Looking into DIY Options

[ranjen617]

@Letitia
Awesome posts! Yes, you explained alot especially coming from someone that suffers a PG issue like myself. The formulas I truly thank you for. I do love a full flavor but not like vaping a "Loop cereal" flavor. That's a little too much for me. Just a hair less but not muted.
If the coil pops, oh well. I can build more if they mess up. I'm just wanting enjoyment vs the itch and muted flavors from premade ones.
Did they ever say what caused your issue? My doctor just said it was the PG, but didn't go into details. Well outside of stopping my vape and just cold turkey. That worked all of about 2 hours and I was at the local gas station. After 2.5 years being a vaper I was back on those gross things again. I knew I wouldn't itch and scratch on those and I was rather upset.
I think the blend you gave me was probably close to what I do here, even if I don't measure the added VG. I'll try that!

Thank you! !!!

 

[ranjen617]

Vodka... why does no one talks about Vodka...
Can be used instead of distilled water and it delivers a bit of Kick to your Throat.
Or even caffeine.

Hey I have plenty of that plus flavored ones. Just wonder what the coils would do in those. That's a thought but vaping it I don't want to explain to a ticket giving police of why I smell like a bar on a motorcycle. I'm sure these police here would not understand it nor have the faintest clue! Good thought though!

 

[ranjen617]

@uthinkofsomething
You're most right. If the distilled water would cause a little coil issue then I could possibly try out the other mix to start. Then if I had an issue I could use the water in small amounts. Makes good sense.
In learning about my reaction it was terrible at 50/50, yes I loved that blend but it didn't like me. 70/30 is better but still my skin crawls. Once I add more VG it settles down. I don't add much but I guess just enough. Then if I vape on my mix and 6mg, well I itch again. I tend to vape more on less nic. I may just toss in the towel on 6mg and go up to a 9mg at night if that would work with my own juice. I laugh at myself and if anyone is around I say I have "fleas." Makes them laugh at least!

It's a fine line, I know, but I'm sure me mixing my own juice will help. Then give me the flavor that I seem to crave!

Thank you!

 

[ranjen617]

Moved to DIY E-Liquid from General E-Liquid Discussion

Thank you. I'm having to relearn this forum after a few years. Didn't realize about the diy subchapter.

 

[Cobra Kai]

My apologies @JCinFLA , it was not my intention to dive headfirst into that minefield.

 

[Letitia]

@Letitia
Awesome posts! Yes, you explained alot especially coming from someone that suffers a PG issue like myself. The formulas I truly thank you for. I do love a full flavor but not like vaping a "Loop cereal" flavor. That's a little too much for me. Just a hair less but not muted.
If the coil pops, oh well. I can build more if they mess up. I'm just wanting enjoyment vs the itch and muted flavors from premade ones.
Did they ever say what caused your issue? My doctor just said it was the PG, but didn't go into details. Well outside of stopping my vape and just cold turkey. That worked all of about 2 hours and I was at the local gas station. After 2.5 years being a vaper I was back on those gross things again. I knew I wouldn't itch and scratch on those and I was rather upset.
I think the blend you gave me was probably close to what I do here, even if I don't measure the added VG. I'll try that!

Thank you! !!!

No doctors for me, just the process of elimination. There are brands of flavors that are vg or alcohol base only. Real Flavors, Natures Flavors, and Medicine Flower come to mind. There are also the ultra flavors that may be pg based but are very strong and you only need 1-5 drops per 30ml. Flavorah has a good line of ultras, pricier but quite good. Smokie Blue is a master at mixing with these. If you go to the Flavorah home site she has a recipe book you can download. Medicine Flower is another brand of ultras but requires a longer steep, Flavorah steeps in 3-10 days generally.

 

[rosesense]

@uthinkofsomething
You're most right. If the distilled water would cause a little coil issue then I could possibly try out the other mix to start. Then if I had an issue I could use the water in small amounts. Makes good sense.
In learning about my reaction it was terrible at 50/50, yes I loved that blend but it didn't like me. 70/30 is better but still my skin crawls. Once I add more VG it settles down. I don't add much but I guess just enough. Then if I vape on my mix and 6mg, well I itch again. I tend to vape more on less nic. I may just toss in the towel on 6mg and go up to a 9mg at night if that would work with my own juice. I laugh at myself and if anyone is around I say I have "fleas." Makes them laugh at least!

