Experienced vaper, interested in DIY

[brickfollett]

Gosh the title sounds like a singles website post. And yes, I do like long walks on the beach and talking about my feelings =]

All joking aside, I'm wanting to get in to DIY to A. save cost, and B. Have a potential avenue to protect my precious hobby in case these FDA regulations and new laws become serious, or really bad. But that's not the point. I know very little about DIY, and am looking in to the supplies and such that I need.

From what I gather, I'm going to need a good assortment of syringes, a beaker with accurate measurements, and my base liquids. I vape exclusively Mt. Baker 100% VG juice and I dilute it down myself with distilled water. I'm not scientific about how I dilute it, I just get it to a consistency of my liking and call it good. I don't vape PG because it dries my throat and mouth out pretty bad.

So I understand that I would probably be better off acquiring my nicotine base in a VG formula, and obviously getting VG liquid. It's the flavor I'm unsure about. Is it true that flavoring is PG based, or am I missing the concept entirely? I prefer caramel and vanilla type flavors, and don't mind cherry or strawberry types either. Even a mix of those in any combination. Not particularly interested in menthols, but the option would be nice.

I can figure out the vendors myself, I've seen high recommendations of Wizard labs, and I see that mount baker offers some stuff for it as well. I understand that I'll probably need a crock pot for the mixing or steeping, and some gloves to protect myself from the nicotine base. I don't have kids or pets, so I'm not particularly worried about anybody getting in to it.

I'd really like to know the step by step process that you guys go about doing it, because I want to be safe, successful and add it to the hobby. I thoroughly enjoy building coils and such, and I used to have a saltwater aquarium, so I'm familiar with the principles of dosing and testing solutions and keeping them precise and accurate.

So what do I need, and what do I need to know? Or do I already have it figured out? Haha thanks guys and gals

 

[Wingsfan0310]

I exclusively DIY and thourghly enjoy it. If you have kept a saltwater tank you can do this (I had a 150 gallon saltwater tank with a wet dry filter). Most flavorings are PG based (That's primarily what I use), but here's a link to non PG flavors:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...pg-free-flavorings-vendors-who-sell-them.html

For what you need. VG Nic (I use Wizard Labs) and plain VG (can also be obtained there. I bought a gallon of both PG abd VG from Essential Depot for a tad under $55.00 shipped). Some syringes for measuring (some 1ml for flavoring, a couple of 3,5, and 10ml are also helpful. Some empty bottles for your mixes. Safety equipment, gloves and eye protection (Nic in the eye is no fun).

My best advise is to do a lot of research here. Make small sample sizes (5-10ml) until you find something you like. Use common sense and patience and everything will be ok. Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Wingsfan0310]

I almost forgot, download an EJuice Calculator. I use EJuice Me Up. Give me a second and I'll get you the link.

Cheers,
Steve

Here's the link:
eJuice Me Up - Best eJuice Calculator

PS Feel free to PM me if you have any questions down the road

 

[glasseye]

Here is a Sticky thread that Levitas started- http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...pg-free-flavorings-vendors-who-sell-them.html You should read all the stickies. You don't need a big ol' bunch o' stuff to start.

eta- I type slower than Steve.

 

[ImperfectFuture]

Here is a Sticky thread that Levitas started- http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...pg-free-flavorings-vendors-who-sell-them.html You should read all the stickies. You don't need a big ol' bunch o' stuff to start.

eta- I type slower than Steve.

This is so true. PS, if you are using mt baker already, your flavorings have pg in them already. I am leaning more towards vg myself, and ordered a 20/80 bottle 0 nic for cutting from them.

I started by cutting pg levels from halo liquids. I ordered some plastic 15 ml bottles from mt baker, but I also use the left over bottles from used ejuice. I've also cut the flavors they sent me as samples at 80/20 12mg, by either the same 0 nic flavor plus my plain base, or adding another flavor (banana, grape, Bavarian Creme, etc) that goes with that flavor plus my base. You can also use the base to fix flavors that are a little too strong after steeping.

