Rosin Technique....Easy DIY Solventless

[nosmoking]

I want to get some real rosin plates and build my own DIY rosin setup. I have been using a hair straightener in a bench vice for a year or so now and I am ready for an upgrade. I was considering using the new plates in my vice until I am ready to upgrade to a Harbor Freight hydraulic press or something.

Does anyone have recommendations for plates and heaters or a kit that would run about $200? I found some kits on amazon and dhgate around this price or slightly higher priced but I wasn't sure if dhgate will have good quality or not. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Btw, I am thinking 3x5 plates.

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

Hi
I was just thinking to use my rosin plates to decarb my weed.
Anyone tried this? Should work, no?
What is the best way to do that? using paper and both plates?
Thanks

not ideal because it would still squish the resin out but with chlorophyll and stuff. best bet would be to break them up and decarb in an oven and then in butter/coconut oil. i see some people just toss them in without a decarb, i think a decarb is required for full activation/maximizing product.

 

[invertedisdead]

I want to get some real rosin plates and build my own DIY rosin setup. I have been using a hair straightener in a bench vice for a year or so now and I am ready for an upgrade. I was considering using the new plates in my vice until I am ready to upgrade to a Harbor Freight hydraulic press or something.

Does anyone have recommendations for plates and heaters or a kit that would run about $200? I found some kits on amazon and dhgate around this price or slightly higher priced but I wasn't sure if dhgate will have good quality or not. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Btw, I am thinking 3x5 plates.

The ones on Amazon are probably the same plates as the DHgate ones, just already imported.

The best small press I have seen is the Nugsmasher Mini (2.5" plates) otherwise might as well build a hydraulic press. Seems to cost about $500 for a good rosin solution unless you go DIY and build your own plates.

IMO, good, better, best:
Nugsmasher Mini ~$500
Harbor Freight or better 12 ton press + Low Temp 3x3" ~ $500
Harbor Freight 20 ton or better + Low Temp caged" 3x5" ~$600

In my experience the caged plates are superior to non caged, but the 12 ton with the 3x3" would be a badass little rosin rig.

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

The ones on Amazon are probably the same plates as the DHgate ones, just already imported.

The best small press I have seen is the Nugsmasher Mini (2.5" plates) otherwise might as well build a hydraulic press. Seems to cost about $500 for a good rosin solution unless you go DIY and build your own plates.

IMO, good, better, best:
Nugsmasher Mini ~$500
Harbor Freight or better 12 ton press + Low Temp 3x3" ~ $500
Harbor Freight 20 ton or better + Low Temp caged" 3x5" ~$600

In my experience the caged plates are superior to non caged, but the 12 ton with the 3x3" would be a badass little rosin rig.

Only problem is the Nugsmasher Mini is a manual press and he wants a hydraulic.

@nosmoking 3x5 is ideal, but I don't think you'll find any full sets in the $200 range (plates, heating elements, PID). Not sure about DHGate/Amazon packages.

 

[invertedisdead]

Only problem is the Nugsmasher Mini is a manual press and he wants a hydraulic.

@nosmoking 3x5 is ideal, but I don't think you'll find any full sets in the $200 range (plates, heating elements, PID). Not sure about DHGate/Amazon packages.

Aren't they all manual hydraulics? I think it's a hydraulic bottle jack in the nugsmasher mini?

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

Aren't they all manual hydraulics? I think it's a hydraulic bottle jack in the nugsmasher mini?

http://nugsmasher.com/proddetail.php?prod=NugSmasher_Mini

"Manual Pump Arm"

That's why I think it's a manual press. I don't see anything hydraulic about it on the page

 

[nosmoking]

I am not too interested in the nugsmasher mini only because I feel I would be limited with that setup. I do like it though. If it was $300, I might have been willing to buy into it.

What is the difference between caged and non-caged plates? I am willing to spend a little more on the plates/heaters if need be to make sure I get good quality. Gonna check out some of the previous recommendations people have mentioned on here like Low Temp Plates, Timewizard Greyfox plates and Cencalrosin.

I think for me 3x5 is the way to go. I was using 1-3/4" x 4" plates from the straightener the @invertedisdead recently posted a page or few back. I think doubling my surface area would be great. I don't think I would like 3x3 because they would seem smaller the way I use them.

