Concentrates for Noobs - Q&A

[063_XOBX]

This has probably been asked, but what is the most cost effective process when you can only afford at most 14g of bud? Or should I just leave it be? lol

Shouldn't bother IMO. You shouldn't really be running 14g of nugs anyway, 1oz+ of popcorn would go a lot further.

 

[looney2nz]

This has probably been asked, but what is the most cost effective process when you can only afford at most 14g of bud? Or should I just leave it be? lol

that's effectively about 1/2 oz. you could make some sweet brownies. I posted a full recipe on one of the decarb threads.

 

[OldOyler]

This has probably been asked, but what is the most cost effective process when you can only afford at most 14g of bud? Or should I just leave it be? lol

Peace!

Cost effective here would probably start with what kind of concentrate do you need/want, and that would be based on the question "What kind of vape rig and attachments do you currently have?".

(But if you don't have previous experience making it, I would tend to agree with @063_XOBX )

Peace!

 

[herbivore21]

@BLACKENEDPLAGUE
Rosin! No amount is too large or small to run! You can vape the squished pucks of bud afterwards too

 

[OldOyler]

Peace everyone!

Yeah @herbivore21 you're killin' me! I can finally get a press in January (currently on wife's budget for spec'ing out rig with @2clicker for vaping said concentrates!). I am itching for it!

Until then, please anyone who could lend a few minutes:

School me on making shatter on slick sheets with my QWET mash, please? (Excited no scraping!)

Slick sheets here, cannabis (Original Sour Diesel) will be dried to low, low moisture by Tuesday, so I am trying to get my skills in order!

I don't particularly need the mash-making part explained so I hope that saves time, feel comfortable on that (1 ounce pinky nail tip sized bud & sometimes maybe 20% fine sugar trim as well, 400ml Everclear 189, both frozen to absolute zero, single five minute wash that occurs in freezer as well - second wash I save for later to turn into some weedahol for occasional nighttime sleep use), strained through Grade 90 cheesecloth and then 0.4 micron rigid coffee filter-type strainer, no vac-assist.

I have Nuwave induction cookware, can keep veg oil bath at steady...100F? (That's what I used before, made shatter twice now, but I would love input on that, my impression was the lower the temp the better)

So I take the Pyrex plate and...line it with the slick sheet...and...

A big question I have is starting amount. I went ahead last two successful times and just ran the entire 400ml mash at once. Is there a "sweet spot" in the amount to do per pie plate, or will that make less difference (final shatter thickness) since I will be using the slick sheet lining?

Also, I tried to understand how to "work" the shatter into a cake on the slick sheet when done since I haven't done that before, so any tips, tricks, etc? I don't want to do something stupid. (Like I just tried a third shatter run, but agitated the mash and wasn't able to get it "bacK" even after re-dissolve, of course that was only a 7g starting dry material run in 100ml EC).

Thanks in advance, and peace!

 

[StickyShisha2]

as much as I don't do butane anymore, just get; a SSTB from BB&B, a glass pie dish, a can of good tane, and 2 razor blades.

 

[Monsoon]

Peace everyone!

Yeah @herbivore21 you're killin' me! I can finally get a press in January (currently on wife's budget for spec'ing out rig with @2clicker for vaping said concentrates!). I am itching for it!

Until then, please anyone who could lend a few minutes:

School me on making shatter on slick sheets with my QWET mash, please? (Excited no scraping!)

Slick sheets here, cannabis (Original Sour Diesel) will be dried to low, low moisture by Tuesday, so I am trying to get my skills in order!

I don't particularly need the mash-making part explained so I hope that saves time, feel comfortable on that (1 ounce pinky nail tip sized bud & sometimes maybe 20% fine sugar trim as well, 400ml Everclear 189, both frozen to absolute zero, single five minute wash that occurs in freezer as well - second wash I save for later to turn into some weedahol for occasional nighttime sleep use), strained through Grade 90 cheesecloth and then 0.4 micron rigid coffee filter-type strainer, no vac-assist.

