Top-O-Matic
The Top-O-Matic (TOM) is a Chinese made Supermatic clone. The original TOM is not as well made as the Supermatic and there is no noticeable difference in functionality between the two machines. The machines are, for the most part, identical. The only physical differences of interest are the TOM's increased clearances, paint on the bottom of the cutter housing, and a number of softer/brass parts.
Comments [ new ]
- Re:(newer) Top-O-Matic (obesrvations)
- Posted by mike c on Sunday, 23-Dec-2007
1) aluminum cutter has a slice towards the right side that make way for some type of blade the is visible but further up in the chamber....maybe this feature will be painfully obvious to some of you but I am clueless, and he apparently never paid it any mind as it's the only machine he's known
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2) lack of chamber scratching from aluminum cutter so readily seen of Supermatic + clones
3) not much corner filling seemed necessary
4) crank arm on this machine finishes injection when the arm reaches the tube release which I don't think I can ever get used to, but he claims that's it's a stock setting....hmmm
5) bad with shake...ruined what had me jealous
- Re: Top-O-Matic (new model) observations
- Posted by mike c on Wednesday, 07-Nov-2007
friend Robin took me to the hospital yesterday....I saw her lighting up the most stupid-looking underfilled stick I've ever seen in my life, then I saw the rest of hers were underfilled......
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upon questioning, she said she had been too lazy to do whatever it is that she has to do to get them filled......
she uses the 100's setting so looks like that (gag, cough, ghasp, shriek)
plastic compressor/cutter BETTER fit the new one....
- Re: Top-O-Matic (new model) observations
- Posted by mike c on Friday, 09-Nov-2007
ended up at friends with new Topomatic yesterday...(well, the first incarnation with blue stickers in case they've done any changes)
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looked inside and despite all parts being filthy and covered with tobacco dust they were all silver colored, including the cam, whatever that means or doesn't mean.......I tried to make a stick but was unable since upon one of her husbands last repairs, for some reason he has it set where the injection process doesn't start until the crank arm is to the nozzle...strange....she had no problem, but had to do the tapping ritual in as big a way as any......(on 100 setting, acorn nut nowhere in sight)
the chamber looked silver and unpainted, THBOMK-memory
and he's supposed to be the engineer and so smart
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA (hehehehehehe)
- Re: Top-O-Matic & plastic cutter?
- Posted by denali on Thursday, 01-Nov-2007
I would like to try adding the supermatic plastic cutter to my Top-O-Matic. I looked at the Arbro website briefly, but am not sure which part is the right (plastic) one. Can someone give me the part # please? Do I need to order anything else? I haven't modified or broken anything yet... So this is new territory. I have the original Top, and am planning to try the new Top in the near future. Thanks!
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- Re: Top-O-Matic & plastic cutter?
- Posted by mike c on Thursday, 01-Nov-2007
if you simply order the regulation cutter for the supermatic, part number# P-47, you'll get it!!!!
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and while I am here I will ask why you prefer it on the TOP??
also while I am here, I wish to point out that the reason all of you need one is the smoothness of injection, NOT simply less cleaning
I am waiting for Dave to get the new model to decide if I want a new TOP for my collection
the old TOP is a POS structurally, which I learned from Dave, and is why I have as good a machine as I do....
- Top-O-Matic update
- Posted by SirVette on Wednesday, 24-Oct-2007
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I recently purchased the Top-O-Matic & thought some might be interested in an update. I removed the rubber bottom & all parts are metal & Stainless Steel. The only brass parts are 2 acorn nuts on top near handle. No plastic nuts or parts. While initially I would have preferred the Super (cost was not an issue) plastic parts like nuts are. I researched both the Supermatic & Top-O-Matic. Clearances seem to be fine.
Works out of the box. Only a very minimal amount falls through. Evidently I like burning rubber & don't mind a tire store however there was none of this odor in the rubber base.
- Re: Top-O-Matic update
- Posted by Dave Lers on Wednesday, 24-Oct-2007
Though it doesn't really matter, I would be extremely surprised if there was any stainless in the new TOM. The only plastic that the new Supermatic has, that the TOM doesn't have, is the cutter/compressor. While I've only used the plastic cutter in an old TOM, its looking like a must have.
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- Re: Top-O-Matic update
- Posted by SirVette on Wednesday, 24-Oct-2007
Dave
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Top-O-Matic manual "The stainless-steel tobacco chamber prevents corrosion, ..."