 

[matthend]

very curious how you fare @nosmoking , I am getting close to making the same switch and have had some of the same thoughts and questions

 

[nosmoking]

very curious how you fare @nosmoking , I am getting close to making the same switch and have had some of the same thoughts and questions

I will be making a purchase in the next couple days. Don't want to have to jerry-rig my high-temp hair straightener back up and the low-temp straightener only lasted 2 weeks and is now covered in white glue from the back of the plates. I will let everyone know what direction I go in.

Also, I am guessing caged plates just means it has a spring cage around it? If so, I am not sure I need caged plates really but will still be considering them.

 

[Dangus]

Cencalrosin has some decently priced options.

http://www.cencalrosin.com/DIY.html

 

[invertedisdead]

http://nugsmasher.com/proddetail.php?prod=NugSmasher_Mini

"Manual Pump Arm"

That's why I think it's a manual press. I don't see anything hydraulic about it on the page

I'm pretty sure it's hydraulic since it's not pneumatic. I think it's just a 2 ton bottle jack with a shorter more ergonomic handgrip. You can get one at home depot for $12. Nugsmasher is making all the money on the tidy package. I'm sure one could be DIY'd for under $100 if you had access to the tools.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Big-Red-...IOYeI1c3b079l1m8qMla7RoCjavw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Even the 20 ton I used recently was manual, you have to pump it to get the ram to move.

I am not too interested in the nugsmasher mini only because I feel I would be limited with that setup. I do like it though. If it was $300, I might have been willing to buy into it.

What is the difference between caged and non-caged plates? I am willing to spend a little more on the plates/heaters if need be to make sure I get good quality. Gonna check out some of the previous recommendations people have mentioned on here like Low Temp Plates, Timewizard Greyfox plates and Cencalrosin.

I think for me 3x5 is the way to go. I was using 1-3/4" x 4" plates from the straightener the @invertedisdead recently posted a page or few back. I think doubling my surface area would be great. I don't think I would like 3x3 because they would seem smaller the way I use them.

I agree that the nugsmasher mini is a little expensive, though to be fair the Nugsmasher is a much better value than the $300 arbor press based units IMO as the pressure stays constant instead of having to manually expert force. And the Rosineer is $350 with only 150 PSI. The Nugsmasher Mini intro'd on 4/20 at $420. If they would drop the price to that $400 range I think it would be a really good value. I have no affiliation with Nugsmasher, I just like the compact design. And I like the idea of the round plates for small squishes.

I like the 3x5 too, I only mentioned the 3x3 as it would make an appealing setup if one wanted to save a few bucks. Easier to pre press into a usable shape for 3x3" over the 1.75x4" hair straightener plates IMO. I always had too much length with my hair straightener where I really needed more width for a fatter pre press. I got some fire squishes from that Kipozi straightener though. It's one of the few units that go low enough in temp to not kill the terps.

3x3" would be perfect for squishing 3.5-4 grams of flowers, but I'd recommend the 3x5" for the cage option anyways. The cage aligns the plates so they come down evenly. Without it your plates are liable to come down crooked, this creases the parchment and causes oil to get trapped and soak back on to the nug instead of it running away from the heat. I definitely recommend the cage if you're going to invest in a rosin press.

 

[shredder]

I want to get some real rosin plates and build my own DIY rosin setup. I have been using a hair straightener in a bench vice for a year or so now and I am ready for an upgrade. I was considering using the new plates in my vice until I am ready to upgrade to a Harbor Freight hydraulic press or something.

Does anyone have recommendations for plates and heaters or a kit that would run about $200? I found some kits on amazon and dhgate around this price or slightly higher priced but I wasn't sure if dhgate will have good quality or not. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Btw, I am thinking 3x5 plates.

For personal use, I'd say the hair straighteners are fine. From there it really depends on your goals.

If it's just for you and a couple friends/patients a smaller press would probably be all you need.

If your goals are to squeeze a gram plus per squeeze, you probably want a bigger press like 10-20 tons and 3x5 plates or larger.

4x7 plates need a large press, 20 ton would be fine. And you could run more herb for bigger returns per squeeze.

