Gambler Cigarette Making Machine

[thedave]

Anyone having any trouble with the Gambler?

Maybe I got a lemon, or I just make too many lol

It started hanging and acting funny and I found a ring laying loose in it.

The ring went around this piece like a bearing.

I crimped it back on and it worked a while longer and I found this when I opened it.






I think I will get a small roller bearing of some kind to bolt there.

Am I the only one?

[thedave]

Has anyone opened their machine to inspect this part?

I have only made 40 or so cartons with this one and am surprised it is worn.

Meanwhile I am back to the Excel with 2 Supermatics standing by.

This looks like a problem many Gambler users will have to deal with
or maybe a quality control issue with a few machines.

I'm just curious as to how they are holding up.
I don't think I will buy another.

[Willy_B]

Well I just crank away with it and have noticed that the action should be relatively easy or a too tightly pack cig results. I also get short fills but don't fret over it, going for speed instead. The major con for me, and what slows me down is getting the tubes on. A smaller nozzle would help. The Ramback Elites (no short fill with these) must be a tad bigger as they slip on easily. My GF prefers the original Gambler light tubes (perforated) and I always have trouble getting these on. I guess a little sanding is in order.

[Joeuncool]

First and foremost, a HUGE thank you to MisterMxyzptlk and others that have commented on the gambler machine.

This is the first post I've put on this site, but have been lurking long enough to have a bit of a feel for the site itself.

Originally found the site by looking for reviews on the top-o-matic, and being unaware of the exsistance of other machines, decieded to read everything that i could on them. You made a very good case for the gambler and i deceieded to go ahead and purchase one.

It works like a dream, exactly as describe and if one is considering RYO for real, this is the machine to go for. I've since shown the machine to friends that smoke, and a couple have made purchases, keep in mind that these are people that did not MYO beforehand, they where impressed with the quality and ease of operation. Once again, a HUGE thank you to everyone that discussed the machine honestly on here, saying thank you was the main reason for creating an account.

[msdz]

Cute machine.

[Ledergeist]

After reading all the opinions here on injectors, I'm gonna go with the Gambler. To me, it seems like a good one to start with as I've never used an injector yet. I'll post a review here once I start cranking 'em out.....
Thanks for making my choice fairly easy.

[elguapo]

This ugly little red plastic toy is the best stuffer I ever used.
It is far better than both my Supermatic II and TOM in quality of smokes produced.
And far more tolerant of operator error.
It is so good that I continue to use it despite the fact that I hate everything else about it. The round design is terrible and trying to keep the thing stable with the grip is impossible. The rear crank position is a bad idea, and gives this machine a larger footprint than any other crank machine. The offset nozzle is too big and most tubes just barely fit. And did I mention it looks like an ugly red plastic toy.

Best stuffer availiable.
Recommended.

[Mart]

I just picked the little Red Gambler today. And I love it, great consistency, and very fast. It is hard to fit some tubes, but I think there is a little bur from the molding on the nozzle, can probably use a little wet dry paper on it. I made the progression from the Bugler HH to the EXP 1000, both served their purpose, but I wanted more consistency and speed, mainly from tapping and filling the end. After getting used to filling it, I was turning out stick after stick, no filter gap and right to the end.

As far as holding it, I noticed if you put your left hand on it, curl your fingers into the finger slot at the top, and hook your thumb along the ridge formed buy the tobacco tray, you can hold it like a Catcher's mitt, solid as a rock. You could make a stick in mid air holding it like that. It is made of plastic, but seems solidly constructed, you can look in the crank slot and see the mechanism, it looks very similar to what I've seen on other larger machines. I haven't taken it apart yet, but I'm sure I'll be doing that soon. If they would make it in black with a Satin Textured finish it would improve the look. But It is sort of cute in an ugly sort of way.

Any tips from experienced users would be appreciated.

[ogmios]

Just recieved machine from P&C. First thing I did upon using it was jam it up really good. Didn't realize how much less you have to 'pack' the tobacco compared to the HH I have. This is the only cranker I've used, and only made ~20 cigs with it so far, but already it's so much nicer than the HH. Definitely has a bit of a learning curve to it, it seems like the machine either underfills quite a bit or leaves a huge carrot top. Hopefully that's just because of my lack of experience, or perhaps it's the 22mm filters in my tubes ?

Also, the Ramback tubes I got with it are hard to get on, while the Zen FF ES fit on relatively easy. Are the 22mm filters a problem with this machine for others, or do I just need more practice ?

[Jonesing]

Ogmios:

Your'e likely just looking to get the right touch for loading the tube. I haven't used this machine but the Ramback and Windsail tubes load great on my TOM.

I have noticed that the Zen tubes seem to be very slight conical. Meaning the appear to be very slightly flared toward the tip.

This was actually one reason I switched to Ramabck. I found they tend to find lees fall out with the Ramabcks when carrying smokes around in a tin.

Just remember to attack the nozzle at an angle and then twist the tube a bit as you push it on.

You should be good to go.