Hello whoever.

I recently tried Kash's LSA extraction. Let me start by highlighting my only differences from the tek: I started with 750 Morning Glory seeds, not HBWR (my next go will feature 200 HBWR, I just happened to not use them this first time), and instead of toluene or DCM, I used Xylene.

My main question is about the final pull (where I used Xylene): What is the best technique for mixing? I used half-pint mason jars, so I shook the hell out of all of my mixtures really, thinking that my vigor would somehow encourage more LSA to jump ship. However, I have seen elsewhere people saying to stir gently for these kinds of extracts; I don't currently have a glass stir-rod, could I use the end of an exacto knife? Or any other subs for this that won't react or anything? How should I generally be handling these mixtures?

Also, from whomsoever cares' previous experience(s), what types of mistakes are common for this extraction, i.e. what should I watch out for, like ph (I just used the approximations in the tek like "pinch" and "~1ml" etc, but I have ph strips on the way, so I should be able to be more precise next go round), letting it sit in certain solutions too long, shaking too vigorously, mixing incorrectly, and so on.

I attempted to follow the tek as scrupulously as possible, but as this was my first attempt at an extraction, I'm sure my general technique had its flaws. I would love for anyone to give me any advice or insight as to how to go about this extract again, especially someone who has followed this tek to good results before (Kash's input would be worshipped.)

A final word, I am new to actively posting in these types of forums so forgive me if these are the kind of questions I should find for myself somewhere; if so some keyword suggestions would be helpful. And please forgive me if this is not the appropriate place or method for posing this question.

WORD

MUSHUshampoo

Any and all advice, experience and suggestions are welcome.

Don't be afraid to post, I won't cut anyone.

M.S.

read the tek carefully. it states two ph values for the acidification step and later for the basification. you should also read the few thread's using the keyword "lsa extraction" in the search option. you will find few discussion threads where ph, solvent and handling of the substances is discussed.

to answer one of your questions. xylene would be the last solvent i choose for lsa extraction, just because it evaporates very slowly on room temperature, and most probably alot of that lsa extract will oxidize during the time of evaporation.

Your response is greatly appreciated, Ambivalent. I have wide range ph test strips now, so I should be able to be more accurate with my ranges. Also, I noticed that he specified 3-5 for the citric acid and water and 8.5-9.5 for adding the ammonia, I just had no way of measuring at the time.

I tried to find Toluene and DCM at Lowe's, Wal Mart, Ace and Home Depot, as well as online. I am not buying it for the prices I saw online, that would make the extraction very cost ineffective. Is there any way to speed the Xylene evap? I have a temperature-controlled food dehydrator with a liquid rack?

Lastly, what is the best way to mix/stir these solutions?