Aluminum plates hold the heat better, carbon steel heats fast, and stainless steel even faster.

I use low temp 3x5 caged plates with a hf 20 ton press. The press works well but it's not a high quality precise machine, so making the plates hit evenly is important. With caged plates it works well for me. No wrinkled papers at all.

The hydrolic manual pump is no problem but I only do an ounce or two of herb in a session.

I make 9-12 gram pucks in a pre press mold I bought off amazon. So in say 2-3 hours working alone I can press out 10-12 grams of rosin. Or enough for a small time caregiver with happy patients.

 

[Hogni]

Regarding plate size: How much (pre-pressed) material can be processed by which size of plates in one run?

What are your experiences?

3 x 3?
3 x 5? (@shredder told 9 - 12 g)
5 x 5?
4 x 7?
7 x 11?

Do you think 1' less all around measures of pre-pressed material compared to the size of the plates is enough?

And how thick is your material after pre-pressing?

 

[miguelovic]

Carbon steel/stainless require longer heat up time and lose heat slower than aluminum, not the other way around.

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/thermal-conductivity-metals-d_858.html

Caged plates streamline work flow and provide a straighter press. TWGF has added H330 Thermalate to his new version, further reducing heat transfer to the press.

But you pay for it. 200$ is an inadequate budget for a regular or caged setup.

1-2g of flower and 2-4g of hashes per square inch, regardless of plate size. Different filtering methods can allow for a denser pack.

My own pucks/tiles are 1/4-1/2" thick depending on material/pack.

1/2" gap between prepressed puck and the plate edges works well. SS wrapped hashes do not expand much and I was thinking to get a slightly larger prepress to give a 1/4" gap.

 

[nosmoking]

Hair straightener just wont cut it anymore. I want to squish about 2-3 grams at a time probably as now I usually press .5-1.5 grams. I am only squishing flower currently and doubt I will be pressing anything else as its all too hard to acquire. This is for personal use only but I need to be able to squish out about 2-4 grams of Rosin per week for my needs. I have little time for labor so pressing more in one sitting will be a great benefit.

I realize I am going to have to raise up my budget but not sure what I am getting. Lets refocus the budget to $400.
I would love a caged setup, but I don't feel I need one really for my needs.

Considering the $399 setup from cencalrosin.com or just their plates and PID and heaters.

@Dangus Do you have the arbor press from cencalrosin or the pneumatic?

 

[invertedisdead]

3x3" would be perfect for pressing 2-3g. You'd probably want to press 1/4 if you go for the 3x5"

That arbor press is 1 ton spread over 3x5" plates
Compare that to the Nugsmasher Mini which is 2 tons over 2.5" plates = more PSI, plus the Nugsmasher is hydraulic and can ramp up pressure, and is overall less labor intensive.

If I was you, $120 Harbor Freight 12 ton press and the 3x3" Low Temp plates since you don't feel you need a cage. IMO, the mounting bracket on the CenCal plates seems more janky, reminds me of china plates. Low Temp design is clean and sturdy. The TimeWizard plates look nice but are the most expensive as far as I know.

 

[nosmoking]

3x3" would be perfect for pressing 2-3g. You'd probably want to press 1/4 if you go for the 3x5"

That arbor press is 1 ton spread over 3x5" plates
Compare that to the Nugsmasher Mini which is 2 tons over 2.5" plates = more PSI, plus the Nugsmasher is hydraulic and can ramp up pressure, and is overall less labor intensive.

If I was you, $120 Harbor Freight 12 ton press and the 3x3" Low Temp plates since you don't feel you need a cage. IMO, the mounting bracket on the CenCal plates seems more janky, reminds me of china plates. Low Temp design is clean and sturdy. The TimeWizard plates look nice but are the most expensive as far as I know.

Sometimes I may prefer to press an 1/8 or 1/4 so that is why I want the 3x5 plates. I just see 3x3 being too small IMHO.

I will look at the Nugsmasher Mini some more, but I am not too impressed with it honestly.

