What I like most about DGBamas photo above - it demonstrates shear simplicity
The use of and the kiln it's self need not be complex he kept it simple. Most of the information out there has been made complicated, or appears to be. In truth it is not complicated at all.
But when aging tobacco it should be realized a little hands on experience is needed to achieve good to great results. What tobacco feels like when the moisture content is right for aging must be learned, what it smells like as it moves through the aging process must also be learned by doing and gaining experience.
It delights me that so many have taken interest in my post. I feel we should all have the opportunity to smoke Tax & Chemical Free Tobacco if we choose.
In an effort to help you through the hands on of aging tobacco I will be making and uploading video clips as I move through the aging process with a batch of tobacco I started today. The first clip is uploading now and will be followed by others. Youtube tells me I've got about 2 hours left for the upload to complete. when done I'll post it.
The first clip will show tobacco that has been condition. Unfortunately I thought of making the video clips after placing the tobacco bail (roughly 50 pounds) in the kiln to condition it so it could be taken apart. The bail has been sitting in my basement for something like a year give or take. Because it has just been sitting down there exposed to the air in a compressed bail it has become very dry and must be conditioned before handling it much. To handle and try to work with it in this very dry state would cause damage to and crumbling of the leaves. If I remember to do so when I start my next run I'll make a video of placing and the conditioning of the tobacco bail.
I have been reading through this thread and for some who have replied to it there seems to be some confusion. I have also received a few PMs (which I have answered) asking questions. I don't mind the questions or PMs but thought if I make these video clips and post them it might clear some of the mystery.
It is from my experiance perfectly OK to stack the plastic tubs providing there is circulation of the air inside the kiln to promote reasonable even temperature. (But do rotate tub positions now and then)
Venting of the kiln is not needed, but cracking of the tubs lids every few days will not hurt. However I have discovered that cracking of the lids may be a matter of choice my last run I did not do it and had no noticeable difference as far as the finished tobacco was concerned between a run that the tub lids had been cracked and a run when they were not cracked.
If you are new to kilning tobacco you should check the tobacco often for moisture content and the appearance of mold. If mold should be found cut it out (remove it) and check all the tobacco in that batch. Then allow the tobacco to dry out by spreading it on a table top until it is damp but not wet. After it has dried some clean the tub with soap and water, rinse well, and dry the tub. Then put the tobacco back in the tub and continue with the kiln.
I have not bought a cigarette in more than 5 years and truly believe there is nothing on a store shelf than can compare with what I smoke today. Your reading this says you have an interest in great tobacco for your smoking pleasure at a cost that is less than store bought. Should you pursue your interest and plan on growing, grow enough to matter, if buying to kiln buy bulk at least 10 pounds to kiln. There are good folks here on the forum who sell tobacco talk to them.
If I were buying just for me I would buy enough for 6 months at a time and run my kiln 1 to two times in that time frame. But I don't I provide my entire family with tobacco so I kiln often.
Bob signs his post with his name at the foot I think that shows he has nothing to hide. I'm going to copy Bob
Brent
