Drying Tobacco
Making tobacco, that's too moist, stuffable.
Comments [ new ]
- Re: Humidity and drying tobacco
- Posted by Alan on Saturday, 03-Jun-2006
Thanks, Dave...I read the 'fridge post and that's my next test! I'll let everyone know what happens. I don't think I'll get into the desiccants, as I'm shooting for simplicity and cost-effectiveness here.
[ reply | link ] to this. Go to [ top ]
- Re: Humidity and drying tobacco
- Posted by Denny on Saturday, 03-Jun-2006
I can say that the humidity is definitely back. I have been very successful using the microwave to dry out my tobacco. The trick is to only warm it up, and immediately spread it out to dry. if too dry, just let it set out in the air for awhile, or put a wet paper towel on the bottom of your tobacco, and re microwave it with a cover on your dish. Once you find the right microwave time and power setting combo it is very easy to control the humidity of the tobacco.
[ reply | link ] to this. Go to [ top ]
- Re: Humidity and drying tobacco
- Posted by Alan on Sunday, 04-Jun-2006
Thanks, Denny...it seems like you have had success with the mic. Me, I have in the past dried it too much! But I will try to do it as you said. BTW, I use a 50/50 Drum/Gambler blend. How does this compare to yours regarding initial moisture content, and if similar, what is your quantity and microwave setting? Thanks!
[ reply | link ] to this. Go to [ top ]
- Re: Humidity and drying tobacco
- Posted by Denny on Sunday, 04-Jun-2006
OK I currently am using McClintock menthol, and my wife uses McClintock light. Both are a little too moist for the Top O Matic at this time of the year. What I do is set my Microwave for 1 or 2 min and set the power control for 10 to 20 percent depending on how moist the tobacco is. It would probably be best to set for the least amount of time, and the smallest percentage if not enough, simply just do it again at the same setting, that should be enough. It takes a little trial and error till you get it right. as you need to get the feel of how dry or how moist you need to get the tobacco in order to load properly.
[ reply | link ] to this. Go to [ top ]
Also last summer I used to put the tobacco on an old window screen and set in the sun. This is ok and serves two purposes, as you can also screen out the shake dust after drying. The only down side to sun drying is you need to be vigilant with your tobacco, as more than a couple of mins in the sun, and you will have over dried tobacco.
- Re: Humidity and drying tobacco
- Posted by Alan on Sunday, 04-Jun-2006
Thanks for all your help, Denny. I actually put a batch in the 'fridge this morning and it worked pretty good. Will try your microwave suggestions next.
[ reply | link ] to this. Go to [ top ]
Great idea on the window screen, btw!
- Re: Humidity and drying tobacco
- Posted by Mary on Sunday, 23-Jul-2006
Denny,
[ reply | link ] to this. Go to [ top ]
Thanks for the tip on drying tobacco in the microwave. It sure makes it easier to make cigarettes. I was having such trouble I even went and bought a new TOM, thinking something was wrong with the one I had.
Mary