I didn’t mean to hijack the post but we are both looking for suggestions about same issue ,
Yes , had a pan of water over fire in mine
Good steam and smoke

As much as we have eat on them I suspect I’ll make another batch soon

The casing in my kit did not require soaking , they were 21 mm I’m sure imitation variety

I’m sure there is a better quality out there that is not as tough
I’m not going to fret too much I can peal them .
I’ll only do a couple batches a year

Nope mine were from leggs
Ac leggs co out of Alabama

I did this also , I purchased a kit from legs online back a month ago .
Made 2 batches and kept temp under 140 on second batch for 3 yrs
It was better but the casings are undesirable

They have gotten better over the last week as they have softened some but I’m still pealing them off as I eat a stick

Need a casing not as tough for next batch