The chamber & injector appear stainless steel.
Bill
PS That's good news on the metal nuts.
John on Saturday, 23-Sep-2006
" I recently purchased a Top-o-Matic and love it, especially since the bushing nut is made of metal, whereby the Premier Supermatic is plastic." [link]
- Re: Top-O-Matic update
- Posted by Dave Lers on Wednesday, 24-Oct-2007
I take it you didn't read the topic (above/"topic" link) where I compare the inferior (at least on the original) TOM bushing nut to the Supermatic's (there's even an image). The first thing I did with my TOM was to replace the bushing/nut with Supermatic ones. I have edited the post* you quoted, only the 500 series Supermatic has a plastic nut.
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Are you saying that the chamber bottom/sides and the spoon guide (what you call injector?) piece (which is made from one piece of steel and spot welded to the machine housing) is unpainted inside and out and is a matte silver color? While it would be nice (and a huge step up from their painted rust), it makes no sense, corrosion is a non issue and stainless is expensive. For the whole chamber to be stainless, the machine top/housing would also have to be stainless. I could be wrong but this sounds like RBA and their new, lower quality/not "precision" linkage (i.e. advertising BS).
*If you copy the "link" at the bottom of the post you are quoting, you can link directly to the post instead of the page its on (I had to use the search engine to find the post).
- Re: Top-O-Matic update
- Posted by SirVette on Thursday, 25-Oct-2007
Dave
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The chamber is a separate piece from (not) the top of the machine & stainless steel - the bottom, sides & including the top of the chamber. No paint on it.
By injector the part that fills the cig. tube.
- Re: Top-O-Matic update
- Posted by mike c on Wednesday, 24-Oct-2007
while my career with machines is shorter than many of you, I am now an absolute pro....take Dave's words on the plastic cutter add-infinitum....
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the plastic cutter is the most important piece of equipment there is, unless you are skilled and modified one.......
to my knowledge the Top won't quite accept it, and for Arnold's sake let's hope they never do
no offense on anyone....I simply state brutal truths
- Re: Top-O-Matic update
- Posted by mike c on Wednesday, 24-Oct-2007
oops...if Dave says he's using a TOP with a plastic cutter that's news to me, and extremely good news for the TOP crowd.......however he may still be referring to his modification pre-dating the plastic one, etc....
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further, while the SM2 may have a plastic nut, I think you may be confusing the bushing itself with the bushing nut???
I think the bushings are all plastic which isn't a problem, either way....
- Re: Top-O-Matic update
- Posted by Dave Lers on Wednesday, 24-Oct-2007
The new Supermatic cutter is the same size as the original TOM cutter and a few thousands thicker than the aluminum Supermatic cutter. No mods or pre-dating, the plastic Supermatic cutter fits and works fine in the TOM.
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_Only_ the 500-series Supermatic has a plastic nut on the bushing, the Supermatic II bushing is integral with the housing, i.e. no nut.
- Top-O-Matic softbrass bearings
- Posted by ChasM on Thursday, 31-May-2007
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Quote:"The TOM's brass components will wear faster and are more prone to failure. Only time will tell how much an impact this has on machine longevity."After nearly a year my topomatic's cam follower developed a severe flat spot... remedied by gripping it with vise grips and just turning it a quarter turn.I have attached a picture of the brass follower - after being rotated.
- Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Saturday, 10-Feb-2007
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Here's a picture of one. You can see the adjustment I was concerned about w/ acorn nut.
- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by scott johnson on Saturday, 10-Feb-2007
I wonder how well it works with 100's. Being there is no adjustment for release timing that I saw.
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by mike c on Sunday, 11-Feb-2007
I told her to try the 100 setting, and while their ego's clash with mine in this area, and they don't want to resort to my Imperial training and skill, she is smart, and I bet she tried. The "gripper and cap" seemed a bit too close to the tube, but again I was in ultra-scan-fast mode and could have made any number of wrong first-impresions...but my track-record is good,...form my SM experiance, having little to no time release on the 1oo's notch is the key to the kingdom...but then there's Scott who claimed perfect sticks moist out of can (on King size, I've assumed) .......we need a lister to hear the call. Go pick one up early (preferably before 9am central if shops are open) so this list is all the way up on it.....DO IT OR I'll FLAME MY BEST FRIENDS, and I know you want to give them a break.....and please, have the machine up for serious discussion by 10:AM cental so when I wake I have something solid to catch my ADD, and since those of us that are staying through time on SYO, want to look back at all the game we were on top off...we shouldn't allow 30 to 50 lame US dollars to interfere with our more well-to-do prospective VIP-by-invitataional initiates to prove how a few bucks to donate for fame, fortune, and just maybe, a shared social alliance......when I wake up... would make the birds sing....