It's a fine line, I know, but I'm sure me mixing my own juice will help. Then give me the flavor that I seem to crave!

Thank you!

Just wanted to add that I have allergies and the horrible itching problem but I don't think it is PG for me since I had it before vaping. PG does make it worse though so I tend to use between 80% and 100% VG base.

Not going to debate which is best but I use the old fashioned measure by drops method. Works for me with minimal clean up/fuss. Only thing I had to buy was a syringe and pipette. Already had gloves and empty bottles from the 2000ml of juice I bought, didn't like and dumped.

 

[IDJoel]

@ranjen617,

IF <yes: that was the "big" "if">, budget,... and tolerance for trial & error, are of lesser concern... then individual ingredients (esp. flavor concentrates) may be more rewarding/useful to you.

They tend to be a bit more confusing... frustrating... even overwhelming... at least to start. BUT, <nope; not gonna say it > the payoff is a more finite/absolute control of the final outcome. That is "why" there are 10 different custards, and 17 different strawberries. Each one (though similar to their namesake's) is a bit different.

Some, who enter the realm of DIY, are simply interested in a general sense of <BLANK> flavor. And, for that, most any <BLANK> flavor will do. Easy-Peasy; and I tip my hat to them. Others, have very specific desires/requirements, before they are willing to pronounce the flavor "correct" for their goals. I see this as no more "right" or "wrong".... just more time (and cost?) consuming.

You alone, can set your own budget, patience, and tolerance, for what is acceptable experimenting.

Also, keep in mind, all of your own personal variables have a significant affect. Your choice in atomizers, coil builds, wicking, and power/temperature, and airflow preferences... all have influence on the resulting flavor.

You... as a DIYer... have significant influence, on how your recipes will taste. You can choose to change the physical environment (hardware, air, power) to the recipe. OR (and?), change the recipe, to meet your hardware performance.

The important things (at least; to me) is remembering this, and giving time (and patience) to explore. "Single flavor testers" (aka. "sft"s)(one concentrate, at various percentages, in the base of your choosing) can be boring, and monotonousness. But,... the reward is a better(?), fuller understanding how a particular concentrate does (or doesn't) best perform for you and your palate.

Commercial e-liquid manufacturers have it a little bit easier. They tend to flavor the heck out of their recipes (using high(er) flavor percentages)... because recent ex-smokers have more damaged taste buds. And sweeten the stuffings out of the mixes; because "sweet" is one of the last taste sensations to go, on an injured palate.

So... does "more flavor" + "more sweet" = "better tasting?" I can't speak for you (or anyone else for that matter). But, that is the beauty of DIY... you get to make it the way you want/like it. It just takes a bit of time to figure out what that is.

Those (as I see it) who are most successful; are the ones who are willing to invest the time, and discover how individual ingredients work best for them. Time, practice, and trial and error (and success), are (again; to me) the keys to successful, and rewarding, DIY.


All of that said... sometimes "simple" is best. My 80-90% of the time "go-to" is.... wait for it.... UNFLAVORED. Just a basic mix of PG, VG, and nic... in my currently preferred ratios/levels... and I have a perfectly satisfying vape. It may not be my "WOW" mix. It may not move the planets. But... it satisfies my nicotine requirements. I don't get tired of it. And, it provides the time required to find flavored mixes that interest me.


I ramble all of this... hopefully... to point out, that there is virtually no "wrong" way to DIY. It is mostly(?) a matter of finding what works best for you.

There are those who find one, or two, recipes that work for them... and they never have any desire to go further. And, on the opposite side of the coin, there are those who never mix the same recipe twice. DIY is all about what works for you. Your needs. Your wants. Your desires. Your time. And, your budget.

You can make DIY work for you... and your situation... if you are willing to give it a chance.


The primary keys, I would offer to those new to DIY:
"Buy small (quantities)/mix small (quantities)." Conserve your finances, and your supplies. Larger (volume) package sizes may be a better value... but, until you learn if it is something you want to continue working with, it remains a complete crapshoot. Likewise, it is a lot easier (for me), to pour 10mL down the drain than 30mL (or more). Larger quantities tend to make me focus of trying to "fix" them, verses making them "right" from the start. Larger batches should be reserved for "proven" recipes.

