"The Best We've Seen
Keeps Getting Better"

While there are a number of manufacturers of injection machines, most of which are fairly small hand held simple devices (like the one at left) that can inject tobacco into a filtered (or non-filtered, if you prefer) tube, few can rival the sheer efficiency, quality and control of cigarette making that is indicative of the patented Supermatic line by CTC, Inc. (Clinton Tube Company of Plattsburg, New York). These wide-based machines rest on the table affording the user a very comfortable control surface environment with an easily manipulated lever for pushing the tobacco into the tube. Most machines load from the top (again, like the one at left) and a "lid" is closed on the filled tobacco compartment. With the tube applied to a nozzle, the user then slides the "lid" or top of the machine to push the tobacco into the tube. The much larger Supermatics (see picture at right - not to scale) are far more sophisticated. Once the tobacco compartment is filled, the lever or handle is pulled down which closes the tobacco compartment and engages a compacting piston to prepare the tobacco for a tight even roll. The next motion is a continuation of the handle motion to then push the tobacco into the tube. Very efficient and requiring little effort, and more importantly, the whole process requires no dexterous skill to "hang" on to the machine during the injection phase of the operation. In tests, we have found that after only a few minutes practice one can "roll" a pack of smokes in as little as 5 minutes. Again, cigarettes that are indistinguishable from and every bit as high in quality as manufactured brand name cigarettes with the added advantage of choosing one's own superior tobacco blends.

We reviewed the Supermatic II in an earlier issue, but this time we will briefly look at its big brother, the all-metal Supermatic. At only about ten bucks more, this machine is well worth the price. In the earlier review mentioned above, we noted some problems with inconsistent manufacturing noticed on some of the Supermatics. So for this review we ordered a new one and from what we got as well as what we have heard from MANY tobacco and accessory retailers of late, CTC has definitely cured whatever problems they initially had. The appearance of the new machine was flawless and performed as well as it looked. As the tobacco is compressed and excess is cut, (a process now performed effortlessly by this machine), the tobacco is now very easily pushed into the tube. Jamming appears to be rare, if ever, and the tubes are filled from filter to end much more consistently than in the previous machines. CTC listened to their customers and did their homework. It is gratifying to know that CTC takes this business seriously, especially since they are the ONLY manufacturer of a machine of this prowess and quality. Nevertheless, it is imperative to heed the simple recommendations you will find at the bottom of this page that apply to all injectors, and most especially the Supermatics. If you do, you will be constantly amazed at the speed and efficiency with which you can create incredible high quality cigarettes. These machines have no equal and only the Excel, (see the March/April review) also manufactured by CTC, even comes close.

   NOTE:  The following may prevent a lot of you from doing damage to any tube injection machine, especially the Supermatics as you are getting to know them. There are 3 issue areas which must be addressed for a successful injector experience. If you follow these, you will find the injectors to be an irreplaceable asset to rolling your own cigarettes.

1. Select tobacco carefully: It should NOT be hunks or heavy bulk cut. It should NOT be overly moist like most pipe tobacco. If you wish that special vanilla or other flavor to add to your cigarette tobacco either dry pipe tobacco very thoroughly and then break up the bulk parts by crunching and rolling between your fingers before you mix with your cigarette tobacco, or order pre-flavored tobaccos from a reputable tobacco shop that uses appropriate cuts for cigarette injection machines. The best tobaccos for this machine are long, fine or medium cut shags. Do not over-dry tobacco as powdered "shake" tobacco will also jam the machine.
2. Clean the machine regularly by turning it over and shaking gently and/or blowing the tobacco residue from the mechanics underneath. Remove rubber base, if applicable. A fine, dry brush works great. Follow instructions on lubricating if necessary.
3. Never force the machine to push tobacco. Never tightly fill the tobacco chamber - lightly tamp down from a pile over the chamber entrance. If the machine starts to jam, STOP, immediately, return the handle or slider to the open position, and clear, with a toothpick or other sharp (but safe) object, the tray area leading to the cigarette tube of all jammed tobacco. This is most important as excess pressure on the system, in order to forcefully push through jammed tobacco, will damage critical mechanisms.