Do I need a pre-press mold?

To maximize rosin yield and ensure an even heat and pressure distribution during pressing, it’s crucial to pre-press your cannabis material into a compact and uniform shape before placing it into the filter pouch. This process eliminates air pockets and ensures that the bag is filled evenly, allowing for consistent pressure application across the entire surface area. By doing so, you enable the pressure plates to effectively extract rosin, as tightly packed material promotes better juice flow and minimizes the chances of trapping rosin in basins or seams. Thus, pre-pressing not only enhances yield but also improves the efficiency of the extraction process.

Indeed, pre-pressing is generally essential for optimizing oil extraction, but for minimal quantities, the marginal gains may not justify the effort, making it reasonable to forgo this step.

How do I select a pre-press mold?

When choosing a pre-press mold for filter bags, it’s essential to select one that corresponds to the bags’ dimensions and shape. For instance, if you are using rectangular bags measuring 2 x 5 inches, opting for a 2 x 6 or 3 x 5 inch rectangular mold would be suitable.

How do I use a pre-press mold?

To prepare your cannabis flower for pressing, first wash your pre-press mold with soap and hot water and dry it thoroughly. Ensure your cannabis is stored at 62% RH. Remove large stems, and break up the buds if needed using gloves to maintain cleanliness. Pack the flower into a filter bag but don’t overstuff them; your pack shouldn’t be more than 1/2 inch thick. Place the mold base on a sturdy surface, lining it with parchment paper if not using a filter bag. Position the mold’s hollow chamber on top, fill it with the flower, cover it with the top piece, and apply pressure using your body weight or a press. Finally, flip the mold, remove the base, and your puck will be ready for pressing.