Umair Gaines
The Top-O-Matic® cigarette machine is a widely available model of the cigarette injector machine. It is a Chinese-made clone of the Supermatic machine. While the Top-O-Matic® is not as well-made as the Supermatic, it is much easier to use and offers several advantages. However, it is prone to jamming and other issues. To fix a Top-O-Matic®, one must first identify the problem. Common issues include tobacco that is too wet, dry, or fine, a bent or narrowed injector, or a dirty tamper housing unit. Solutions include drying out or moistening tobacco, replacing the injector, and cleaning the machine with alcohol or warm water.
Characteristics and Values Table for the Top-O-Matic Cigarette Machine
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | The machine should be cleaned frequently to keep it in working order. Use a cotton swab with warm water or rubbing alcohol to clean the injector, tamper, tobacco chamber, and nozzle. Remove the rubber mat on the bottom of the machine. |
| Tobacco type | The machine is not made for pipe tobacco, which is too wet and dense. If the tobacco is too wet, let it sit out for up to an hour to dry. If it is too dry, add a wedge of apple or orange peel to moisten it. |
| Injector issues | If the injector is bent or narrowed, replace it. If the tamper is out of alignment, clean the chamber and realign it. |
| Jamming issues | If the injector lever assembly is not sliding smoothly, the flat-head screw may be too loose or too tight. Oil the parts with WD-40, 3 in 1, or cooking oil. Do not use Vaseline. |
| Tube ripping issues | Remove the slip-resistant mat from the machine. |
| Oiling | Apply a small amount of oil to rubbing parts. |
| Buildup issues | The TOM's larger tobacco chamber clearances mean there is more room for cutter bottom buildup. |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the machine regularly to prevent tobacco buildup
Regular cleaning of the Top-O-Matic machine is essential to prevent tobacco buildup and ensure optimal performance. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean your machine:
Cleaning the Tobacco Chamber and Injector:
- Start by rotating the crank handle assembly several times without any tobacco in the machine. This helps remove any excess tobacco from the tobacco chamber.
- Keep the crank handle assembly in the open position.
- Use a cotton swab dipped in warm water or rubbing alcohol to clean the injector, tamper, tobacco chamber, and nozzle. This step ensures the removal of any tobacco residue that builds up during use.
Cleaning the Machine's Underside:
- Turn the machine over and remove the rubber mat on the bottom.
- Inspect the underside for any buildup or residue.
- Apply a small amount of oil to any rubbing parts, as suggested by some users. However, be cautious not to overuse oil, as it can attract tobacco dust and cause malfunction.
Reassembling the Machine:
- After cleaning, carefully put everything back together.
- Ensure that all parts are securely in place before using the machine again.
By following these steps and regularly cleaning your Top-O-Matic machine, you can prevent tobacco buildup and maintain the machine's performance and longevity.
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Use WD-40 to lubricate the machine
The Top-O-Matic (TOM) cigarette machine requires frequent cleaning to keep it in proper working order. One user recommends WD-40 as a lubricant for the machine. They note that it does no harm to the machine and can be used on the upper parts with caution. They advise using a paper towel to wipe away any excess.
While WD-40 is a well-known lubricant, it is not always the best option. It is a multi-purpose product that is typically used to remove corrosion, prevent rust, and loosen stuck parts. It is safe to use on metal, rubber, wood, and most plastics. However, it is not a long-lasting lubricant and is not suitable for high speeds, friction, or environmental exposure.
For these reasons, it is recommended to use WD-40 to clean and loosen parts before applying a more specialized lubricant, such as Tri-Flow or white lithium grease. This is especially important for small, fast-moving parts like those in a sewing machine.
In the case of the Top-O-Matic, one user recommends using WD-40 on the upper parts of the machine, which may include small, fast-moving components. Therefore, it is essential to use caution and follow up with a suitable lubricant if necessary.
To lubricate the Top-O-Matic, follow the steps below:
- Rotate the crank handle assembly several times without any tobacco in the machine to remove excess tobacco from the chamber.
- Keep the crank handle assembly in the open position.
- Apply WD-40 to a cotton swab or paper towel and use it to lubricate the injector, tamper, tobacco chamber, and nozzle.
- Turn the machine over and remove the rubber mat on the bottom to access the cutter.
- Clean the cutter with a cotton swab dipped in warm water or rubbing alcohol to remove any tobacco residue and gunk buildup.
- Apply a small amount of WD-40 to a paper towel and use it to lubricate the cutter, being careful not to overuse it, especially on the upper parts of the machine.
