Do you make your mediums?

Hello everybody!

I'm here on advice of Karin Wells (thank you, Karin!), and I'm so happy to read such wonderful advice from all of you!

Karin introduced me to a book by Joseph Sheppard called How to Paint Like the Old Masters. Although this is a very enlightening book as far as technique goes, I'm both intrigued and put off by the prospect of making my own mediums. The author claims that these homemade mediums are far superior to the store-bought variety, but to me, using asbestos pads over fire and heating oil and lead sound kind of hazardous, and may outweigh the better quality obtained.

For those of you who make your mediums, what safety precautions do you use (is it really as hazardous as I perceive it to be?), and do you find that this method is more cost-effective?

I read the very interesting thread regarding Liquin, which I have been using for years, in combination with Stand Oil. I'm sad to hear it's so toxic, but am interested in trying out one of Gamblin's mediums. It's rather difficult to do on such a tight budget though!

Last, but not least, can anybody recommend a good linseed oil that is reasonably priced? I came across Shiva linseed oil on the internet, but am not familiar with it. Is it cold-pressed? I am mostly experimenting at the moment, so please be kind. Thank you!

Allaya