A Few Questions About DIY E-Liquid

[kinky j]

I've been reading the DIY section and have a few questions, but can't post in there yet so thought I'd post them in here instead.

Firstly, there's a warning about how dangerous nicotine is that made me confused, is it just in it's pure form or would 36mg liquid be dangerous to work with? also how would I go about cleaning anything I mix it in safely?

Secondly, if I had 35ml of 36mg liquid and mixed it into 70ml VG am I right in thinking this would result in 105ml of 12mg liquid? (maths not my strong point)

Thirdly, roughly how many ml of flavouring would I need to be able to taste it? Would I have to subtract the amount of ml of flavouring used from the total ml of VG to keep it at 12mg?

I hope that makes sense

Thanks in advance
KJ

[makdevo]

You asked
there's a warning about how dangerous nicotine is that made me confused, is it just in it's pure form or would 36mg liquid be dangerous to work with? also how would I go about cleaning anything I mix it in safely?

My response
Handling pure nicotine is very dangerous. Handling 36mg nicotine is not dangerous, keep away from pets and children etc...
Cleaning with normal soap and water is fine.


You asked
if I had 35ml of 36mg liquid and mixed it into 70ml VG am I right in thinking this would result in 105ml of 12mg liquid? (maths not my strong point)

my response
Yes your math is correct. There are several good DIY ejuice calculators on the forum, search for them, they will help

you asked
roughly how many ml of flavouring would I need to be able to taste it? Would I have to subtract the amount of ml of flavouring used from the total ml of VG to keep it at 12mg?

my response
Yes the flavor will dilute the nicotine just like VG. Keeing 12mg will require adding flavor and VG totals keeping to the 70ml to 35ml ratio.

Flavor: This is a tough one, maybe you should mix small batches and try it first. Don't mix 105 ml unless you are sure! you have to be more specific as to what flavorings you are using.
If you are using strong flavors like menthol or tobacco absolute it only takes a small amount. If you are using weak flavors it could take upto 20% or more to get the flavor you like.

[kinky j]

Thankyou Makdevo you're a star!

Flavor: This is a tough one, maybe you should mix small batches and try it first. Don't mix 105 ml unless you are sure! you have to be more specific as to what flavorings you are using.
If you are using strong flavors like menthol or tobacco absolute it only takes a small amount. If you are using weak flavors it could take upto 20% or more to get the flavor you like.

I was looking at the flavourings from liberty-flights, they come in 5ml bottles and it says they're very strong. I was thinking about getting a few different flavours and making up 10ml bottles as and when, so to speak. Would 3 bottles of flavouring (probably coffee, pineapple and a tobacco one) be enough to keep me going until I've used up all the 35ml bottle of 36mg liquid?

TBH, my priority is a reasonable flavour liquid I can make cheap rather than I nice tasting liquid for a bit more money. We're trying to save money to move house and do up a sensory room and get a trampoline for my little un.

Thanks again
KJ

[oldtechno]

I cut my 24mg twice...it winds up at 6mg. I found I can cut mine once and still get flavor...but after that second time it loose most its flavor.

[Elendil]

Moved to DIY forum

[kinky j]

Thanks Oldtechno, Does the flavour taste weaker if you only cut it once?

Oh, and another quick question, Can I mix PG and VG together?

[foebea]

If you are starting with unflavored liquid you would be able to get it to whatever mg/ml you desire with no loss of flavor as you havent added it in yet. If you are starting with a shop liquid then yes, you will definately be losing flavor. It might not be a bad thing though if you are cutting it with another flavored liquid or add in your own. As it has been said, try it in small batched. Depending on your desired recipe you can do a test batch of only a few drops, so if it is bad, there is nothing to throw away.

PG and VG do mix well. Be sure to check your VG to ensure it is roughly the same consistancy of the PG. VG is normally very thick, and needs to be diluted with water or some people use PGA (pure grain alcohol, like everclear).

VG adds a bit to the vapor and smooths a bit of the flavor it seems. makes it.... rounder this diy stuff can get a bit like wine tasting.

[kinky j]

PG and VG do mix well. Be sure to check your VG to ensure it is roughly the same consistancy of the PG. VG is normally very thick, and needs to be diluted with water or some people use PGA (pure grain alcohol, like everclear).

Thanks, I didn't know that. What would be the difference between using water (is that just normal tap water, btw?) and using PGA?

[Kurt]

Thanks, I didn't know that. What would be the difference between using water (is that just normal tap water, btw?) and using PGA?

I didn't get good results with using water to thin VG juices...mine wouldn't vape well at all. I can't get PGA in PA (blue laws), but cheap 100-proof vodka works really well, not just to thin the juices, but to sterilize equipment and recycled bottles and carts. I use 10% vodka in my VG-only DIYs.

[kinky j]

Cool, that'd probably be easier to get hold of over here than PGA would,