The thing I don't like about the low temp plates is they only use a single controller and the plates are differing in thickness so how does the heater know how to compensate. They claim its not an issue, but I have to question this. Still, a big part of me is leaning towards this kit-
https://www.lowtemp-plates.com/products/3x5-rosin-plate-kit

We have @Dangus to thank for all my indulging into Cencal. I don't see why you would say janky. And Nugsmasher is a bunch of Chinese parts assembled in the USA, hell most of these guys are selling plates made from China. That or they are just buying stock bar extrusions and cutting them down. The custom fillet welds look good to me on the Cencal top plate. IF there is ever a misalignment, the bottom plate can be relocated easily enough but might require an additional bracket. Also, if I ever want to upgrade the Cencal press, I can just replace the press. Really hoping to hear back from Dangus about which one he has and what he recommends.

 

[invertedisdead]

Sometimes I may prefer to press an 1/8 or 1/4 so that is why I want the 3x5 plates. I just see 3x3 being too small IMHO.

I will look at the Nugsmasher Mini some more, but I am not too impressed with it honestly.

The thing I don't like about the low temp plates is they only use a single controller and the plates are differing in thickness so how does the heater know how to compensate. They claim its not an issue, but I have to question this. Still, a big part of me is leaning towards this kit-
https://www.lowtemp-plates.com/products/3x5-rosin-plate-kit

We have @Dangus to thank for all my indulging into Cencal. I don't see why you would say janky. And Nugsmasher is a bunch of Chinese parts assembled in the USA, hell most of these guys are selling plates made from China. That or they are just buying stock bar extrusions and cutting them down. The custom fillet welds look good to me on the Cencal top plate. IF there is ever a misalignment, the bottom plate can be relocated easily enough but might require an additional bracket. Also, if I ever want to upgrade the Cencal press, I can just replace the press. Really hoping to hear back from Dangus about which one he has and what he recommends.

Realistically the difference in time between squishing 1/8 and 1/4 could be a minute or two. I know you don't want to spend a whole lot of time squishing but I'm just saying. Or you could squish a smaller than ideal load for the plate size and leave the oil in contact with the heat the whole time and degrade the terpenes. Every choice is a trade off. Personally I'd rather go with the smaller plates and max it out for best directional flow and flavor than run half loads in a larger plate but it's all subjective, these are just my opinions.

Low Temp sells a double controller. And I'm sure Nugsmasher uses a bunch of Chinese parts, definitely the PID and probably the hydraulic jack, but the ease of use and PSI is miles ahead of that arbor rig. I think the recessed mounting point in the Low Temp is better, especially if you weren't going to get a cage. I've used 3x5" plates that had that mounting bracket just like the CenCals, they may have even been the CenCals. I've used Low Temp 3x5's, and I've used a MediSun arbor press.

 

[Dangus]

Considering the $399 setup from cencalrosin.com or just their plates and PID and heaters.

@Dangus Do you have the arbor press from cencalrosin or the pneumatic?

The model I bought from them is not listed anymore. I have the 1/2 ton arbor press with 3x3 plates. It's a good unit for personal use, but I yearn for a bit more psi. Think I'd have to modify the plates/adapter if I want to upgrade though...

It works well, but if I did it over again, I think I'd just buy the plates/controller and get a 20 ton press from Harbor Freight.

Cheers

 

[shredder]

Realistically the difference in time between squishing 1/8 and 1/4 could be a minute or two. I know you don't want to spend a whole lot of time squishing but I'm just saying. Or you could squish a smaller than ideal load for the plate size and leave the oil in contact with the heat the whole time and degrade the terpenes. Every choice is a trade off. Personally I'd rather go with the smaller plates and max it out for best directional flow and flavor than run half loads in a larger plate but it's all subjective, these are just my opinions.

Low Temp sells a double controller. And I'm sure Nugsmasher uses a bunch of Chinese parts, definitely the PID and probably the hydraulic jack, but the ease of use and PSI is miles ahead of that arbor rig. I think the recessed mounting point in the Low Temp is better, especially if you weren't going to get a cage. I've used 3x5" plates that had that mounting bracket just like the CenCals, they may have even been the CenCals. I've used Low Temp 3x5's, and I've used a MediSun arbor press.

After having and using my press for a while, I kind of wish I had bought the 4x7 caged plates instead of the 3x5 size, although they were not available then. You can press smaller amounts with bigger plates. Just use directional folding to direct the rosin outword and your rosin won't suffer.

