Oh believe me, I would LOVE to have one of the set ups that I have been reading about and droolin over the pictures. My trouble isn't money and I'm sure that sooner or later I'll be able to grasp the chemistry end, I'm not a total moron. The main issue I have is where to keep the stuff once I get it. I mean, lab glass and actual filtration systems are what they are, and I'm not sure how I would explain some of the chemicals and why I need them. The one thing my ghetto setup has going for it, is that when I'm done with the stuff, I can toss the powerfilter and the hoses into a box with the rest of my aquarium stuff, stick the alcohol and acetone in with all my furniture restoring stuff, refined powders and product stuffed away in bottles and tucked into the medicine cabnet and spice rack, pillboxes, the trash and such either never enters the house or is easily disposed of,....you know the drill. The beauty of my system is that it's invisible. Each part is neatly camoflauged in amoungst my day to day activities, so it looks like it belongs there.
No, I don't live with my Mom, but I do have some traffic in my small house that definately wouldn't be cool with it, and others still that might be O.K. with it, but could possibly pose a security risk. We ARE talking about my freedom here. There ain't no amount of stuff that's worth 10 years in the Pen.
I do make beautiful product, however, with the skills that were shown to me. And although I am having to use "ghetto" techniques (for now), I take my time and make sure EVERYTHING is just right. I don't cut corners and never begin a task unless I know I will have enough time alone to accomplish it without having to rush and hurry. (and of course...time for breaks to chase the bee)Seriously, there is nothing left to chance. Loose ends will hang you if you aren't careful.
So for now, I wait. I read. And I learn. I take the cotton out of my ears and stick it in my mouth and soak in all the info that you and the others that have so much more experience are generously making available to me. I incorperate everything that I can into my method, and store away the things that I can't use yet, but will try to use ASAP.
I will, one day, be in the situation to be able to stretch out a bit and use all of what I am learning. But NOT one minute before I can do it with confidence and SAFELY.
I was a Marine Corps sniper back in the 80s and still maintain a high level of discipline and respect when it comes to matters as important as this. And of course....I am very patient. So I read. And learn. This is important and definately has my attention and RESPECT.
That, and I'm a tweaker.
Would it be considered out of line to post my method for critique?