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- Re: New Model Top-O & 100mm's
- Posted by cheap & chippy chopper on Wednesday, 25-Apr-2007
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I finally started using my new Top-O-Matic this past weekend, to try out the 100mm tubes I bought.
-- I had to file the rasp off all around the tip of the nozzle. Otherwise, tubes won't go on and get sliced up in the process.
-- It leaves a lot more overhang than I expected, so snipping is necessary.
Otherwise, it works great with 100mms.
However, two questions:
1) DAVE: Will your hopper fit on this machine?
2) ANYONE: Why are my cigs coming out OVAL? Flattened?
thanks! :-)
- Re: New Model Top-O & 100mm's
- Posted by Dave Lers on Thursday, 26-Apr-2007
The hopper trays may be back on track (if my deal on a shear goes through) but I have not seen the new TOM. If there were no changes to basic dimensions it would only work with the angle piece removed (i.e. a dedicated 100's machine).
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I've seen other comments about the oval shape but its so slight I've never really noticed it. It may be more pronounced on machines where the cutter/compressor cycles closer to the spoon (two half circles coming closer together and forming an oval shaped tobacco plug).
- Re: New Model Top-O & 100mm's
- Posted by michael coleman on Thursday, 26-Apr-2007
I noticed that I was over-stuffing at the time I commented on the oval shape
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being new at this, she may be as well....
generally it is so slight as to be a non-issue.
as for the "overhang" when using 100mm, this is certainly better than underfill, which I think has been the general problem with people making 100's on earlier machines.
I am also wondering if she is tapping the tobacco down properly.....but it sounds like this may be a good machine in that respect.
- Re: New Model Top-O & 100mm's
- Posted by cheap & chippy chopper on Friday, 27-Apr-2007
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Hi guys ~ thank you for your help!
Michael ~ The oval shape is, as you say, a pretty minor issue. As it happens, I already tried a lighter fill, different tobaccos, different tubes, and still get the same flattened product.
On the overhang, this goes into an interesting (to me anyway, lol) difference between premades and mymades.
I can tap a premade a few times on a thumbnail and get a firmer pack (evidenced by a little more space at the tip end). If I tap a mymade, bits o' baccy fly out but the pack doesn't seem to improve nor do I see a reduction in the overhang. This morning, I started pulling out a few strands rather than snipping them, then tapping lightly a couple times, then shaking any excess out. Voila, perfect stick that leaves little to no shake in a cigarette case carried all day.
This leads into my stuffing technique -- you're right, I do tend toward overstuffing, but I've been working carefully to get the perfect balance: a great fill while virtually nothing is caught by the cutter. I've found this machine likes less packed to the right (tip) end than it claims. Loosening up a bit at that end really helps the overhang dealio, too. :-)
Dave ~ Thanks for the hopper update. I wouldn't mind getting another crank machine to do Kings, and devoting this one to 100s. Was just wondering whether the bolts and handle meant you'd have to resize the hopper itself. I'll look forward to what you come up with. :-)
- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by John Diamond on Friday, 05-Oct-2007
I recently received the new TOP (the one with the handle) and am having problems stuffing 100mm cigarettes.
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What happens is that just before the cig is completely filled up the crankshft gets very hard and I end up with the cig being released before the tube is completely filled up. What is causing the problem is that each time I make a cig there is a chunk of tobacco stuck in the protruting tube holder. I think this may be due to a misaligning of the feeder or the fact that the feeder in the new model is shorter than in the old model.
Is anyone having a similar problem and how to correct it?
This new TOP model is my third machine and my second TOP and, having used these crank machines for some time now, I know not to use moist tobacco.
Thanks to all for your help
- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by Dave Lers on Friday, 05-Oct-2007
Does the action get hard when the elbow of the spoon arm contacts the tube release (looks different but the principle is the same)? Are you also getting a filter end void? When you crank the machine does the base of the spoon (what I believe you are calling the feeder) come out to/close to the tip of the nozzle? It sounds like the tube release plate needs adjustment.
