I had never considered making dextrin. If it actually has no taste, then I would say that it would be ideal for cigars. It's apparently non-toxic and non-controversial.
I found this pictorial technique for cornstarch-->dextrin :http://www.wichitabuggywhip.com/fireworks/dextrin.html
They basically describe (including a vivid photo of a box of cornstarch!) the procedure that metalbone used. I assume that "zapped" means that you needed to heat the water for the dextrin to go into solution.
Bob
I found this pictorial technique for cornstarch-->dextrin :http://www.wichitabuggywhip.com/fireworks/dextrin.html
They basically describe (including a vivid photo of a box of cornstarch!) the procedure that metalbone used. I assume that "zapped" means that you needed to heat the water for the dextrin to go into solution.
Bob