I have Nuwave induction cookware, can keep veg oil bath at steady...100F? (That's what I used before, made shatter twice now, but I would love input on that, my impression was the lower the temp the better)

So I take the Pyrex plate and...line it with the slick sheet...and...

A big question I have is starting amount. I went ahead last two successful times and just ran the entire 400ml mash at once. Is there a "sweet spot" in the amount to do per pie plate, or will that make less difference (final shatter thickness) since I will be using the slick sheet lining?

Also, I tried to understand how to "work" the shatter into a cake on the slick sheet when done since I haven't done that before, so any tips, tricks, etc? I don't want to do something stupid. (Like I just tried a third shatter run, but agitated the mash and wasn't able to get it "bacK" even after re-dissolve, of course that was only a 7g starting dry material run in 100ml EC).

Thanks in advance, and peace!

I wrote a full alcohol extraction guides here and here which may be helpful, the first one goes over using the slick sheet. I don't think the amount done at once matters too much, if there's too much oil to get it thin enough you can always split the slab later.

 

[DrRishi]

The trick with the slick sheets is waiting for the product to get a little solid but still sticky. Then you can fold over the slick sheet and press down. I use one of those freezer elements underneath so that side gets cold and releases from the slick sheet. Then just keep folding in half until I have a nice little slab.

If you fold for the first time and it's just a sticky goo simply wait a little longer. Maybe a few minutes in the fridge.

Don't get it too cold or otherwise it will shatter and jump all over the place.

Once you get the hang of it it is really easy.

 

[OldOyler]

I wrote a full alcohol extraction guides here and here which may be helpful, the first one goes over using the slick sheet. I don't think the amount done at once matters too much, if there's too much oil to get it thin enough you can always split the slab later.

What ratio of cannabis v alcohol do you use, if you don't mind me asking? Like how much per oh zee, etc. (Like I have been.doing 400ml EC189 per 28g). I guess I am always afraid to overload the alcohol since I only use first-wash any more. But maybe I can fit more?

Just looking for a mind-opener if I need it.



Peace!

 

[Monsoon]

What ratio of cannabis v alcohol do you use, if you don't mind me asking? Like how much per oh zee, etc. (Like I have been.doing 400ml EC189 per 28g). I guess I am always afraid to overload the alcohol since I only use first-wash any more. But maybe I can fit more?

Just looking for a mind-opener if I need it.



Peace!

I use dry sift now and it works out to about 200ml per oz equivalent. What you're using sounds about right for flowers with a single run given that you'll lose some from being absorbed by the herb. Right after the initial strain (before the coffee filters) try pouring some extra over the flowers so it runs straight through. I found that helped increase my yield per run, helps to wash out some extra goodies with minimal exposure time. I got the idea from Budderman who supposedly only does pour through, though it results in lower yields when done by itself.

 

[OldOyler]

I use dry sift now and it works out to about 200ml per oz equivalent. What you're using sounds about right for flowers with a single run given that you'll lose some from being absorbed by the herb. Right after the initial strain (before the coffee filters) try pouring some extra over the flowers so it runs straight through. I found that helped increase my yield per run, helps to wash out some extra goodies with minimal exposure time. I got the idea from Budderman who supposedly only does pour through, though it results in lower yields when done by itself.

Peace!

That is a great idea! I have both of them ice-cold in the freezer anyway - why not one last rinse with the EC?!

I am doing a Sour Diesel shatter run on Saturday and will be trying this. I have used this exact version of this strain before (let's say time travel or magic) and ran it the same way several times, so it will be a *great* test.

I had considered getting screens, etc. to create better starting material, drug my feet, and now decided to go rosin press when money allows around first of the year.

Thanks Monsoon!

 

[Monsoon]

Peace!

That is a great idea! I have both of them ice-cold in the freezer anyway - why not one last rinse with the EC?!

I am doing a Sour Diesel shatter run on Saturday and will be trying this. I have used this exact version of this strain before (let's say time travel or magic) and ran it the same way several times, so it will be a *great* test.