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by mike, ya know on Friday, 05-Oct-2007
My friend(s) machine works fine....same model...it was a bit tight, and I'd personally sell it off for a plastic cutter job, but it has to be a glitch or misalignment of this particular machine
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by mike c on Friday, 05-Oct-2007
I just made a call to my friend who I do not see in person but very seldom....in the interest of wanting to help/do good.
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I was mistaken...(she said) 100's were always a problem. I did my best to describe the problem here, and she agreed hers did the same.....I also heard of several parts having broken and been replaced, but apparently Republic was very good about replacements, etc.
My personal opinion has always been that the machines just don't work great for 100's (unless you have special skill, like some), but I seem to recall that if I want to make them I just have to tap and fill a bit more than with my king-size...now I will attempt to take a seat in the back quietly.....
- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by John Diamond on Saturday, 20-Oct-2007
First off thanks to all for the responses and apologies for not being able to respond. At first couldn't find my original post and later on e had medical problems with Dad. Today If found my original post :).
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Within days of my post got in touch with Lil' Brown, whom I believe is the best in terms of service and price, for a replacement. So, the problem I will describe is from recollection.
"Does the action get hard when the elbow of the spoon arm contacts the tube release (looks different but the principle is the same)?"
Yes, at about that point of contact with the tube release mechanism. Or, at the point the crankshaft is about perpendicular to your chest.
"Are you also getting a filter end void?"
No. I don't even get to completely fill a tube with a void at the filter end. What happens is that at the point we described above, the tube, whether be it a Premier or a TOP tube, tilts toward the tube release handle, making the tube non-aligned with the feeder spoon, and the spoon tears the tube. I've tried stuffing with McClintock, TOP, and other tobaccos, but to no avail.
Inspecting the tobacco chamber, after attempting to stuff a tube, I notice a chunk of tightly pressed tobacco that is slightly less the length of 1/2 inch stuck between the entrance of the injector and the tobacco chamber. IOW, this chunk of hard-pressed tobacco never makes it to the tube, which causes the hardness of the crankshaft and the tube to tilt to the right and toward the tube release handle.
"When you crank the machine does the base of the spoon (what I believe you are calling the feeder) come out to/close to the tip of the nozzle? It sounds like the tube release plate needs adjustment."
Sorry for mixing up the terms :)!
The answer to that is NO. In fact, comparing the feeder of the new TOP with the old TOP, I noticed that the feeder left a wider gap with the nozzle, as if the feeder was slightly curved and bent. But that could have been just my impression.
What I believe caused the problem was the the shorter feeder on the TOP w/Handle. On this new machine the feeder does not extend all the way close to the nozzle, thereby leaving a wider gap between the tip end of the feeder and the nozzle. When the tobacco is pressed within the tobacco chamber, the tobacco within this gap is not properly pressed, IE, it is left looser than the tobacco in the feeder. When the crankshaft continues with its final press from the perpendicular position I described above, it chunks up into a very hard 1/2 chunk thereby preventing it to got through the nozzle and into the tube. This in turn causes the feeder to curve slightly and tear up the tube.
I could be very wrong, however, on what caused the problem.
- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by Kerry on Friday, 05-Oct-2007
How long have you been using crank machines? You say you have gone through 2 and are on a third? Am I correct? What happened to the other 2 machines?
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Your accurate answers to these questions are critical to getting accurate answers to your questions from anyone here.
- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by John Diamond on Saturday, 20-Oct-2007
"How long have you been using crank machines? You say you have gone through 2 and are on a third? Am I correct? What happened to the other 2 machines?"
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Kerry, I've been using crank machines for approximately 2 1/2 - 3 years.
My first one was the Premier Supermatic. I replaced some parts on it and it still works, although not as smoothly as the TOP machine. I'm holding on to it in case of an emergency. It lasted me about a year and a half prior to replacing the parts.
My second one was the TOP prior to the one with the handle. This one lasted me 13 months. On this machine I slightly sanded the bottom of the tobacco chamber which, I believe, later on caused the the tube release mechanism to come off. I'm currently using this machine with the tube release mechanism completely removed. Works great! What I do is I hold the tube with my finger and when finger feels the tube ready to pop out I let go of the finger and get a perfect cigarette - no gaps at either end. It works so great w/o the tube hold/release mechanism that I recommend it to anyone whose machine is having problems with its hold/release mechanism.
- Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Thursday, 18-Jan-2007
I stopped at a mom & pop type cigarette/tobacco store today, and sighted the New Model Topomatic. There's no adjustment arm--just a piece of angle sheet; with an acorn nut to adjust between King Size and 100"s. And of coarse the handle. I don't think I care for this setup. The price was $40. I think I will buy an "Old Model" Topomatic just to keep as a spare when I get paid. Mike
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by scott johnson on Friday, 19-Jan-2007
I stopped in a Smoker Friendly store today to see what was new. They had a new top-o-matic out on the counter for demo. I was buying some tobacco, so I stuffed some of their tubes with my tobacco. It seemed to work smoother than my old supermatic. perfectly packed the smoke! It's a good working machine. I do like the handle also.
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Friday, 19-Jan-2007
How about the mechanism--how does the adjuster work? Mike
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by scott johnson on Friday, 19-Jan-2007
The little angled piece sits into the tobacco chamber. meaning less tobacco is needed to fill the chamber for King size smokes. All you have to do is take the acorn nut off and pull that angled piece off and you are making 100's. But for king size, you don't have to worry about filling that right hand corner so tightly.
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Saturday, 20-Jan-2007
The thought occurred to me the machine was calibrated for 100"s;; and that angle-sheet simply eliminates the extra tobacco when making Kings. No guesswork--no adjustment! I'll stick with the old style I believe. Mike
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by scott johnson on Saturday, 20-Jan-2007
It worked really well though. made a perfect stick my first time using it. Might be less need for adjustment this way.
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Thursday, 25-Jan-2007
Yes, I agree! I just hope they continue to build both styles of machine, Mike
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- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by Dave Lers on Thursday, 25-Jan-2007
I was wondering about this. Did they just remove the selector or have they also changed the gripper/release in some way?
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I'm also puzzled by what sounds like a gap between the base of the spoon and the tobacco when filling the chamber to make Kings. It would seem that the tips of the finished smokes would end up on the loose side.
- Re: Topomatic--New Model (with handle)
- Posted by scott johnson on Thursday, 25-Jan-2007
As far as I can tell, there is a gap like you thought. When I tried it, It packed a stick perfectly. I doubt it will do that once the spoon starts wearing a little.
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It seems to have a preset gripper like the SM II. Only way to switch between kings and 100's is to remove the guard thingy.
I would like to see what it does on 100's, I think it will fall short without an adjustable timing release.
- Top-O-Matic- New Model
- Posted by mike c on Saturday, 16-Dec-2006
I didn't buy one!!! Republic said the new model has just started going out...it has some changes, but other than the handle I didn't ask, etc... she couldn't tell who has them, I would be interested to hear of anybody spotting and or purchasing one
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don't take me wrong, was just gathering info....
I'm finished now
mc
- Re: Top-O-Matic- New Model
- Posted by fishguts122 on Monday, 08-Jan-2007
Hey guys I have the new one and i had it about 6 weeks before my first Problem well it seems to me that you have to really know what your doing before this thing can work for you to have the perfect cigs All I can say is Dont Over fill even a little!! I found that instead of packing both sides as it tells you to do that if you pack the side of exit and leave the rest evenly thats as good as it gets with out stressing the Machine I like to think then this Machine should last a very long time
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- Re: Top-O-Matic- New Model
- Posted by Warren on Monday, 08-Jan-2007
> All I can say is Dont Over fill even a little!!
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With the original ToM I overfill the chamber on every cigarette, but I don't compress it on either end (I prefer looser packing which yields hotter burn, a bit stronger smoke, easier to draw). The cutter just goes through whatever is over the top. What happens with the new model on overfill?
- Re: Top-O-Matic- New Model
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Monday, 08-Jan-2007
Tonight I had the same problem; and thought about your post. What I did was load up the last of my Windsail Platinum, and made two smokes right off the bat that I could hardly draw through! The tobacco is not quite shake, but isn't top of the bag either! I ended up just making sure there was tobacco in both left and right sides and even with the top of the cutter/compressor-- in the middle--no extra tobacco needed. How to say this--I just dragged the tobacco from the pile on top of my Topomatic to the chamber opening, and let it fall in. Then, just made sure there was tobacco in both ends. I still ended up with some firmly packed smokes! Mike
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- Re: Top-O-Matic- New Model
- Posted by mike c on Tuesday, 09-Jan-2007
please pardon that I'm not replying to the exact right post...best I can muster at moment
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are you saying that your Topomatic firearm will shoot a plug all the way tight against the filter and yet leave overhang that really just needs a clip instead of a tamp???
