DIY Ejuice Q's

[ilporcupine]

I just read it again and it does make sense now, not sure why it confused me before. The notes I saved he did go on a bit talking about the high flavor mix's, which I never really tried either. I think I tried a few of his recipes, mixed at a lower percentage, and liked them fine, that was a long time ago though. I will try this test thingy soon.

KAS

 

[ilporcupine]

@ilporcupine - Link is to his Blog, where the 100DTT is explained, and you'll also find many more invaluable DIY hints, tips, tricks, etc., as well as many recipes. Most of his recipes are high total flavoring % ones, but they're easily adaptable to use lower %, too.


Bill's Magic Vapor's blog | E-Cigarette Forum

Thanks for the heads up. Bills blog will be helpful. I may never have found it. Man this Forum has Layers...

 

[FranC]

Don't feel bad,kas. I couldn't get the 100 drop test though my head either. Finally did but I've never used it.Too stuck in my ways,I guess.

 

[kas122461]

I think it is because I learned to mix by volume, with syringes and graduated cylinders, and still do today. I have never mixed using drops.

KAS

 

[NatashaTMT]

A lot of great advice here! Is it rude not to thank everyone individually though deserving? One of the things I like about this forum is the different views or different ways to get the job done shared here. If one way isn’t working for you, you’re likely to find another way here which will. Would you believe I have more q’s? lol
1) So I’ve found, through flavor testing, that a great tasting flavor in my RDA is too weak in a sub-ohm tank. What is the standard approach here?
2) Although I don’t have a desire to try tobacco flavors, is it sometimes necessary to use in low percentages to add that something to a recipe you can’t get otherwise? I’ve been told this and the example used was TFA RY4 Double in some bakery recipes. I know taste is subjective but I’m curious of the consensus concerning this topic.
3) I’m using stainless steel clapton in my RDA for flavor testing. I noticed in a couple of milder flavors and in additives I taste a metal / metallic taste. Is this normal? Is there another metal that would work better for truer flavor testing without adding flavor not in the sample? (I’m familiar with Ohm’s law and different metals and settings. So no worries there. However, I’m even newer with RDA’s than I am to DIY ejuice)
Offline, I hear SO much and EVERYONE has an opinion! Some I respectively listen but know better. Other advice makes me think. Once again, thanks in advance for all the help and advice!

 

[stols001]

Nope, no need to thank everyone individually. I can take a stab at some: if using a supersub0hm tank and you're getting flavor loss, you may want to up the flavoring some. If it's a juice that doesn't require a ton of steeping, you could just gradually up your flavoring percentage by increments, until you reach a "flavoring" level that is desirable. Keep in mind as you do that, you will be increasing PG slightly and lowering nicotine slightly, and that may or may not matter, but it would at least be a good way of figuring out what flavoring percentage is right for you in that tank. If it's a complex flavor, well, personally I might have a stab at adjusting just a few flavor notes (maybe what you think is lacking, or won't nee much steeping, although if this is your dream recipe I would add all of the flavors in the correct percentage, and maybe steep a few days if you can wait.

Some flavors just don't play as well in sub0hm tanks, so more experimenting may be needed.

I'd use a single round wire, and/or whatever you use in RTAs (if you do use RTAs) to more closely mimic the flavor. IDK if you should be worried about a slight metallic taste, some coils do take time to break in. Did you anneal just the wire in your RBA before wicking and etc, as much of what may be on the coil would likely burn off then. I'd guess a slight metallic taste is possible during the break in period, although with me, it's usually the rayon I taste most for say, half a tank. So, I don't really know that one sorry, although unless it's consistent and persistent, I might not worry, and if your RDA coils are now "broken in" and you won't need it again until more flavor testing, I'd probably suggest pulling the wick but leaving the coil installed so it won't happen the next time, possibly. If you decide to continue with that wire build. I'd say plain SS or kanthal might be a better bet, possibly.

I don't use tobacco, period, but I can envisage a situation where it might be nice in a low percentage, so again, I'm not sure. You could sub in something else if you desire (I'm sort of imagining, for low percentage of tobacco, something "nut" based, possibly? And I could see the tobacco adding "something" (although what quite exactly I couldn't describe) but at the right percentages and as an accent note, I could see it turning out well. You'd have to experiment to see if it's right for your tongue, though, and if it were me, I'd probably buy a tester size flavoring bottle in case I hated it.

Best of luck, I'm sure you'll get more helpful answers than these, hope some of it was helpful

Anna

 

[FranC]

I think it is because I learned to mix by volume, with syringes and graduated cylinders, and still do today. I have never mixed using drops.

KAS

Same here.

 

[FranC]

I'm not a tobacco vaper anymore more but still enjoy it as a flavor enhancer. I don't use TFA Ry4D because I just don't like the taste of it. Usually use Hangsen Ry3 when I make a mix with a tobacco.

