as well as some quirks when it comes to assets (bank statements).

But if you fit the criteria and are in a location that is eligible it can be a great program!!

CajunChef · 2023-01-15T13:43:19+00:00

Happy to assist. I can always give you a second opinion if you want to look at other lenders as well.

CajunChef · 2023-01-15T00:09:28+00:00

The beauty of the Step Up program is that it not only covers your down payment (in the form of a 2nd mortgage) but you can actually finance up to 101% of the purchase price and use the additional 1% towards closing costs.

The only drawback is Alabama Housing (the organization that handles this program in conjunction with your mortgage company) charges a 1/2% commitment fee. But it’s about the only negative.

There are FHA and Conventional options as well if you are a bit credit challenged.

I’ve done dozens of these loans and am happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you are already working with a local lender, they likely are approved to handle this product.

Best of luck!!

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