The work really isn't hard even with a manual press but the time involved is significant, to me that matters. I'll keep what I have now especially since I have a lot of bags and a pre press for 3x5 plates. Just saying.

To me the single controler is a non issue. I've checked my (caged) plates with a cooking thermometer, and they don't vary much. I'm not sure on other plate set ups tho.

 

[nosmoking]

Realistically the difference in time between squishing 1/8 and 1/4 could be a minute or two. I know you don't want to spend a whole lot of time squishing but I'm just saying. Or you could squish a smaller than ideal load for the plate size and leave the oil in contact with the heat the whole time and degrade the terpenes. Every choice is a trade off. Personally I'd rather go with the smaller plates and max it out for best directional flow and flavor than run half loads in a larger plate but it's all subjective, these are just my opinions.

Low Temp sells a double controller. And I'm sure Nugsmasher uses a bunch of Chinese parts, definitely the PID and probably the hydraulic jack, but the ease of use and PSI is miles ahead of that arbor rig. I think the recessed mounting point in the Low Temp is better, especially if you weren't going to get a cage. I've used 3x5" plates that had that mounting bracket just like the CenCals, they may have even been the CenCals. I've used Low Temp 3x5's, and I've used a MediSun arbor press.

The labor time I was talking about is mostly from collecting, not from squishing. It is better for me if I can collect more at one setting as it typically takes me time because I also tend to separate it into single use dabs. I won't trade off on flavor, but I don't agree that a larger plate will cause the oil to degrade. I typically press my rosin in a vice so the setup is vertical. I find most of my rosin runs away from the plates into the parchment that is sticking out above the plates. I create a directional flow by limiting the size of the parchment and folding it so that all the Rosin channels to the sides and then up. The little bit that does not get away from the plates still tastes great and comes out very light in color.

Low temp charges an extra $140 for the extra controller. That's a no go.

I will admit your making me put more consideration into the Nugsmasher Mini. My comment about Chinese parts wasn't to say that the Nugsmasher Mini won't meet quality standards or anything, its just that the parts in it may only add up to a couple hundred dollars from what I see. My problem is that if I spend $500 I could probably get a much better plate and PID setup and then only have to worry about the press which as I have mentioned could be my bench vice until I find something from Harbor Freight that I would want to replace it with.

I really appreciate all the input from you guys...there are no stupid points or questions...it is easy to make a $400 decision that is found later to be a big regret. I am just trying to make the right decision the first time around and not look back.

So far I am still leaning for the cencal plates. They come with a 30 day no questions asked money back guarantee so that says something.

@shredder What plates are you using again?

 

[shredder]

The labor time I was talking about is mostly from collecting, not from squishing. It is better for me if I can collect more at one setting as it typically takes me time because I also tend to separate it into single use dabs. I won't trade off on flavor, but I don't agree that a larger plate will cause the oil to degrade. I typically press my rosin in a vice so the setup is vertical. I find most of my rosin runs away from the plates into the parchment that is sticking out above the plates. I create a directional flow by limiting the size of the parchment and folding it so that all the Rosin channels to the sides and then up. The little bit that does not get away from the plates still tastes great and comes out very light in color.

Low temp charges an extra $140 for the extra controller. That's a no go.

I will admit your making me put more consideration into the Nugsmasher Mini. My comment about Chinese parts wasn't to say that the Nugsmasher Mini won't meet quality standards or anything, its just that the parts in it may only add up to a couple hundred dollars from what I see. My problem is that if I spend $500 I could probably get a much better plate and PID setup and then only have to worry about the press which as I have mentioned could be my bench vice until I find something from Harbor Freight that I would want to replace it with.

I really appreciate all the input from you guys...there are no stupid points or questions...it is easy to make a $400 decision that is found later to be a big regret. I am just trying to make the right decision the first time around and not look back.

So far I am still leaning for the cencal plates. They come with a 30 day no questions asked money back guarantee so that says something.

@shredder What plates are you using again?

I have low temp 3x5 caged plates. ($479) and a 20 ton HF press ($150) minus a 20% online discount code. Add to that a pre press mold ($57 amazon) parchment paper, mesh bags, wax scraping tools, and that's about it.