I had considered getting screens, etc. to create better starting material, drug my feet, and now decided to go rosin press when money allows around first of the year.

Thanks Monsoon!

Have you tried rosin yet? Just keep in mind the effects are a bit different (more flower like) and will wax up much faster versus QWET which for me stays stable at room temp indefinitely. Depending what your needs are I'd go for a cheap DIY setup first to try it out and it will give you a better idea of what you'd want out of an upgrade.

 

[OldOyler]

Have you tried rosin yet? Just keep in mind the effects are a bit different (more flower like) and will wax up much faster versus QWET which for me stays stable at room temp indefinitely. Depending what your needs are I'd go for a cheap DIY setup first to try it out and it will give you a better idea of what you'd want out of an upgrade.

Ha!

Yes, so much!!! I love rosin.

Wife gave me budget for TempControl VV / VW next that @2clicker is helping me spec out - getting that within a month. So wife said Jan 1 for rosin press, but did give me $400 budget for that. Can't wait!

Peace and thanks as always, Monsoon!

 

[OldOyler]

Peace all.

Can I get some opinions on an absolute lowest temperature for my QWET shatter run, on slick sheet in pie plate, please?

Using a NuWave for veg oil bath, and I can actually get as a low either 90F or 100F (per candy thermometer in veg oil), my impression was lower temps were better, but I am sure there is a "too low". Just started an hour ago and went with 90F...then, as usual, started fretting..

Thanks in advance, and peace!

 

[Monsoon]

Peace all.

Can I get some opinions on an absolute lowest temperature for my QWET shatter run, on slick sheet in pie plate, please?

Using a NuWave for veg oil bath, and I can actually get as a low either 90F or 100F (per candy thermometer in veg oil), my impression was lower temps were better, but I am sure there is a "too low". Just started an hour ago and went with 90F...then, as usual, started fretting..

Thanks in advance, and peace!

For evaporation the temp doesn't matter, for purging you might want to go a bit higher without a vac like 110F maybe. You just need to use trial and error.

 

[OldOyler]

For evaporation the temp doesn't matter, for purging you might want to go a bit higher without a vac like 110F maybe. You just need to use trial and error.

Did 100F most of the way, then yeah 110F was perfect to finish on for last hour of cooking or so.

Slick sheet in fridge will post pics later after testing on "Share That Dab Stash Pic" thread.

Stacked a "Pirate Oil" run of shatter right after the first, it's in now, two known strain reclaims of jars and one unknown mystery shatter that wouldn't get stable to do shart with. Decided to let John Barleycorn crack some shatter kneecaps...

Thanks Monsoon, and peace everyone!

 

[OldOyler]

Sigh. Even with all the help from FCers (which I always appreciate!), well shart.

I figure I share the victories, so...



Here was my epic QWET-to-shatter Sour Diesel fail this weekend, so much hope for 26g of dry in 300ML of EC189:

Cooked at 110F, was looking good, but...

Another never-ending-can't-work-with-it-goo even after 12 hours in freezer...

Currently re-dissolving, will run to decarb and throw in a stick of butter at the end to swish it into cookie mix. At least I had kept second-wash for green dragon.

Sigh. Wife said rosin press first of 2017. Until then, I'd best review my QWET stuff...

Peace all!

 

[Monsoon]

Sigh. Even with all the help from FCers (which I always appreciate!), well shart.

I figure I share the victories, so...



Here was my epic QWET-to-shatter Sour Diesel fail this weekend, so much hope for 26g of dry in 300ML of EC189:

Cooked at 110F, was looking good, but...

Another never-ending-can't-work-with-it-goo even after 12 hours in freezer...

Currently re-dissolving, will run to decarb and throw in a stick of butter at the end to swish it into cookie mix. At least I had kept second-wash for green dragon.

Sigh. Wife said rosin press first of 2017. Until then, I'd best review my QWET stuff...

Peace all!

