I would advise you to get a hand held microscope of jewlers loupe. They can be had for less than 20 bucks at any decent hydro store. Then take a look to see if your trichome heads(which are the little mushroom looking ends of the crystals) are clear, cloudy, or amber. If you are lookin for a head buzz you can cut when most tricomes are clear or cloudy. If you want a more body stone wait til most of the trichs turn amber. I have my first auto going now and they are good for what they do. enjoy