If you're venturing into the world of dabbing, pressing your own rosin at home is a rewarding and efficient way to ensure quality and purity. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to start pressing dabs, from essential equipment to tips for achieving the best results. By the end, you'll be well-equipped to produce your own high-quality rosin.

What do I Need to Start with Rosin Press?

To start pressing rosin at home, you'll need a rosin press, parchment paper, and a heat source to apply the necessary pressure and temperature. Essential materials include cannabis flower or hash and a collection tool like a dabber. Optional but useful items are a pre-press mold for shaping your material and extraction bags to keep plant material out of your rosin. With these basics, you can begin creating your own high-quality and desired rosin result.

Essential Equipment for Pressing Dabs

1. Rosin Press

   • The cornerstone of your rosin production setup is the rosin press. Our range of rosin presses at offers various models tailored to both beginners and experienced users. When choosing a press, consider factors such as pressure capacity, heat plate size, and temperature control. Our presses are designed for efficiency and ease of use, ensuring you get the best yield from your material.

2. Parchment Paper

   • High-quality, non-stick parchment paper is essential for collecting your rosin without losing any product. It should be heat-resistant and able to withstand the high pressures used during pressing.

3. Filter or Extraction Bags

   • Filter bags help to contain the plant material and ensure a clean extraction. They come in various capacity in weight and micron sizes, which will affect the quality and yield of your rosin. Typically, 90 to 160-micron bags are used for pressing flowers, while smaller microns are suitable for hash or kief.

4. Pre-Press Mold

   • A pre-press mold helps to compact your cannabis material into a uniform shape, making it easier to handle and press. This step can significantly improve the yield and consistency of your rosin. Note that PRE press molds are generally not suitable for enduring a rosin press pressure.

5. Dabbers Collecting Tools

   • Dabber tools are essential for handling and manipulating the cannabis material through the whole pressing process. Dabbers collecting tools are designed to scrape and gather every last bit of your rosin without waste. They ensure that you can manage the material cleanly and efficiently.

6. Dab containers and stashes

   • Dabbing containers are essential for storing cannabis concentrates like wax and shatter. Made from non-stick materials like silicone or glass, these airtight containers preserve freshness and potency. They're compact, discreet, and perfect for organized, hassle-free use at home or on the go.

7. Dab Rigs or Concentrate Vaporizers

   • Once you’ve pressed your rosin, you’ll need a way to consume it. Dab rigs and concentrate vaporizers are ideal for enjoying your homemade dabs. These devices provide the necessary heat and control for a smooth and flavorful experience. Our collection at The Greenbox includes high-quality options to suit different preferences and budgets.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pressing Dabs

1. Prepare Your Cannabis

   • The quality of your starting material directly impacts the quality of your rosin. Select fresh, well-cured cannabis flowers or kief. Avoid overly dry or excessively moist material, as it can affect the yield and quality of the rosin.

2. Pack your Extraction Bag

   • Select the appropriate micron filter bag based on the type of material you're pressing:
     25 to 45 microns: Best for dry sift, hash, or kief.
     70 to 160 microns: Ideal for flower rosin. A common choice is 90 microns for a balance of quality and yield. The stickier the flower, the higher the micron.
   • Carefully pack the cannabis material into the filter bag, ensuring an even distribution. We recommend bottle tech style. Overpacking or underpacking can lead to inefficient pressing and potential blowouts.
     

3. Prepare the Parchment Paper

   • Cut two pieces of non-stick parchment paper to slightly oversize your heat plates. Ensure that the parchment paper is large enough to fold over and completely encase the filter bag, preventing any rosin from leaking out during the press.

4. Set Up the Rosin Press

   • Preheat your rosin press to the desired temperature. For pressing flower, a common temperature range is 180°F to 220°F (82°C to 104°C). For hash or kief, a lower range of 160°F to 190°F (71°C to 88°C) is typically recommended. Preheating ensures the plates reach an even and stable temperature before you begin pressing.

5. Calibrate the Pressure

   • Here's a simple comparison between a basic, less sophisticated rosin press and a more advanced one. The pressure settings, combined with the quality of the plant material you use, are crucial in determining how much yield you can extract when pressing dabs.
   • Basic rosin presses allow you to set the pressure before you start pressing your dabs.
   • Mid-range starter rosin presses offer the flexibility to adjust pressure throughout the process. Depending on the material and the yield you want, you'll need to tweak the settings. For kief and hash, a lower pressure of about 300 to 700 psi is ideal, while flowers typically require a higher pressure, ranging from 1000 to 2000 psi. It's important to increase the pressure slowly during the pressing to prevent blowouts and achieve a uniform extraction.
   • Advanced automated presses, like the Nugsmasher IQ, simplify the process by letting you enter the type of plant material and its weight. The press then automatically calculates the optimal pressure for the best yield.

6. Load the plant material into the press

   • Place the packed extraction bag in the centre of the folded parchment paper. Make sure it is centred to ensure even pressure and heat distribution. The folded edge of the parchment paper should be towards you for easier handling and collection.

7. Begin the Pressing Process

   • Gradually close the plates, applying gentle pressure at first. Allow the material to warm up for about 30 to 45 seconds before gradually increasing the pressure. This initial warming phase helps in softening the trichomes and preparing them for extraction.
     

8. Apply Full Pressure

   • After the initial warm-up, slowly increase the pressure to the desired level. Maintain this pressure for approximately 60 to 90 seconds, depending on the material and desired yield. Monitor the flow of rosin, ensuring it is being evenly extracted from the material.

9. Monitor Temperature and Pressure

   • Throughout the pressing process, keep an eye on the temperature and pressure gauges. Consistency is key to achieving the best results, so avoid sudden changes or fluctuations that could affect the quality and yield of your rosin.
   • This is a step that is not available on basic rosin presses.
     

10. Release the Pressure

    • Once the pressing time is complete, gradually release the pressure and carefully open the plates. Allow the parchment paper to cool for a few seconds before handling it to avoid any burns or damage to the rosin.

11. Collect the Rosin

    • Carefully remove the parchment paper from the press. Allow it to cool slightly, then use a dab tool to collect the rosin. If you have a very sticky wax, you can also place the parchment into a freezer compartment for some time so it becomes less stickier.
      

Tips for Maximizing Your Yield

• Quality In, Quality Out: Start with the best cannabis material you can find. Higher quality starting material will result in better rosin.
• Experiment with Temperatures: Different strains may yield better results at different temperatures. Keep a log of your settings and results to fine-tune your process.
• Pressure Control: Gradual pressure application helps in avoiding blowouts and ensures a better yield.

Our Recommended Products

At The Greenbox AU, we offer a selection of high-quality rosin presses and dabbing accessories designed to help you achieve the best results:

• NugSmasher Mini: A beginner-friendly rosin press with adjustable temperature settings and easy-to-use controls. 

• NugSmasher XP: For experienced dab extractors. This rosin press is perfect for rosiners looking for an upgrade. 

• NugSmasher IQ: A highly advanced rosin press for all users looking to process larger quantities either for consumption or business. 

• Dabbing Accessories: From dab tools to silicone mats, we have everything you need to complete your setup.

Conclusion

Pressing your own dabs at home can be a fun and rewarding process, giving you full control over the quality of your extracts. With the right equipment and a bit of practice, you'll be producing high-quality rosin in no time. Check out our range of rosin presses and dabbing accessories at The Greenbox to get started.

 Legal Disclaimer: The Green Box does not condone, promote or incite the use of any illegal substances or to get anyone in conflict with their region or state laws. The use of smoking products is only to be used for medicinal herbs, Tobacco, Souvenir, and Educational Purposes.