My first NET

[Denvap0r]

After reading lots of information here in the DIY sub-forums, I decided to attempt some NETs. I also decided to do the cold maceration method in PG (after the reading, just seemed like the simplest method). I broke up 3 different inexpensive, but quality, cigars from my humidor and placed them in 3 small mason jars with 120 ml of PG each.

It has now been 2 weeks and 5 days since doing this and this morning took my first sample. Mixed 1ml of my NET with 2ml of VG, dripped and vaped. The first thing that came to my mind is "this is cool". I can taste that wonderfully aged tobacco, just like the cigar smelled. Will definitely need the full month of steep time, but the flavor is there and it's really good.

So really this a thank you thread to everyone that has posted about making NETs. Your experimentation and expertise was read, used, and appreciated.

Thanks.

Feel free to offer any pointers or advice for a newb DIYer

 

[Darth Omerta]

Very cool my friend! Glad it worked out for you! I'll have to take a swing at this myself sometime!

 

[Johntodd]

I'm very interested in this. Please give us some details.

Also tell us about the "satisfaction" it brings. Do you get any WTA effects?

 

[Denvap0r]

I did 3 cigars of varying flavor/body. A light/mild, a medium, and a nice dark maduro full bodied. I sampled only the medium as of now. I didn't filter my sample just pulled 1 ml straight out of the jar, but tried to pick up as few particles as possible. Since I've had a few beers at this point, and as we all know how well tobacco pairs with beer, I would say that having that perfect earthy tobacco aroma without actually lighting anything and the fact that I made it, maybe one of the most satisfying things since I started this journey.

I have never tried any other pure NET except for this one. As I understand Nicoticket's The Virus is an NET, but I believe mixed with other things. I really don't know that I can speak on the alkaloids or the effect. It has slightly darkened the PG to a very light brown so I am sure they are there.

Can't wait to try this with other, more expensive and flavorful cigars.

 

[Bunnykiller]

sounds like you got a good result from your first try.... welcome to the world of DIYNET ( sounds like some ominous computer company )

 

[Str8vision]

After reading lots of information here in the DIY sub-forums, I decided to attempt some NETs. I also decided to do the cold maceration method in PG (after the reading, just seemed like the simplest method). I broke up 3 different inexpensive, but quality, cigars from my humidor and placed them in 3 small mason jars with 120 ml of PG each.

It has now been 2 weeks and 5 days since doing this and this morning took my first sample. Mixed 1ml of my NET with 2ml of VG, dripped and vaped. The first thing that came to my mind is "this is cool". I can taste that wonderfully aged tobacco, just like the cigar smelled. Will definitely need the full month of steep time, but the flavor is there and it's really good.

So really this a thank you thread to everyone that has posted about making NETs. Your experimentation and expertise was read, used, and appreciated.

Thanks.

Feel free to offer any pointers or advice for a newb DIYer

A long term room temperature tobacco extraction using PG as the solvent is a tried and true method that provides excellent results for those with enough patience. I see you already performed in-process sampling and that's the best way to determine when the extraction is complete rather than by some arbitrarily preset time/day. Don't be worried about how long you steep the tobacco the longer it steeps the more flavorful it will get, I would suggest 60 days minimum for cigars. Filtering is important to flavor and performance so don't skip that step of the process. Have fun and be sure to post any questions, thoughts and opinions you might have! Extracting flavor from tobacco is fun, easy, -inexpensive- and VERY rewarding!

 

[Str8vision]

I have never tried any other pure NET except for this one. As I understand Nicoticket's The Virus is an NET, but I believe mixed with other things. I really don't know that I can speak on the alkaloids or the effect. It has slightly darkened the PG to a very light brown so I am sure they are there.

Can't wait to try this with other, more expensive and flavorful cigars.

Nicoticket offers several "flavored" NETs and uses tobacco absolute (TA), to add a -very light- tobacco presence to each of them. I enjoy Radioactive and ACB but don't vape them straight, I've used them as "flavorings" along with enough tobacco extract to move the tobacco element forward. Personally, I don't like the Virus at all. Can't stand a chocolate nuance in a juice, not even a little bit.

 

[Denvap0r]

A long term room temperature tobacco extraction using PG as the solvent is a tried and true method that provides excellent results for those with enough patience. I see you already performed in-process sampling and that's the best way to determine when the extraction is complete rather than by some arbitrarily preset time/day. Don't be worried about how long you steep the tobacco the longer it steeps the more flavorful it will get, I would suggest 60 days minimum for cigars. Filtering is important to flavor and performance so don't skip that step of the process. Have fun and be sure to post any questions, thoughts and opinions you might have! Extracting flavor from tobacco is fun, easy, -inexpensive- and VERY rewarding!

Went ahead and filtered one of my extractions, 7 weeks on this one. ( couldn't wait) This stuff is great. You were right about the filtering. Did 2 run-throughs in unbleached coffee filters. 30% PG extract and the rest VG with 6mg nicotine. Just the natural sweetness of the VG gives a nice sweet flavor to a nice robust tobacco. Will let the other batches steep a little longer before filtering just to see how much more flavor it will have.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone.

 

[Johntodd]

So, how does one vape a DIY-NET? Straight up, or mix it with VG (I don't use PG at all.)

I know everybody's taste is different, but what's a general purpose mix ratio?

Thanks!
-Johntodd

 

[Denvap0r]

So, how does one vape a DIY-NET? Straight up, or mix it with VG (I don't use PG at all.)

I know everybody's taste is different, but what's a general purpose mix ratio?

Thanks!
-Johntodd

I am using 30% extract to 70% VG. I believe when I let my other batches steep longer I will be able to use less extract.

