I am reading along and I am reading. I am interested in starting to extract myself. Since I know nothing, I can't contribute anything constructive except my encouragement to keep typing, Papaw.
just a few thought based on my relative (in)experience with extracting tobacco...
You will notice form my posts that I use Cold Maceration for an extraction process. Because of my busy lifestyle (career trucker) this is the easiest process for me. Also, somewhere along the line Mamaw apparently had a bad experience with a pressure cooker, and will not allow one in her kitchen. My yard, my house (repair), my autos (maintenance), HER kitchen.... (considering how well she cooks, not complaining)
But it takes about three months from start to finish. Here goes...
1) Ordering. There is such a thing as a Tobacco Beetle. It lays it's eggs (larva) inside the tobacco leaves. Cigarette tobacco is sprayed with pesticide (and preservatives) to kill the tobacco beetle larvae. Most Fine Cigars and Pipe Tobaccos are not treated this way. This is why cigars and pipe tobaccos are kept and sold in Humidors, controlled environments that keep the temperature and humidity below 70. As long as the temperature does not reach the mid-70's, the tobacco beetle larvae cannot mature and hatch.
This is why I order my tobaccos in the Dead of Winter - so the product stays cool during transportation through the mail system. Overkill ? Maybe, but I want a pure, enjoyable taste from my NETs. I tend to order 1 ounce bulk selections, because it is easier for my process.
2) Maceration. Using 1/2 pint Mason Jars, I insert 1 ounce of tobacco, and fill to the top with PG. The jars are then placed in a dark, cool place (top shelf, bedroom closet). They will remain there for eight weeks. Sometimes I might check them after two or three weeks to see if absorption by the tobacco has lowered the PG level, and top off. Some who are PG intolerant may need to use a different extraction method, such as discussed by
@Str8vision in his thread ;
Tobacco extraction using heated Ethanol
3) Perhaps the most critical step in making your own NET flavors. Poor filtration can produce e-liquids that are called 'gunky', and can wreck coils almost immediately. Take care in selecting your filtration equipment, and don't be afraid to ask question around this sub-forum.
I personally use an Aero Press, designed for coffee filtering.
AeroPress Coffee Maker | AeroPress
and filter paper from the Lab Depot. I order the 12.5 cm size, as I can cut two filters to fit the Aero Press from each filter.
Quantitative : TLD™ Grade 42 Quantitative Filter Paper, Ashless
Using a typical wire mesh kitchen strainer and a 1 Pint Mason jar, I carefully pour the extracted PG through the strainer and into the pint jar. I used to worry about getting each and every drop that I could, but I have learned I can always make more. Now I just try to get a clean strain, and throw away the tobacco.
The bottom of the Aero Press fits nicely on top of a Pint Mason Jar. Using the filter paper that came with the Aero Press, I position the press on top of a clean Pint jar, pour the extract in, and SLOWLY apply pressure, checking to make sure the extract is flowing though the paper filter and not around it. This takes several minutes.
Then I carefully cut the Lab Filter Paper to match the size of the Aero Press, and filter a second time with the Quantitive paper filter. I believe this paper is rated at 2.5 macron, it will take care to slowly push the extracted liquid through the paper rather than around it. This produces my finished results.
I then mix my e-liquids to taste (usually around 10% extract) and allow four weeks steep time.
My method is simple and easy. There are probably better methods (and possibly more complicated and time consuming), but I can produce NET flavors at a fraction of what Vendors charge. My 'flavored' tobacco extractions are clean enough for RDA's, and the unflavored tobaccos are clean enough for RTAs.
CMD-Ky, it's not as complicated as this post sounds. Though we DIY'ers might never match the quality of Lab Equipment used by professionals, we can produce many enjoyable flavors (and a few clunkers along the way).
READ as much as you can in the Liquid Extraction from Tobacco sub-forum. There are people who know far more than I do. I just like 'quick and easy', and this works for me. Good Luck !
