This is my first rosin press attempt as a beginner — no pretending I know what I’m doing, just pure trial, error, and honest results. I picked up a manual rosin press (about 330 euros) and decided to document everything for anyone else who’s just getting started with pressing their own solventless concentrates. The goal was simple: press some Royal Queen Seeds Watermelon flower and see what comes out. Spoiler: it works, but I had a lot to learn.
First Rosin Press Attempt Beginner: What You Need
Before diving into the how to use a rosin press for the first time walkthrough, here’s the basic equipment used in this video:
- Manual rosin press — dual heated plates, top and bottom, with a digital temperature display and timer
- Pre-press cylinder — used to form flower into a compact puck before pressing
- Micron bags — these came with the machine; act as a filter to keep plant material out of the rosin
- Parchment paper — folded into an envelope around the micron bag to catch rosin as it oozes out
- Silicone mat or small tray — for collecting rosin
- Dab tool — for scraping rosin off the parchment
- Starting flower — approximately 3 grams; Royal Queen Seeds Watermelon strain used here
Rosin Press Temperature and Time for Flower
According to the manual that came with this rosin press, the recommended rosin press temperature and time for flower is:
- Temperature: 87–105°C (190–225°F)
- Time: 30–220 seconds
For this first attempt, I set the plates to 95°C and used the default 180-second timer. Higher temperatures may produce more rosin but risk destroying terpenes — the compounds that give cannabis its flavor profile. Lower temps tend to produce better flavor but sometimes slightly lower yield. The longer you press, the less pure the rosin becomes as more plant material can work its way through.
Rosin Press Micron Bag Parchment Paper Setup
This was one of the most important parts of the setup — the rosin press micron bag parchment paper setup that keeps everything clean and catchable:
- Take a sheet of parchment paper and fold it in half like a taco
- Fold the two side edges over once and then back over themselves to create sealed sides (prevents rosin from oozing sideways)
- Place the micron bag inside the parchment pocket
- Insert the pre-pressed puck into the micron bag inside the pocket
- Slide the entire assembly toward the back of the heated plates, centered for even contact
One lesson from this session: with 3 grams of flower, some of the puck extended beyond the edge of the plates on this small press. This means not all the flower gets pressed, which reduces yield. The press has small plates — 3 grams may be too much. Next time: 1.5–2 grams of flower and re-press the puck a second time.
How to Use a Rosin Press for the First Time: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Pre-Press the Flower
Break your flower into smaller pieces and pack it tightly into the pre-press cylinder. The cylinder presses the loose flower into a compact disc (puck) that fits cleanly inside the micron bag. Turn the manual handle until tight, then push the puck out by continuing to turn — the silver disc inside will push it out the bottom.
Step 2: Set Up the Parchment Envelope
Fold parchment paper into a sealed three-sided pocket. Place the micron bag inside, insert the puck, and push the assembly to the back of the heated plates. Make sure the puck sits squarely between both plates for full contact.
Step 3: Heat Up to Temperature
Power on the press and set your target temperature. Wait until both the top and bottom plates reach temperature before pressing. The digital display shows both plate temperatures separately. Do not touch the plates at temperature — they will cause severe burns.
Step 4: Press Slowly
Start the timer and begin applying manual rosin press beginner tips: apply slow, firm, steady pressure. Do not slam down hard — applying pressure too quickly can “blow out” the micron bag, forcing plant material into your rosin. Ease the plates together gradually over the first 60–90 seconds, then apply full pressure for the remainder of the timer.
Step 5: Collect the Rosin
After the timer, open the press and carefully pull out the parchment package. The rosin will have oozed onto the parchment paper as a golden, sticky, translucent concentrate. Use a dab tool to scrape it off the parchment and collect it on a silicone mat. Work quickly while it’s still warm — rosin becomes harder to collect as it cools.
5 Honest Lessons From My First Rosin Press Attempt
- Less flower, better results: 3 grams was too much for this small-plate press. Some flower extended past the plates and never got pressed. Try 1–2 grams for a compact press like this.
- Re-press the puck: After the first press, the puck still has extractable rosin. Refold the paper, reinsert the puck, and press again. Second press yields lighter but still usable rosin.
- Save the pucks: The spent pucks still contain cannabinoids and can be used to make cannabutter or infused oil. Don’t throw them away.
- Full plate contact matters: If the puck is larger than the plates, you lose yield. Center everything perfectly and size your puck to fit within the plate surface area.
- Dabbing rosin is its own skill: Applying rosin to a glass nail and using a torch correctly takes practice. Low-temp dabbing (around 350–400°F / 177–204°C) preserves terpene flavor better than high heat. The watermelon citrus flavor came through nicely even with an imperfect technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should a beginner use for their first rosin press attempt?
Start at the lower end — around 87–95°C (190–203°F) for flower. Lower temps preserve terpene flavor. You may get slightly less yield than pressing at 105°C, but the quality is typically better. Experiment from there once you’re comfortable with the process.
How much flower should a beginner put in a small rosin press?
For a small manual press with compact plates, start with 1–2 grams. Packing too much flower means some will extend past the plate edges and never get pressed, reducing yield. It’s better to do multiple smaller presses than one oversized batch.
Can you reuse the puck after pressing rosin?
Yes, in two ways. First, you can re-press the puck immediately by refolding the parchment and pressing again — you’ll get a smaller second yield. Second, spent pucks make great starting material for cannabutter or cannabis-infused oil, since they still contain residual cannabinoids.
Do you need micron bags for pressing rosin?
Micron bags help filter out plant matter and keep the rosin cleaner. Many beginners also use just folded parchment paper without a bag — it works, though you may get more fine plant material in the finished rosin. Bags are recommended, especially for flower pressing.
References
Learn More on Herbistry420
Purchase Links
- 🛒 Nectar 1Ton Manual Rosin Press
- 🛒 4 Ton Rosin Heat Press with Dual 3×5 inch Heated Plates
- 🛒 Pre Press Mold 3x5inch Flower Pressing Pre-Press Mold
- 🛒 Sondiko Butane Torch
- 🛒 What Is Rosin? — Leafly
Support Herbistry420 by visiting our Cannabis Apparel Store, we have t-shirts, hoodies, pants, towels, you name it!
Note: Some links are affiliate links. Purchases through these links support the channel at no extra cost to you.
Add comment