 

[Str8vision]

So, how does one vape a DIY-NET? Straight up, or mix it with VG (I don't use PG at all.)

I know everybody's taste is different, but what's a general purpose mix ratio?

Thanks!
-Johntodd

Tobacco extract is mixed the same way a concentrated flavoring is, you add it to your preferred PG/VG and nic ratio. 15 - 25% is typical.

For a PG free NET you would need to extract the tobacco using PGA (ethanol), as the extraction solvent. Once completed and filtered you can transfer the flavor from the ethanol into VG. To do this evaporate 75% of the ethanol off, add VG/mix well and finish evaporating the ethanol off. You would then have VG based tobacco extract to mix with. Don't extract the tobacco using VG as the solvent, it's too difficult (thick), to filter properly.

 

[Johntodd]

Thanks!

 

[Str8vision]

Congratulations DenvapOr! Tasty, satisfying and shamefully inexpensive DIY tobacco extraction can become an addictive hobby.

My only recommendation would be to step up your filtering a bit for a cleaner better performing NET.

 

[Denvap0r]

Congratulations DenvapOr! Tasty, satisfying and shamefully inexpensive DIY tobacco extraction can become an addictive hobby.

My only recommendation would be to step up your filtering a bit for a cleaner better performing NET.

I have an aeropress and was considering using that as well. Any recommendations on methods and/or supplies?

 

[Str8vision]

I have an aeropress and was considering using that as well. Any recommendations on methods and/or supplies?

There are many ways to filter your extract but since you have an aeropress might as well put it to use. I would suggest at a minimum 3 micron filtration and while I've not personally used an aeropress several people that have bought filter felt, cut it to fit and reported good results.

All filter felt is "nominally" rated meaning that it doesn't actually retain all particles at its listed retention rating. In my best estimation I'd say 1 micron filter felt is equivalent to a 3-5 micron absolute rated filter which is still pretty good. Filter felt is reusable (washable), but each time it's washed its retention ability degrades a bit. I bought a 1 micron singed felt filter bag and cut my filters from it. I use these to pre-filter extract (2nd stage), prior to the final filtering process. Here's a link to the filter bag I purchased which cost $9 shipped; Singed Polyester Felt Filter Bag 1 Micron Size #1 7"x16": Industrial Process Filter Bags: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
Here's a link to a 3' x 6' sheet of 1 micron singed filter felt for $26 shipped; Singed Polyester Felt Filter Media Fabric Sheet 1 Micron: Industrial Process Filter Bags: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Also available are absolute rated filters which retain all particles at and above their rated retention value. There are many hundreds of different types, diameters and retention ratings, some are inexpensive while other are outrageously priced. You might be able to order the exact right diameter to fit an aeropress or you might need to cut them to fit. I don't know how well this type of filter would work in an aeropress, or if it would work at all. Perhaps someone with experience using an aeropress will chime in. While I don't know if they would work, just so you can see what they look like here's a link to some 2 micron, 7cm diameter, grade 642 cellulose filters in a package of 100; Ahlstrom Eaton-Dike Filter, 2 micrometer Retention, Medium Flow, Grade 642: Science Lab Filters: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
The filters I use (1 micron glass microfiber), are currently over $1 each in packages of 100, which is far too expensive for what they're worth. I got them at $0.25 each on sale and wouldn't buy them again unless they happened to be on sale.

Personally, I'd start with the 1 micron filter felt. It's inexpensive, reusable and others have successfully used it in the aeropress for quick filtering.

 

[Denvap0r]

Thanks @Str8vision. I appreciate this information and the links.

 

[Exchaner]

While I don't know if they would work, just so you can see what they look like here's a link to some 2 micron,

Ahlstrom Eaton-Dike Filter, 2 micrometer Retention, Medium Flow, Grade 642: Science Lab Filters: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Are these good enough to filter your NET's ?

 

[Str8vision]

Are these good enough to filter your NET's ?

I linked to those as an example of what a typical filter paper disc looks like but being only 7cm (2.5"), in diameter they're pretty small unless you're using a filter holder, my holder accommodates a 5.5cm diameter filter. Are you using a filter holder (housing), or would you be pleat folding the filter for use in a plastic funnel?

For gravity filtering, 2 micron retention is S-L-O-W. 15 - 25ml in 24 hours on a warm day and only if the extract was adequately pre-filtered. 2.5 - 3 micron retention is a little better suited for gravity filtering (but still painfully slow), and an 11cm or larger diameter is best when pleat folding a cone filter to use in a funnel. Here's a link for 2.5 micron 18cm (7"), diameter filters; Ahlstrom Qualitative Filter Paper, 2.5 micrometer Retention, Medium Flow, Grade 601: Science Lab Qualitative Filter Paper: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific $26 for a 100pk, they appear to be pleat folded. Might be a little big but they're cheaper than the same filters with smaller diameters, you can always trim them off to whatever size you like.

 

[Exchaner]

Are you using a filter holder (housing), or would you be pleat folding the filter for use in a plastic funnel?
Here's a link for 2.5 micron 18cm (7"), diameter filters; Ahlstrom Qualitative Filter Paper, 2.5 micrometer Retention, Medium Flow, Grade 601: Science Lab Qualitative Filter Paper: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific $26 for a 100pk, they appear to be pleat folded.

Thanks for the link. These might be better suited for use in a funnel - which is what I have right now. Kind of hard to imagine how they can be formed into a cone shape, but I am sure there is a way. I am assuming they are to be used after using the coffee filter. Thanks again.

 

[Str8vision]

How to pleat fold filter paper to use in a funnel; http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...yXtFORQ0BxOgukRYQ&sig2=OeXAO0LxxtROkNu1-OFh0w