You should only need to freeze it for under a minute before ripping the top layer of the sheet off. Fold over and press to combine, apply cold pack for 30 seconds and then rip and repeat. What you have in your picture looks okay, I was able to work together a super sappy batch just with some extra freezing time and some gloves since it's sticky as shit. Should get a bit better during the final purging of the slab as long as it wasn't decarbed earlier.

 

[OldOyler]

You should only need to freeze it for under a minute before ripping the top layer of the sheet off. Fold over and press to combine, apply cold pack for 30 seconds and then rip and repeat. What you have in your picture looks okay, I was able to work together a super sappy batch just with some extra freezing time and some gloves since it's sticky as shit. Should get a bit better during the final purging of the slab as long as it wasn't decarbed earlier.

Yeah, that's what I did with the folding. I was following your instructions pretty solid, and I know folding takes some practice.

But it wouldn't go past the first fold, if that makes sense, second fold turned to goo, was doing like a minute in the freezer at a time after failing to get it to adhere after 10 minutes of fridge each fold. Maybe a purge issue? It was awesome to scrape with a dab tool and slow-goo-cover the quartz coils, and I didn't taste or see anything - crap, it was downright diesl-ey! But my return was truly shart as well, so I think I missed something in my process somewhere before I even started cooking I think. I used to be so "absolut"-crazed when making RSO mash that I think I haven't stopped and reconsidered my QWET preparation anew.

I think I had a blind spot and was so confident in making the mash my "usual" way that I "thought I already knew that part". (EDIT: I checked my recent posts, and yup - almost said that word for word!) I need to noob school myself again like I've never heard of it and see what shakes out.

But honestly, it's been easier to get some concentrates as of late, plus I decided to alternate between wax and flower at least daily. Wax for more than like a week straight gets me too tight... So I will take my time before my next run (doing Sour Diesel again).

Peace everyone, and thanks as always Monsoon!

 

[FlyingLow]

i took one of my scs 4 piece grinders, did an iso wash and let the contents evaporate in a pyrex. what is the best way for me to process this into a dabable concentrate?

do i just scrape and dab the powder, or what are the additional steps?

thx

 

[psychonaut]

The alcohol should have extracted the oil. Put it in the freezer for 24 hours, take it out and run it through a coffee filter to get the contaminants out then evaporate/purge.

 

[FlyingLow]

It has already evaporated. Do I add more alcohol or is this powder wasted?

 

[OldOyler]

It has already evaporated. Do I add more alcohol or is this powder wasted?

Honestly sounds like you got little or no return after evaporation. You could add alcohol again, but maybe add some more starting material to extract from.

Peace!

 

[OldOyler]

Peace @FlyingLow , my apologies was on my mobile this morning.

It sounded like you had cleaned a grinder? I may be wrong, my apologies. I was just going to say either little or no return (just happens sometimes - my lowest run for earrl was about 7g dry to get 1g earrl, which is squat for volume).

But I am thinking maybe it might have been kief missed in filtering. I recently tried some kief in a "Pirate Run" of Qwet shatter, just the remainder in my grinder plus about 5g dry random budfall.

Result gave me what looked like grey goo on a pyrex plate, but was dry. Would "sort" of look like it would cake, but bone dry.

I use Grade 90 cheesecloth, then a rigid coffee filter that is rated right at around 0.4-0.5 microns. Everything is bone-chilling cold the whole time I do my extraction, but the run with that kief gave me a pyrex plate full of grey dust nonetheless.

Don't know if that helps, just a thought. I had been thinking "kief - like the bubblehash guys, it'll be super-pure". But without vac-assist (which I won't get since I will be going rosin soon) I don't know if it gets filtered well enough, and I won't use any kief again with my current QWET setup.

Peace and good things, check out MY epic shatter failure from this weekend a few posts back in this thread to make yourself feel better!

26g of dry...

 

[just_the_flu]

do i just scrape and dab the powder, or what are the additional steps?

... i add a little heat before i scrape. this makes it more 'liquid' than powder in my experience...