the bags filter out plant material. what you are thinking about doing will work but you'll still have a shitload of greenery and very low quality "hash"...not the real deal. you can do the silk screen a little cheaper but as a proud owner of the 7 bag, 5 gal bubblebag system i must say they're the only way to go! but the 5 bag system is enough...


if you want to try your method get some 1/4" tubing for syphoning. mix everything up like you would with bubblebags but after 15-20 minutes of stirring in the ice water let settle and syphon off only what settles on the bottom. you'll still get some greenery but not near as much as you would if straining entire bucket. the stuff at the bottom is what you're after. i have seen it done but it takes a clear bucket or jar so you can see what you're syphoning. but the bubblebags make it ever so much easier and are worth every penny...