Suggest you start experimenting with what you have. I mixed some left over moo juice with peach and something else (forgot), and came up with some interesting (good) flavors. Add a little to your topper when the other juice is low (my mixed peach flavoring with 50/50 sweet cherry bomb). I'm not precise, but I'm an all day vape kinda gal.

Best bang for buck (my upcoming purchases), buy your nic base in stronger percentages. For example, I like 6mg to 3 mg to 0mg. (have a bunch of 6mg to use up, but my mixes are generally 3 mg, and I do a lot of 0mg, since I was a very light smoker). So, I will buy 50/50 12 mg base, 50/50 0 mg, and only use 1/4 nic juice to 3/4 plain juice as my mix base. Then, just add the flavors, minding appropriate parts for that particular vendor. Personally, if it comes down to it, buy large quantities of nic base, place in glass bottles, and freeze (but you need pg for that, not so good at 100% vg). That's why I've learned to tolerate some pg, though I do react to it. I do have pets, and I don't have the room for full out nic mixing with gloves and everything. You could try for 20/80, if you need long term storage.

I presume you've also looked into rebuilding coils, and maybe switching from battery mods (I do love my MVP 2's), to mods that take batteries (provaris, swore never, but may have to save up). Nothing like future proofing.

 

[Wingsfan0310]

eta- I type slower than Steve.

I don't think typing slower than me is possible. I must have been using both thumbs on that post

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Ld3441]

You mentioned buying beakers. I wouldn't buy a lot of that stuff until you get to mixing and decide what you actually want. Beakers are really only good if mixing large batches. I mix right in the bottle it is going in. Less waste that way too.

Lots of reading here. Good luck and have fun!

 

[montara]

^^ all good above, BUT get a note book and write everything down. Nothing worse than creating the perfect juice only to never be able to duplicate it again.

 

[brickfollett]

Thanks guys, this helps alot. And just by looking at my avatar you can tell I'm a provarinati lol. I do a lot of rebuilding, specifically genesis attys
Little Oldschool now, but it's my favorite vape for sure.

Would it not make sense to buy the 100 MG nic base and just have to use a tiny bit rather than more of a lesser concentration?

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[SueandCootie]

^^ all good above, BUT get a note book and write everything down. Nothing worse than creating the perfect juice only to never be able to duplicate it again.

Agreed...I have some old file cards around, I write what I mix then have room to make notes of additions or ideas, since I never get anything quite right the first time !!

 

[montara]

Would it not make sense to buy the 100 MG nic base and just have to use a tiny bit rather than more of a lesser concentration?

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Absolutely, why anyone would pay nic prices for the additional vg/pg is beyond me. You are on the right track to DIY

 

[brickfollett]

Absolutely, why anyone would pay nic prices for the additional vg/pg is beyond me. You are on the right track to DIY

Cool, Thank you sir.

It's really just taking a volume of pure VG, adding the desired amount of nic base, and then adding the amount of flavor base, stir it up and pop it in the crock pot for a specific amount of time correct? And then following that, let it steep for a couple weeks if I'm not mistaken.

Also, by your responses, since it sounds like Mount Baker uses PG based flavoring (which I suspected anyway), it would be an equivalent experience if i'm just using pg based flavoring for my batches? Because the options for VG based flavoring are much more limited, and by my understanding, the flavor is better presented/delivered with PG based liquid anyway.

About how long do those tiny 8 ml bottles from wizard labs last?

 

[Leothwyn]

Absolutely, why anyone would pay nic prices for the additional vg/pg is beyond me. You are on the right track to DIY

Not trying to derail this thread or anything... I used to think the same thing. A while ago someone posted the math, and it turns out that's not true. It's no more expensive to buy lower strength nic.. I'm too lazy to work out the math and post an example, but if you go to WL (I'm pretty sure that's what they used as an example) and figure out how much it costs to buy some 100mg and the PG/VG to mix it down to a lower strength, and compare that to how much it costs to just buy a bottle of nic already mixed to a lower strength - you'll find that they're pretty much the same. Actually, in the example I saw the lower strength nic was a little cheaper per ml..

