SWIM just finished his first extraction using Q21Q21 Tek 2. Definite props to Q21Q21! SWIM learned a lot during the extraction process but sadly may not ever get an opportunity to do it again. SWIM wanted to give some back to the community by providing some tips for first timers.

Probably not the first to say these, but for someone researching extraction SWIM would think these will help.

Before beginning read, and re-read the tek several times over several days. At first it seems daunting but actually once you have a basic grasp on the steps it is very simple. Make sure you have the tek handy for reference, work slow and don’t rush things.


A/B Steps

- SWIM tried starting with bark amounts of 100g, 150g, and 250g. SWIM seemed to get the best pulls from the 150g jar. Probably because it was easier to work with than 250g in a batch. Also at first SWIM tried using chopsticks to stir, but switched to a wooden spoon which made mixing 10x easier.
Pulling

- Have a fire extinguisher handy. Also a bucket is helpful for pouring off extra water used to heat naptha/substrate jars.

- It's hard to balance the need for good ventilation in a non-living space with the need to be discreet. SWIM realized SWIM needed to improve ventilation when SWIM noticed dull headaches, brain fog, and clammy hands about an hour after working with Naptha. Klean Strip Naptha has a neurotoxicity warning on the container so fume exposure should be kept to a minimum.

- Ended up making a ventilation hood by placing a box fan in a window with a long box attached to it. SWIM placed a board in the box and that was the workspace. This was a huge improvement however this is NOT recommended because the box fan could generate sparks. If SWIM were to do it again SWIM would build a similar chamber only with the box fan pushing air instead of pulling.

- SWIM experimented with several methods of decanting and filtering the solvent while avoiding the substrate getting into the precip tray. After several dirty bark containing batches SWIM finally settled on pouring first into a glass measuring cup with a spout and then pouring that into the precipitation tray. This method allowed clean precip trays (no spilled substrate) and no spilled, lost Naptha. SWIM then realized re-crystalization was more efficacious at removing unwanted material anyway rather than filtering. So SWIM didn’t have to be as careful with this step.

- Be careful if you are heating the substrate jars. SWIM placed a jar into a bowl of just boiled water and the jar cracked causing the bottom to fall off into the water. The jars should be good quality (not the cheap pickle jars SWIM bought) and should be heated incrementally (start with warm, periodically pour some off and add boiling water). Luckily no substrate (or very little) fell into the water and the yield of the pull was still good.

- To warm the Naptha SWIM used wide mouth kerr jars, with the lids for 2 jars screwed on upside down. Each lid already had 4 holes punched into them (happened to have these around from many years ago, thanks Professor Fanaticus!). SWIM believe the holes allowed the minimum amount of fumes to escape without a build-up of pressure.

Precipitation

- Used an elongated glass zip lock tray with lid. Placed this into a snap lock container (four wings that snap on each side) sealed shut and that container in the freezer. Did not notice any Naptha smells in the freezer.

- Originally SWIM would scrap the tray and then re-use without cleaning thinking it was adding to the next precipitation. SWIM realized however that this would build up oils that would make scrapping incrementally more difficult. Instead SWIM cleaned with IPA and then collected the IPA for evap.

- To scrape the precip trays SWIM used an Okonomiyaki Spatula (google search will show pics). This was very easy to handle, SWIM imagine easier to work with than a razor blade (more sturdy, long handle).

Afterwards

- Tried using IPA to dissolve and then evaporate to remove any additional Naptha trapped in the crystals. Determined this produces much denser spice...seemed less weighed more. Effects seemed different first go around (somewhat unpleasant) but the second try was better.

- Introduced the spice to a couple of friends. After experimenting with low recreational doses (10-15mg) settled on 13mg as a sweet spot, highly visual, not too uncomfortable and still coherent. By recreational intend to mean not deep, soul searching experiences but still with respect.

- GVG SWIM was very nervous about not having the technique right that people were talking about. Was very surprised how easy it actually is (for lower doses anyway).

Thanks everyone on the nexus...keep it up!

I'm glad it worked good for you as well. As for the alkaloids stuck to the precipitation containers after scraping (although instead of scraping, using a little hard paintbrush to scoop everything can be more precise and quite easier), they can be washed with a little solvent that can be added to the next pull. It contributes to get the solvent saturated in subsequent pulls. In any case, whether you have to worry or not about plant oils depends on how selective your solvent is.

Have safe and good travels