- Reassemble the machine and test it to ensure it is functioning properly.
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Ensure tobacco is not too wet, dry, or fine
Ensuring that your tobacco is properly prepared is crucial for the optimal functioning of your Electric Top-O-Matic machine and for a consistent, enjoyable smoking experience. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you prepare your tobacco appropriately:
When it comes to moisture content, it's important to strike a balance. Tobacco that is too wet can lead to clogging and jamming in your machine. On the other hand, tobacco that is too dry can become brittle and difficult to work with. Aim for a slightly moist, but not wet, consistency. If your tobacco feels damp, spread it out on a tray and let it air-dry for a while before use.
The ideal tobacco for your Electric Top-O-Matic should be slightly moist and springy to the touch. A good test is to pinch a small amount between your fingers – it should hold its shape without feeling damp. If it feels too dry and crumbly, try reintroducing some moisture. This can be done by adding a small piece of citrus peel or a moistened cotton ball to the tobacco and sealing it in an airtight container for a few hours.
Tobacco that is too finely ground can also cause issues. Fine tobacco can lead to a faster burn and an uneven draw. It may also clog the machine. Ideally, you want a coarser grind, which will provide a slower, more even burn and a more consistent smoke. If your tobacco is too fine, try blending it with a coarser cut or using a smaller amount in each cigarette.
Preparing your own tobacco blend allows you to customize the moisture content and grind size to your preferences and your machine. Experiment with different blends and preparation techniques to find what works best for you and your Electric Top-O-Matic. Remember, taking the time to prepare your tobacco properly will ensure a smoother rolling process and a more enjoyable smoking experience.
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Replace bent injectors
If the injector (PO001) of your Top-O-Matic cigarette machine is bent or narrowed, the only way to fix it is to replace the injector. You can order a new injector (PO001) from the Service Center.
To replace the injector, you will need to disassemble the machine and remove the old injector. This may involve removing screws and other parts to access the injector. Be careful not to lose any small parts or springs during the disassembly process. Clean the area around the injector and the channel where it slides with a cotton swab and warm water or rubbing alcohol to remove any tobacco residue.
Once the area is clean, carefully insert the new injector (PO001) into the designated channel, ensuring it is properly aligned and secured in place. Reassemble the machine by following the reverse steps of the disassembly, making sure all screws and parts are tightened securely.
After replacing the injector, test the machine by rotating the crank handle assembly (PO023) several times without any tobacco to ensure smooth operation. If the machine operates smoothly, you can proceed to fill the tobacco chamber and resume normal use.
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$11.99
Remove rubber mat to fix tube ripping
If your Top-O-Matic® Cigarette Machine is ripping tubes, the issue could be that the machine is holding the tube for a fraction of a second too long. To fix this, you will need to remove the slip-resistant rubber mat from the machine.
To remove the rubber mat, first rotate the crank handle assembly several times without any tobacco in the machine to remove excess tobacco from the chamber. Keep the crank handle assembly in the open position and clean the injector, tamper, tobacco chamber, and nozzle with a cotton swab and warm water or rubbing alcohol.
Next, turn the machine over and remove the rubber mat from the bottom of the machine. You can use a can of air, a vacuum, an air compressor, or a dry brush to remove any excess tobacco and dust that has fallen into the bottom of the machine.
Once the rubber mat has been removed, you can adjust the insert nut in the corner where you put the tubes on the machine. Turn the insert nut counterclockwise a little at a time, and this will stop the machine from tearing the tips off the ends of the tubes.
If you are still having issues with the machine jamming, the problem could be related to the tobacco type, moisture content, or fineness. The machine is not designed for pipe tobacco, which is too wet and dense and can cause jamming, parts bending, and breaking. If your tobacco is too wet, you can dry it out by letting it sit for short periods. If it is too dry, you can add moisture by putting a wedge of apple or an orange peel in with the tobacco.
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Frequently asked questions
This could be due to the tobacco being too wet, dry, or fine. The machine is not designed for pipe tobacco, which is too wet and dense. If the tobacco is too wet, let it dry out. If it is too dry, add a wedge of apple or orange peel to the tobacco.
This could be because the flat-head screw is too loose or too tight. The screw should be snug but not tight. Oil the parts with WD-40, 3 in 1, or cooking oil.
The injector could be bent or narrowed. If this is the case, the only solution is to replace the injector. Contact the RYO Service Center to order a new one.