The only extra cost in lower strength nic is the cost of the extra PG/VG (which you'd have to buy anyway). You can save money by buying 100mg, then buying your own PG/VG by the gallon somewhere else though.

 

[Ld3441]

There is no way to answer how long the flavor will last for many reasons. It all depends....
-on what percentage YOU use (it is different with everyone)
-on how much you vape
-on if you vape it often or not so often

I would suggest start with a few flavors you think you might like. Say maybe 10. You might be surprised at what you think you like and what you actually like. The 8ml flavors (to me) are a perfect size for trying things out. No need to buy larger if you don't like it. Start by mixing each flavor alone so you can see what percentage you like best for each flavor. There are threads here that list starting percentages for you to try but you may like it with more or less. It is always a good idea to start low. It is easier to add more flavor than to dilute it.

 

[Wingsfan0310]

Depends on the flavoring percentage you use. I just made one of my favorite mixes. I used TFA RY4 Double at 8%, so I made up 100ml of juice. That will last me 3-4 weeks. The 8ml bottles are a inexpensive way to try flavors. Once you find the ones you really like, I would buy bigger sizes directly from TFA.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[brickfollett]

Appreciate the input Leothwyn. To me, it just makes more sense to buy the more concentrated base, for the convenience of a single bottle lasting longer and a PERCEIVED lower cost. Maybe the wife will see it that way anyway =]

So here's what I ordered not two minutes ago.

A whole heck of a lot of flavors. Under the advice of the prior responses, I chose not to be picky about whether or not it winds up being PG/VG based flavoring.

I ordered 500 ml of VG to start with. Later on, I'll get the gallon. I'd like to try my hand at this first.

120 ml's of the 100mg nic base

A healthy assortment of syringes, and a varying assortment of the different gauges to go with them. They're cheap so I didn't skimp. Nice to have options.

Several glass bottles for the finished product, mostly 30ml bottles.

15 pairs of the nitrile gloves they offer.

No beaker lol

I ordered 6 different flavors, thinking that'll last a while. Not sure how long those tiny flavoring bottles last. Wife informed me that we already have a crock pot. So I think I'm good to go! Total came out to 78 bucks with shipping. Shipping seemed a little steep, I was hoping that they would have free shipping on that high of an order, but oh well. I'm happy I pulled the trigger on it and certainly appreciate the advice from everybody

Edit: By the sounds of it, Wizard Labs is a distributor for the different flavor manufacturers? I got some from TFA and some from the others. If I find one that hits the sweet spot, I'll check out the individual companies and stock up on it

 

[Cloud Junky]

I get my VG PG and nic from Vapor Shots, been with them for a few months and everything is kosher. I buy flavorings from here and there, Vaporshots and wizard labs. they all have bottles and syringes so everything you need for a few months can come in a small package within a week. Goodluck.

 

[Wingsfan0310]

Wizard Labs offers free shipping (USPS Priority Mail) on orders of $65.00 and above.
Shipping Information If you were close to that amount you can call them in the morning and add a few flavors to hit $65. They are good people at WL and will take care of you.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[brickfollett]

Wizard Labs offers free shipping (USPS Priority Mail) on orders of $65.00 and above.
Shipping Information If you were close to that amount you can call them in the morning and add a few flavors to hit $65. They are good people at WL and will take care of you.

Cheers,
Steve

Really?? I was at 60 bucks... haha yeah I'll give them a call tomorrow and see if we can add a few more flavors. Thanks for the tip, always nice to save money lol

 

[Ld3441]

WL will take care of you and the free shipping is nice. So what flavors did you get?