Also have some testers mixed with Purlium Sweet Tobacco.

 

[NatashaTMT]

@stols001 , would it be correct to say single wire would have or add less “ taste” or the flavor would be most true with fewer wires?

 

[stols001]

I think you'd get flavor "more true" depending on what you actually vape, I'd guess. If you are using say, large smok coils or something, probably a more exotic build might be "similar" (not the same, but similar). If you are using smaller drop in coils (MTL, essentially) then I'd hazard a guess that a single round wire might work best.

IDK, mainly if you can get the "metallic" taste out of your RBA and you are vaping it at similar wattages, perhaps the exotic coil is better. I think you'd get "less" metallic taste with a simple round wire, possibly, period, although it really depends why it is tasting that way to you.

I doubt you'll ever get a 1:1 taste convergence unless you taste using the exact vape you are using routinely (which can be cumbersome or impossible depending on what you use." When I check my flavors, though, I don't exactly expect them to taste identical in all my equipment, I just stick to "OK, I am a MTL vaper, so I want a similar build and that's a simple round wire, etc.)

If you are using more robust coils, maybe your method is best. No one dripper is going to give you an exact 1:1 taste conversion, probably, it's more (IMO) a way to figure out how steeping is going, if there is one flavor "overdoing" the rest, and/or do I need to add something. It's reasonably accurate, but all equipment has differences. Etc.

Anna

 

[dc99]

Personally I dont use tfa ry4dbl as a tobacco flavor anyway. I think of it more as a caramel, light vanilla and a touch of tobacco. I dont like it alone. Always with caramel,cream,nuts or all the above. This will sound weird but I like round wire (24ga spaced coil) for creams and fused claptons for almost everything else.

 

[NatashaTMT]

Personally I dont use tfa ry4dbl as a tobacco flavor anyway. I think of it more as a caramel, light vanilla and a touch of tobacco. I dont like it alone. Always with caramel,cream,nuts or all the above. This will sound weird but I like round wire (24ga spaced coil) for creams and fused claptons for almost everything else.

Please forgive if ignorant question but is that because you cab taste the creams more?

 

[NatashaTMT]

I think you'd get flavor "more true" depending on what you actually vape, I'd guess. If you are using say, large smok coils or something, probably a more exotic build might be "similar" (not the same, but similar). If you are using smaller drop in coils (MTL, essentially) then I'd hazard a guess that a single round wire might work best.

IDK, mainly if you can get the "metallic" taste out of your RBA and you are vaping it at similar wattages, perhaps the exotic coil is better. I think you'd get "less" metallic taste with a simple round wire, possibly, period, although it really depends why it is tasting that way to you.

I doubt you'll ever get a 1:1 taste convergence unless you taste using the exact vape you are using routinely (which can be cumbersome or impossible depending on what you use." When I check my flavors, though, I don't exactly expect them to taste identical in all my equipment, I just stick to "OK, I am a MTL vaper, so I want a similar build and that's a simple round wire, etc.)

If you are using more robust coils, maybe your method is best. No one dripper is going to give you an exact 1:1 taste conversion, probably, it's more (IMO) a way to figure out how steeping is going, if there is one flavor "overdoing" the rest, and/or do I need to add something. It's reasonably accurate, but all equipment has differences. Etc.

Anna

So, I’m using a SXK Hadaly RDA with 26/30 .5ohm SS Clapton Coil around 30 watt on either Alien 220 or Defender. I only use this for flavor testing any flavors that could potentially go into a new recipe. This is the only rebuildable device I own and haven’t had it too long. I’ve only tasted metal when testing creams or additives. I’m not sure if the other flavors covered that taste or if it’s due to the coil being newly installed. I always start with the creams first and test additives alone without testing any flavors. So being new is possible. After installing, before wicking, I fire a few times to check for hot spots. Would this be enough to burn off the "new"?

 

[dc99]

Please forgive if ignorant question but is that because you cab taste the creams more?

To be honest I really dont know why. Just seems to taste better with a round wire/ spaced coil. Might just be in my head. Lord knows theres room in there.

 

[NatashaTMT]

To be honest I really dont know why. Just seems to taste better with a round wire/ spaced coil. Might just be in my head. Lord knows theres room in there.

I’ll take it!

 

[IDJoel]

Here are my thoughts on your questions. As usual; these are only my opinions, and may be based solely on my own experiences. Others may have an entirely different point of view.

1) So I’ve found, through flavor testing, that a great tasting flavor in my RDA is too weak in a sub-ohm tank. What is the standard approach here?

I have found that just about every different atomizer will cause the same e-liquid to taste differently. Different coils, and/or different wicking, can also influence flavor.