"Community preferences" are just that... a common denominator. It may, or may not, apply to me... and that is okay. When I am completely clueless about a given ingredient; I will start with the lower end of the community "average." But, at the same time, I understand that I may prefer more, or less, and that is okay. I am mixing for me... not to sell to the general public.

"If you like the taste; it is right... for you!" I hate all the critics, that will come along and say "you are using how much/little of <blank>!?" Often, they have not even tried it, rarer... they have tried it in your specific hardware setup, and they NEVER have your taste buds. That is when (mentally) you tell them to go "f" themselves... and keep doing what you enjoy.

"Ask, ask, and ask some more." This community is awesome! You may get 12 different answers; but that is okay. None of them are wrong.... well, mostly<insert sheep-eating grin here>. The magic; is finding which answer is correct for you. Again; time, patience,practice, and a willingness to fail , is helpful.

Finally, think of DIY as an "opportunity", and not a "necessity." It will help keep a mental balance, and avoid unneeded pressure. We mix, because we can. Not, because we have to. Embrace your success, and learn from your failures. Little (short of nicotine mishandling) can harm you.

 

[BrotherBob]

Just needing a little direction

Recipes first.

 

[ranjen617]

@Letitia Thank you so much for the info. Yes, I'd be clueless going in to which one was which and a good flavor. Thank you for helping me in different product lines as the last thing I want is a reaction and have a ton of unused mixes here. I'm glad your reaction didn't warrant a doctor. I went in on a regular exam and asked what could be causing my problem. What gets me was I had been doing fine for so long then just started out of nowhere. Maybe my immune system dropped, heck if I know.
You've been such a great help!

 

[ranjen617]

@rosesense There must be alot of us with sensitivity. I've had minor allergies before but took me about 2.5 years then I started up just itching. That never made sense to me.
The scales I have don't go down to the levels we need them to. Measures like you or even in using the ml by syringes might be my way to start with. I know a true measure won't be in counting drops but I'm not that concerned with being that exact.
I'm sure each brand is has its ups and downs since there's many to choose from. I guess I'll try a few and then do trial and error. If I can even get a close vape to what I've bought, I'm happy.
Thank you for mentioning about used bottles. Didn't think of those. I have many of those that are near empty right now that I could save. Plenty of 120ml and 60mg here. Once I get through with the ones open I'm looking at maybe 40+. A few dollars on savings there! Yay!
Thank you for the info!

 

[ranjen617]

@IDJoel
What you wrote makes total sense in every point. I've tried all the store bought juice. Some are good and some are just, well, mute.
Different styles of one flavor I could see for the more talented diy'ers. I think if I can get a basic flavoring of xxx flavor I can blend from there to start with. I'm thinking about the premix of a few base flavors to start with, then later on learn those. I was taught the KISS method (keep it simple stupid), so I'll push for that at first then start picking what suits my taste profile from there. You're so correct in saying that everyone is right, they are. Everyone does have a particular flavor profile indeed.
My setups are nice as I try to use those for flavor. Currently using a Wotofo Faris on a Smoant Naboo. On the table sits the Voopoo Drag 2 with the Zeus Dual and another with the reg uforce tank. I'm waiting for an adapter ring for my old Hana. So my tastes of mods, toppers and coil builds are there. Btw, running the Faris on the first night and flavor is so on point, just a basic single coil clapton staple at .41 ohms. I love a lower ohm and duals but each setup is different and each one has its own flavor. This I'm sure I'll mix for the build. Not build the coil for the mix.

I've never even really thought about a flavorless vape. Seems interesting enough. I will say the flavors do sway me from eating sweets here and there, I cannot lie on that one. In the morning I seem to have a different want on flavor and the evening gets to be a sweet juice I crave. I've noticed that much. I'm put of with the tobacco flavored ones and the "Loop cereal"...Those two just aren't me anymore. Maybe after two tanks and I was over those.
Thank you for your wisdom since I'm one of many that think the way you just said. I'm wanting to not only save in the long run but to fine tune what I want in a vape. I'll start small like you said and build up since that certainly made so much sense and no I don't want to pour out 120ml or even 60ml vs 30ml. I'd think of trying to fix it like toy said vs tossing a nasty oops on my part blend.
Awesome post for me too really think on. Thank you!