Tobacco Press Beyond the Noodle Maker

[DotAndBang’sPipes]

I think I’m ready to purchase a small hydraulic press as well as a pre press mold like one from the attached image. I have a noodle press and it’s fine but I’d like something a bit more straightforward for tobacco (and something square). Am I on the right track by matching up a small hydraulic press and one of these molds? Thanks,

 

[Pypkė]

Not seeing an image

 

[Brad H]

I think I’m ready to purchase a small hydraulic press as well as a pre press mold like one from the attached image. I have a noodle press and it’s fine but I’d like something a bit more straightforward for tobacco (and something square). Am I on the right track by matching up a small hydraulic press and one of these molds? Thanks,

Hydraulic press might out too much pressure on it. Noodle makers have done me find in the last past few weeks I have used them. Keep me informed how the hydraulic press works out and how much pressure you are putting on the tobacco cakes

 

[woodsroad]

An hydraulic press has benefits, such as being able to press larger sheets and having controllable/repeatable pressure. But you can easily smoosh tobacco down to the density of MDF board.

Someone who can actually do math can correct mine, so:

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Per Jensen states (in a YT vid I can longer find) that the Mac Baren automated press is 40 tons, 40x40cm

40cm = 15.7”.
15.7x15.7=246 sq"
1 ton = 2000 pounds.
40 ton = 80,000#
80,000 pound ÷ 246 sq" = 325 psi

Multiply 325(psi) times the surface area of your mold (in sq. inches) to get the pressure needed to replicate the Mac Baren automated press.

So, for a 4"x4" mold (16 sq.”) you would need 5,200 PSI or (5,200 ÷ 2000) 2.6 tons
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Most home shop presses can far exceed this, so watch it or you'll end up with a pricey hockey puck.

 

[tfdickson]

Pressure is only one part of the equation. Once you pass the point of sufficient, additional pressure won’t make any difference. Before you spend money on a hydraulic press I‘d go back to the noodle press but heat the tobacco prior to pressing- for 2 ounces do 30 seconds in the microwave, mix it up, then do 15 more seconds. It will be slightly steaming and hot to the touch. Immediately pack it in the noodle press and crank down all the way. In a week you’ll have a hockey puck that no additional pressure can produce. Heat is the key. C&D uses a gazillion ton press but no heat and minimal casing for their plugs- the result is a fluffy tobacco pillow. Which sounds nice, but not really what you are after.

 

[Brad H]

Pressure is only one part of the equation. Once you pass the point of sufficient, additional pressure won’t make any difference. Before you spend money on a hydraulic press I‘d go back to the noodle press but heat the tobacco prior to pressing- for 2 ounces do 30 seconds in the microwave, mix it up, then do 15 more seconds. It will be slightly steaming and hot to the touch. Immediately pack it in the noodle press and crank down all the way. In a week you’ll have a hockey puck that no additional pressure can produce. Heat is the key. C&D uses a gazillion ton press but no heat and minimal casing for their plugs- the result is a fluffy tobacco pillow. Which sounds nice, but not really what you are after.

I don’t think you would need more than a noodle press.
On the first day just go back to it and tighten down on it every hour. You will find it will compact a bit more over time and you can put slightly more pressure on it.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Oooh, tobacco muffins! Ha ha, looks yummy.

Yeh, I have a hydraulic press. I haven't used it for tobacco because I know that it would just squirt out the sides. If metal will do that, then I know tobacco would.

 

[Brad H]

S

Oooh, tobacco muffins! Ha ha, looks yummy.

Yeh, I have a hydraulic press. I haven't used it for tobacco because I know that it would just squirt out the sides. If metal will do that, then I know tobacco would.

sometimes I cook eggs with these sausages.