Ideally; I want to do all my testing in the same atomizer I intend to vape it in. When that isn't convenient/practical; I attempt to mimic that setup as much as I can. I use the same coil(s) and wicking material. I try to get the airflow, and power/temperature settings, as similar as my "everyday" device as I can.

I find; the greater the difference my "testing" setup is, compared to my "routine use" setup, the less helpful (informative?) it becomes. The testing feedback is less "true."

I also try to never combine my hardware tests with my DIY tests. I try to always test my DIY with my "everyday" setups. I try to always test hardware with e-liquids I am very familiar/comfortable with.
.

2) Although I don’t have a desire to try tobacco flavors, is it sometimes necessary to use in low percentages to add that something to a recipe you can’t get otherwise? I’ve been told this and the example used was TFA RY4 Double in some bakery recipes. I know taste is subjective but I’m curious of the consensus concerning this topic.

Tobaccos can be a strange class of flavors. As a new vaper; I expected them to taste the way cigarettes tasted when I smoked. I found them to be nothing like that; and thought they were gross. And, for some odd reason, they were the one flavor profile that made me jones for a real cigarette. I steered clear for more than three years. Less that two years ago I revisited tobaccos and began enjoying them.

I share a similar opinion of RY4's in general, and TFA RY4D in particular, that they/it is about as "non-tobacco" as a tobacco can be. It is mostly caramel, with a little vanilla, and some sweet. I have never actually been able to pick out an actual tobacco note.

I don't ever poo-poo any flavor combinations anymore. As I have journeyed on my own DIY adventure; I have learned there are some surprising, and useful, flavor pairings. Often, the secondary/supporting flavor is not even noticeable/recognizable to me. But, its presence is missed if it is not included.

Like most DIY "tips," all I can suggest is to try it, and see if it works for you.

3) I’m using stainless steel clapton in my RDA for flavor testing. I noticed in a couple of milder flavors and in additives I taste a metal / metallic taste. Is this normal? Is there another metal that would work better for truer flavor testing without adding flavor not in the sample? (I’m familiar with Ohm’s law and different metals and settings. So no worries there. However, I’m even newer with RDA’s than I am to DIY ejuice)

I have found, that all new coils, have a "break in" period. I can never be sure if it is the coil, the wick, or a combination of both. All I know is I get an "off" taste for about the first 5 minutes of vaping on every fresh build.

If you want to get rid of it, and don't want to waste your testing mix; vape some plain unflavored e-liquid until it is no longer noticeable.

Also, if you have not used SS coils before, you might get some useful info here: Stainless Steel Coil & Wire Instructions and Tips

 

[dc99]

I think there is some confusion about testing and I may have confused some people without meaning to. I test all my flavors in the hadaley. I believe it to be the best flavor RDA out there. IMHO I think I get the most accurate flavor profile possible but I do not test my juices in it. I simply use it to get the profile for individual flavors. Once I understand a flavor profile I know pretty much where it tops out, where its bottom is and so on. With an accurate profile I can then have an educated guess at how it will react in a blend. When I finish a recipe I may taste it in the Hadelay but my final test will be in my favorite tank. (OBS Engine Nano). I do use the same coil in it that I test with and pretty much the same power level. I have learned thou that if say, TFA SB ripe is great at 4% in the dripper I have to bump it to 6-7% in the tank to get close to the same profile.

 

[NatashaTMT]

@stols001 , @FranC , @dc99 & @IDJoel ,
Thank you all for helping me understand these topics better! I believe one thing I did wrong is I changed the coil and cotton before testing in hopes of getting the truest flavor profiles without anything lingering. While I fire to ck for hot spots, I don’t think it’s enough to “burn" the new off.
I know I still have much to learn. I bought a $6.50 bottle of “learning” today! It’s a 118.3 ml bottle of LorAnn’s Princess Cake & Cookie. Was excited to flavor test when I read the ingredients and saw xanthan gum Guess it could’ve been a more expensive mistake or I could've not realised this until AFTER mixing & putting in a set-up. Feel sheepish for not reading label BEFORE purchase. Because I bought LorAnn online I assumed they’re all okay. Eh, no!
I know I ask a lot of questions and I can’t express enough how much I appreciate that I can come here and get answers anytime! I can get answers anywhere but not those I trust. Just in case you guys don’t know it, you’re awesome!

 

[NatashaTMT]

I’ve finally found my footing and my mixes are finally coming together, yay! I honestly know that the advice I received here has a big part in this fact! Though of course I’m still learning and hopefully always will be
@IDJoel or anyone else who uses a Badger mini paint mixer to mix your juice, while mixing today my “blade” came off. Has anyone else experienced this? Is there a way to fix it or would I be better off purchasing another considering they’re fairly affordable?

 

[dc99]

Handheld eLiquid Mixer I used to use one of these till I got my vortex mixer. Not bad for the price