 

[invertedisdead]

The labor time I was talking about is mostly from collecting, not from squishing. It is better for me if I can collect more at one setting as it typically takes me time because I also tend to separate it into single use dabs. I won't trade off on flavor, but I don't agree that a larger plate will cause the oil to degrade. I typically press my rosin in a vice so the setup is vertical. I find most of my rosin runs away from the plates into the parchment that is sticking out above the plates. I create a directional flow by limiting the size of the parchment and folding it so that all the Rosin channels to the sides and then up. The little bit that does not get away from the plates still tastes great and comes out very light in color.

Low temp charges an extra $140 for the extra controller. That's a no go.

I will admit your making me put more consideration into the Nugsmasher Mini. My comment about Chinese parts wasn't to say that the Nugsmasher Mini won't meet quality standards or anything, its just that the parts in it may only add up to a couple hundred dollars from what I see. My problem is that if I spend $500 I could probably get a much better plate and PID setup and then only have to worry about the press which as I have mentioned could be my bench vice until I find something from Harbor Freight that I would want to replace it with.

I really appreciate all the input from you guys...there are no stupid points or questions...it is easy to make a $400 decision that is found later to be a big regret. I am just trying to make the right decision the first time around and not look back.

So far I am still leaning for the cencal plates. They come with a 30 day no questions asked money back guarantee so that says something.

@shredder What plates are you using again?

It's easy to get the oil to run past the plates when they are only 1.75" wide though. Especially when mounted vertically. Most of these presses operate horizontally though unless you're stepping up to an Elysian.

I've done the bench vise setup too. Got great rosin from it, just a hassle, bench vise involves a lot of labor compared to hydraulics. No matter what you pick it's going to be a huge upgrade from what you're doing now. Collecting is tedious when limited to small presses from a hair straightener no doubt. Any of these presses will squish enough material to make collecting easier.

The reason I like the Nugsmasher is I see it as the best option for a small press that stashes away easily and doesn't take up a lot of space, while still having high PSI and minimal operating labor. It does cost as much as a larger setup, so if you have room for a 20 ton press it's probably not ideal, but I do think it fills a niche better than the competition (like the Rosineer)

 

[psychonaut]

Here's a question. I understand yields vary widely between cultivars, but assuming most of the cultivars being used are high resin producers, same producer, what sort of returns could one expect from a sub $500 unit (DIY or manufactured)?

Right now I can get ounces of concentrate for $420, flowers are going for $175 (select strain specials for $99). I'm willing to spend a little more money for self made rosin per gram, but being a patient I am trying to keep prices down. My caregiver doesn't offer rosin, if they did it would be closer to $30-35/gr.

Like most of you discussing your current wish lists, I too would like to squish once a week, but preferably once a month. I go through about 7gr of concentrate per month.

My last experience with squishing indoors with the hair straightener left my house reeking like a skunk for 4 hours, my wife was not impressed. I definitely would like something I can move around, at least out onto the porch.

Here's the dead skunk and the low yield =/

Really appreciate the info from @invertedisdead @shredder @Dangus helping us newcomers with knowledge

 

[shredder]

Here's a question. I understand yields vary widely between cultivars, but assuming most of the cultivars being used are high resin producers, same producer, what sort of returns could one expect from a sub $500 unit (DIY or manufactured)?

Right now I can get ounces of concentrate for $420, flowers are going for $175 (select strain specials for $99). I'm willing to spend a little more money for self made rosin per gram, but being a patient I am trying to keep prices down. My caregiver doesn't offer rosin, if they did it would be closer to $30-35/gr.

Like most of you discussing your current wish lists, I too would like to squish once a week, but preferably once a month. I go through about 7gr of concentrate per month.

My last experience with squishing indoors with the hair straightener left my house reeking like a skunk for 4 hours, my wife was not impressed. I definitely would like something I can move around, at least out onto the porch.

Here's the dead skunk and the low yield =/

Really appreciate the info from @invertedisdead @shredder @Dangus helping us newcomers with knowledge

$420 per ounce of concentrates? Wow! That's like $15 per gram. Is it safe? Effective?

I'd go that route if the concentrates are good.