if so, now that's a bad bad boy......and on the KING SIZE setting??? BTW, I adhered to your advice and NEVER touched the settings on my Supermatic, simply used it to model the Ultimatic....after 20 mins of begging I'm pretty sure Mark sent me a properly calibrated set-up. I *did* have to clean the underside however, as the SM had a thick lube which caused tobacco flotsam to congregate......the Ultimatic just gets siliconed and doesn't seem to have that problem...yet
- Re: Top-O-Matic- New Model
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Tuesday, 09-Jan-2007
Yes, my Topomatic will do just that 90% of the time; depending on the tobacco used. It works especially well with Look Out Milde Shag for some reason. Tamping is a habit that's hard to stop. Like you said I believe--this machine would probably shoot buckshot! Just as long as I continue to follow the instructions ie filling the chamber ends first--then the middle gently without packing. Mike
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- Top-O-Matic
- Posted by John on Tuesday, 14-Nov-2006
I've been using the top-o-matic machine for 6 months. I had been stuffing with a Supermatic for 8 months prior. I've now put the Supermatic away for good. The Top machine works much better.
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Advantages over the Supermatic.
1. MUCH easier cranking action. The supermatic was a real arm wrenching experience.
2. Fills the tube right up to the filter almost every time. Filter end voids are very rare. Tapping is unnecessary and no excess to snip off which makes for much faster cig production (4-5 minutes a pack).
3. No degradation in performance in 6 months. Works the same as it was when brand new.
4. Not one single jam since I've owned it. It looks like the TOP doesn't have the famous cutter buildup problem.
5. The rubber base grips the table surface better.
6. Overly moist tobacco doesn't seem to affect performance or quality of the finished cigarette. With the Supermatic the tobacco moisture has to be perfect to otherwise you would get nothing but jams and gaping filter end voids.
My only complaint: No convenient place to hold the machine when cranking. Same as with the Supermatic but the TOP is less confortable to hold because of the sharper edges.
The Top-o-matic beats the Supermatic hands down.
- Re: Top-O-Matic
- Posted by Dave Lers on Wednesday, 15-Nov-2006
Yes the TOM rubber base does grip better, its also harder to get on and off. Personally, I don't like either of them.
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All your other points are related to gunk buildup. Anyone who has taken apart a TOM knows its not immune. The reason its not as much of an issue with the TOM is because the cutter/compressor fits looser. While the ideal is a well mated snug fit (e.g. Excel), its just not possible to get that kind of accuracy/consistency with sheet-metal (why there are 'good' and 'bad' Supermatics). It took trying a lot of things (cutting away part of the tobacco chamber, truing the chamber, brass shim-stock on the cutter, etc.) until I realized the key was adjustability (edit The plastic Supermatic cutter is a more accessible alternative, works great in the TOM).
A hopper tray is a convenient place to hold the machine and more.
- Re: Top-O-Matic - rubber base alternative
- Posted by Warren on Sunday, 17-Dec-2006
I also took rubber base off because of strong rubbery smell which wouldn't go away. Instead of framing a rubber foot around the edge as shown on the photo, I use the unit in a plastic TV dinner tray (15"x10") and only cover the tray with double layer of paper towels. The ToM is nested in the upper right corner. All the tobacco dust & scraps from inside the unit and any excess from the chamber fall onto the towels which I shake out into the trash every few days (the towels themselves last for weeks). The towels keep the contact with the unit edges soft and dampen the cranking sound better than the original rubber base. The tray, when idle, holds also a can of tobacco & a box of tubes, making the whole kit easy to move around the house. The whole setup is virtually maintance free.
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Possible improvements: A cloth towel might work even better. The scattered tobacco scraps might be reusable after re-moisturizing (they are easy enough to funnel from paper towels into anything).
- Top-O-Matic only good for Kings
- Posted by Mark Harrison on Saturday, 23-Sep-2006
Kings stuff pretty good, but 100's have a problem of getting tobacco to the butt end. We have tried every trick listed on this site, but still no luck.
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Quick and easy to use, just follow what others are saying on here and make sure your tobacco is not to moist as it will jam easy on you.
We have went through around 10 cartons with this now. Considering a carton of smokes here in WA is around $45 it paid for itself right away.
