Fitting the bubble hash wash bags together in sequence within a 5-gallon work bucket provides an effective and convenient configuration for hash production. One of the most time consuming aspects of the process involves stacking, removing, and then re-stacking the filter bags after every round of washing. But there’s a nice trick that can save you time and effort in stacking the hash wash bags, and even improve the hash collection process. All it takes is a few extra buckets, a box cutter, and a pair of pliers, and you’ll have a bucket stacking system that can improve your entire workflow. 

This bucket stacking process aligns each wash bag securely and uniformly throughout the filtration system from top to bottom of the stack. A series of bucket tops provides a great alternative to layering the wash bags together inside of just one work bucket and folding the tops of each bag over the same bucket top. With multiple bucket tops you get ideal stackability and better handling of each wash bag in the system. 

All you do is make one bucket top for every wash bag, so that each bag has its own plastic rim from which it hangs. Together inside of the complete work bucket, these rims easily stack on top of each other, configuring the wash bags so they’re ready for action. 

Benefits to Stacking Bucket Tops 

It might be nice to look at a clean and well-organized tower of bubble hash wash bags, but what’s the real advantage to extractors? How does a bucket stacking setup improve hash production? 

First, this bucket stacking system provides good structure onto which each filter bag will hang. It gives a solid form to the bags that makes them easier to handle individually. Both layering and then removing each bag from the work bucket is a lot easier with a rigid plastic rim to grip. Otherwise, you’re grasping at the slick nylon material of the filter bags which can be trickier to manage.  

Another advantage to stacking bucket tops is to create separation between different filters during extraction. Without the extra inches of separation that the bucket tops create between the multiple layers of filters, each filter actually sags down as water is poured through and touches the filter below it. This means that the bottom of one filter screen rests upon the puddle of hash on the filter below it. There’s potential to lose hash or clog screens when this happens, but extra spacing between each filter eliminates this issue.   

Alternatively, you can remove a wash bag from the stack and slide its filter upwards so it’s stretched across its bucket top, which makes for easy collection. This way you don’t even need to completely remove the bag from its bucket top to collect the hash, which is another way to save time. 

If you do decide to remove the bags one by one for hash collection, use a frisbee or a plate to provide a structure across which you can stretch the filter for efficient collection. 

This is especially useful for the 220, 190, and 25 micron bags over the course of multiple washes. These sizes normally don’t need to be removed for collection, since the grade of hash found in these bags isn’t worth keeping for most extractors. It can quickly be removed and discarded as needed, in order to keep the filters clear. But it’s important that the 220 and 190 are well-rinsed between every round of filtration, because all the resin needs to pass through these bags first. If these filters are not clean, they’ll catch the good trichomes instead of allowing them to pass through. 

Supplies Needed To Create the Bucket Stacking System

• 5-gallon buckets to fit 5-gallon bubble hash wash bags. If you’re using 1-gallon wash bags, use 1-gallon buckets. You want one bucket for every size of filter bag you use. 
• Box cutter (razor blade)
• Pliers  
• Sandpaper  
• Marker

How To Cut the Bucket Tops

The completed bucket tops, or rims, should be around 4-6inches deep, meaning there will be only 4-6inches of plastic remaining at the top of the bucket after cutting away the bottom portion. Some people prefer to cut the bucket tops into varying sizes, for example the 75 micron bag will have a 6-inch bucket rim and the 90 micron bag will have a 4-inch bucket rim. 

The thought is that a variation in depth of bucket tops will help to better separate the layers of filters while pouring the ice water through. 

To begin, the first step is to remove the metal handles from each of the buckets. Use a pair of pliers to bend the handles and detach them from the plastic rims. 

Repeat this measurement for each bucket. 

Next, it’s time to make the cuts. Using a box cutter, follow the lines around each bucket, cutting away the bottom portion of each one. Try to keep the cuts as clean as possible. Avoid creating jagged edges. Aim to make smooth and consistent edges. 

Once all the buckets are cut, it’s time for the final step. Using a piece of fine grade sandpaper, smooth the edges to remove any sharp points that might snag the wash bags. 

Now your buckets are ready to go! It’s time to enjoy the ease and convenience that the bucket stacking system will bring to your hash washing process. 

For more pictures of the bucket stacking system, check out our friend @snobbyglobs on Instagram!