A bit discouraged

[Jason C]

So I’ve wrapped about 10-15 cigars since taking this hobby up last two weeks ago. I feel like I’m improving on draw, cap and wrap however no matter how I try to get my cigars smooth like store bought they still come out with little lumps u see the wrapper. I don’t think this is a mold issue but I could be wrong.

Which brings me to my question Are there wrappers that are so thin everything they wrap comes through? Like every little bump in the binder? And are there other wrappers that are thicker that help not show every little thing u see the wrap?

If so could you please give examples of wrappers that are thicker and easier to work with? I’m using a ecuador los rios wrapper and this stuff seems very thin and shows everything underneath

 

[deluxestogie]

You should be discouraged...after about 100 cigars, if you don't see progress. Thin wrappers and thick wrappers will show their veins as slight ridges if they are not in high enough case when you wrap the cigar. Thicker wrappers require more time for the secondary veins to fully hydrate. Honestly, the cigar shown in the photo looks pretty damn good for having rolled only 15 cigars. Be patient.

Bob

EDIT: The veins of well hydrated wrappers will stretch along with the lamina.

 

[Jason C]

You should be discouraged...after about 100 cigars, if you don't see progress. Thin wrappers and thick wrappers will show their veins as slight ridges if they are not in high enough case when you wrap the cigar. Thicker wrappers require more time for the secondary veins to fully hydrate. Honestly, the cigar shown in the photo looks pretty damn good for having rolled only 15 cigars. Be patient.

Bob

EDIT: The veins of well hydrated wrappers will stretch along with the lamina.

Thank you Bob. I cased the wrapper for 24 hrs it felt good but you make a good point about hydration of the veins as I could see the leaf “feeling” good yet not properly hydrated……. Back to the drawing board

 

[adamziegler]

So I’ve wrapped about 10-15 cigars since taking this hobby up last two weeks ago. I feel like I’m improving on draw, cap and wrap however no matter how I try to get my cigars smooth like store bought they still come out with little lumps u see the wrapper. I don’t think this is a mold issue but I could be wrong.

Which brings me to my question Are there wrappers that are so thin everything they wrap comes through? Like every little bump in the binder? And are there other wrappers that are thicker that help not show every little thing u see the wrap?

If so could you please give examples of wrappers that are thicker and easier to work with? I’m using a ecuador los rios wrapper and this stuff seems very thin and shows everything underneath

Nice looking cigar!

Keep rolling them and they will get better. #50 will look and feel different, and you will get a different feel for the bunching and binding and wrapping.

Rigid molds are more likely to get you closer to the look you desire, but they are not magic. Even some of my early rigid molded cigars looked a bit lumpy after a few weeks in the humidor.

Veins can also be "pushed" into the bound bunch a little bit.

Aesthetics aside... How do they burn? How do they taste? Do you enjoy the aroma?

 

[GreenDragon]

I agree with Bob - for your 15th cigar that is absolutely beautiful! Most new rollers don't produce one that good by their 50th.

I've struggled with beating veins into submission myself, as have most all rollers. It's a lot easier if you live and store your leaf in a naturally humid environment. There's more than one reason most US cigars were rolled in Tampa, FL! Veins just take longer to soften up when you are casing the leaf. The lamina will absorb water pretty quickly, but it takes longer for the veins, and even longer for them to actually soften. You may want to case your leaf several days in advance before rolling. If you are worried about mold just keep them in Ziplocs in your refrigerator (that's what I do). Also, leave them in the mold longer to help "set" the shape. You may find 2-3 days is the magic number for your location instead of overnight.

Keep up the great work and remember, it's all about having fun and enjoying the journey!

 

[Jason C]

Nice looking cigar!

Keep rolling them and they will get better. #50 will look and feel different, and you will get a different feel for the bunching and binding and wrapping.

Rigid molds are more likely to get you closer to the look you desire, but they are not magic. Even some of my early rigid molded cigars looked a bit lumpy after a few weeks in the humidor.

Veins can also be "pushed" into the bound bunch a little bit.

Aesthetics aside... How do they burn? How do they taste? Do you enjoy the aroma?

They taste and burn very well. I have had to touch up here and there but for the most part draw burn and taste are good. When you say “Riged mold” what is that? I have a wood mold I’ve been using for these however I just ordered a nice plastic one for 115.00 it’s a 7x48 and will be here next week.

 

[Jason C]

I agree with Bob - for your 15th cigar that is absolutely beautiful! Most new rollers don't produce one that good by their 50th.

I've struggled with beating veins into submission myself, as have most all rollers. It's a lot easier if you live and store your leaf in a naturally humid environment. There's more than one reason most US cigars were rolled in Tampa, FL! Veins just take longer to soften up when you are casing the leaf. The lamina will absorb water pretty quickly, but it takes longer for the veins, and even longer for them to actually soften. You may want to case your leaf several days in advance before rolling. If you are worried about mold just keep them in Ziplocs in your refrigerator (that's what I do). Also, leave them in the mold longer to help "set" the shape. You may find 2-3 days is the magic number for your location instead of overnight.

Keep up the great work and remember, it's all about having fun and enjoying the journey!

I really appreciate that thank you and this very helpful information thank you again! I’m going to take your advice thank you

 

[adamziegler]

They taste and burn very well. I have had to touch up here and there but for the most part draw burn and taste are good. When you say “Riged mold” what is that? I have a wood mold I’ve been using for these however I just ordered a nice plastic one for 115.00 it’s a 7x48 and will be here next week.

Rigid... Wood or plastic solid two part molds. Sorry, I presumed you were using paper rolls based on other conversations.

 

[Jason C]

Nice looking cigar!

Keep rolling them and they will get better. #50 will look and feel different, and you will get a different feel for the bunching and binding and wrapping.

Rigid molds are more likely to get you closer to the look you desire, but they are not magic. Even some of my early rigid molded cigars looked a bit lumpy after a few weeks in the humidor.

Veins can also be "pushed" into the bound bunch a little bit.

Aesthetics aside... How do they burn? How do they taste? Do you enjoy the aroma?

Rigid... Wood or plastic solid two part molds. Sorry, I presumed you were using paper rolls based on other conversations.

Oh gotcha. I appreciate that and I’m really going to focus on proper hydration of these leaves. I think I get in a hurry after watching these videos online of them banging out a cigar in 3 mins lol. Thanks again!

 

[jclif43]

Great looking cigar.

 

[adamziegler]

Wanted to share a commercial cigar's aesthetic...

 

[Jason C]

Great looking cigar.

Thank you I’m trying

 

[Jason C]

Wanted to share a commercial cigar's aesthetic...View attachment 53770

Thank you. I’ve been leaving them in the mold for a few hrs verse 30 minutes and they are starting to sun out better, I just really need to focus on any uneven spots in my bunches as I’m binding. Thank you again