Pressing Tobacco at Home

[mojoe]

I've been watching some tube videos about pressing tobaccos at home. I've seen various wooden and metal "boxes" being pressed by log splitters, bearing presses and C-clamps. The Dagner's appear to have the best contraption I've come across, basically a SS tube with a set bottom and a cap that compresses under a clamp.
As is typical when I watch these types of things, "I had an idea".....so, I'm running this by everyone for their thoughts.
I think I'll run to the hardware store and purchase a short length of PVC(12"). I'll then chuck a wood blank into the lathe and turn a disk with a shoulder to use at the bottom, and a disk that fits inside for the top. I also plan to turn a small recess at the center (outside) of each of these so the c-clamp will stay centered during tightening, in theory applying equal pressure.....thoughts?????
Joe

 

[mojoe]

Looks like Acme used a similar process (though with a shop press) and had pretty good results......looks like I'll have to add this to my project list :D

 

[uncleblackie]

I am not an expert on this but I have always heard that PVC contained an amount of lead. Something to investigate. I would be wary of lead leaching into your tobacco.

 

[mojoe]

Very astute uncleblackie.......a quick google search revealed you're correct.

 

[jitterbugdude]

You need to use CPVC. PVC is not approved to human use for whatever that is worth. Personally, I like to use an oak box. The box just sets on a piece of oak board and I press the tobacco down. Once done, I just lift the box off the bottom and push out the plug. I also think the oak contributes, in a very minor way to the overall flavor.

 

[woodsroad]

I'm with jitterbugdude. Avoid plastics. Play around with different types of wood. Charred hickory might be nice, or charred red elm.