1. Dry and cured will give the most return.
You can use fresh, but it must be very fresh. Like within the first 72 hours.
After that, the chlorophyll is breaking down, and will give you green hash.
I always wait until all the chlorophyll has dissipated and the weed is fully cured before making hash.
2. I use a coffee filter. It works fine. Don't try to rush (squeeze) it. Let it dry naturally.
3. I use a grinder to crush the buds.