- My Review of the Top-O-Matic
- Posted by Captain U-96 AKA Mike on Wednesday, 02-Aug-2006
Having used Supermatics for the last twelve years; my purchase of a Top-O-Matic took some forethought. But, I am glad I made the decision to try the TOM!
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I have to admit the old style packaging would have been enough to sway my decision to buy the TOM if I had any doubts lingering about. The first thing I noticed about the packaging was that the box was factory sealed! Inside the box, the machine was packed quite well, and had a manual, schematic, warranty card. In my opinion, this is a well built machine. Looking at the mechanics I noticed that all the parts were made of metal; with hardened metal where the brass parts use to be. In fact, the only brass parts are the two linkage nuts on the outside of the machine!
After lubricating the moving parts, I re-installed the rubber base pad, and proceeded to make some smokes! I used Midnight Special tobacco, and EL Ray KS-FF Tubes with no problems. The Top-O-Matic made perfect sticks every time. I was expecting trouble though, because the humidity was high. I noticed that the cutter was starting to get build up on top after only one pack of sticks. I take enough tobacco for maby two smokes out of the pouch in this kind of weather at a time.
I have a method I use when filling a cranker; I place some tobacco on top the machine, and drag it into the tobacco chamber with my little fingers--then into the corners with the outsides of my little fingers--lastly filling in the middle. Using this method, I find it hard to overfill the machine. I imagine it looks funny seeing me appearing to be looking into a scope the way my hands are while loading the machine, but --it works for me!
I got called away from the machine for about a half hour, and when I returned I was about to clear the machine, but decided not to; to find out how it handled humidified tobacco! I finished loading the chamber with dry tobacco from the pouch, and sure enough--it jambed up! I broke out my black plastic model building tweezers, and unloaded the machine. As soon as I feel a jam beginning--I back off and unload the chamber. It's easier on the machine that way, and I don't mind the added time it takes me to finish tubing a pack. Generally, I only make one as needed when I'm at home opting for that fresh as possible smoke.
As far as tools go--I have the black plastic tweezers for jams, and a metal scribe for damaged tubes. The scribe looks like an aluminum pen with a magnet where the eraser would be and a pocket clip.
I use this to straighten out tubes that are damaged and won't go on the nozzle. The pointed end of the scribe fits perfectly inside a tube making it an easy task to straighten out the tube wall with my thumb on the outside of the tube and the scribe inside. This also works well with tubes that are too small in diameter from the factory. You simply insert the scribe; then use your thumb to put pressure on the tube while holding the scribe with your other 4 fingers using your thumb to push the tube down the outside of the scribe to stretch the undersized tube with your thumb pressure the same as when straightening bent ended tubes. Using your left hand to hold the filter end of the tube. Back to the Top-O-Matic!
The machine feels different somehow when stuffing tubes compared to a Supermatic. I seem to be able to feel the work better with the TOM. Also, the TOM feels like a solid, precision tool to use. I didn't get that out of the Supermatic 2 I was using. So, I give the Top-O-Matic my highest rating. I think Republic has finally got the bugs worked out of this design, but no manufacturer can build a machine that can survive use by those who refuse to read or heed simple directions!
- Re: Top-O-Matic
- Posted by skiball on Thursday, 22-Jun-2006
what are the tweaks for tom
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- Re: Top-O-Matic tweaks
- Posted by Warren on Thursday, 22-Jun-2006
As described in earlier posts here below, here are few adaptations I did:
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1. I removed the rubber pad due to a strong rubbery smell. It works better without it. I crank it inside a RV dinner tray and after a batch of cigarettes, I just shake the tray over a trash can. No more opening the machine and cleaning the insides as with SP.
2. I sanded off the nozzle. It had very sharp metal edges which wich would snag or rip through the paper. It was a bit too wide for the Excel filterless tubes (which tend to vary in diameter from box to box). The smoothed nozzle edges and a smaller diameter speed up the mounting of the floppy filterless tubes onto the nozzle.
3. I removed the big spring which pulls back the main handle after the tube release. After a few sticks of getting used to the new mechanical feedback (easier, resistence free pull), it worked much quicker without the spring.
4. Every few weeks I put some 'goo gone' as a lubricant on the tube release mechanism. That round metal piece rubs on another metal lever and the release action (near the end of the crank stroke) gets rough after a while. The bit of lubrication of the metal-to-metal contact point makes it good for another few weeks.
See Also: Top-O-Matic Archive Aug - Dec '05