Measuring concentrates and making funk

[NatashaTMT]

@Myk I use several size pipettes to be able to weigh those minute amounts like .002. Yes, it can be done. I’ve even figured out how to do half drops without diluting down a concentrate first. I got all my pipettes at steal prices on eBay. I’d be happy to link anyone. My $42 scales are very nice in my opinion. Maybe not compared to a legit lab scale but for my uses it suffices just fine...
Digital 300 x 0.001g Balances Analytical Lab Electronic Scale High Precision | eBay
I weigh my empty capped labeled bottle before I begin mixing, then again after mix. This way, if I need to make changes after using a bit, I can easily figure out the appropriate percentage of X flavor(s) to add. When possible, I mix directly into my finish bottle. Most add nicotine first so that if you over pour, you don’t ruin the whole mix. I add PG first as I over pour PG more so than anything else, though seldom. Then I add nicotine followed by flavors. At this time, I pick up the bottle and use either a Badger or Norpro to mix a few seconds until I see the tiny bubbles. Then I place the bottle back on the scales to add the VG, followed by the final mix which is complete when I see that frothing action. Then I weigh the completed mix and take notes. I began DIY this way. So I don’t have anything to compare it to personally. However, I have friends who DIY by volume and have seen the process, etc. Whats right for one might not be right for another. To each their own but I’m loving DIY by weight

 

[DaveP]

I'm spoiled by the ease and accuracy of mixing by weight. Volume mixing is fine for those who choose it and like it, but the scale is a natural tool for me. When DIY is over there's virtually nothing to wash except a pipette. Both methods require washing battles before hand.

I just put the bottle on the scale and add ingredients one at a time, taring to zero between each. When the ingredients are in the bottle I cap it, shake it, and start another.

r/DIY_eJuice - Botboy141 Guide to Mixing By Weight

I use the same $25 scale that's in the video below.

 

[Myk]

Both methods require washing battles before hand.

I don't remember the name given to it, but I don't wash to remake flavors. The tiny bit of the old liquid cuts the steeping need greatly.

It's sounding like I'd have the same (or more if I used a different sucker for each flavor) clean up with weight, and less assembly line. Although the condom-mint bottles is a great idea (also a good idea for a flavor name).

I have my VG syringe, my nicotine syringe and my flavoring syringe(s). If I'm mixing 3 of the same flavor I measure the nicotine/VG into each bottle. Then I grab a flavor, pull the needed amount into each of the 3 syringes. Wipe each needle with a wet then dry towel before sucking up the next flavor. Do the same with each additional flavor. My total flavoring is never over 10% and water is 10% so 3ml syringes are perfect. I squirt each syringe into each bottle, repeat with the water.

I only really flush the flavoring syringes well. VG/nicotine syringes get a quick flush.

 

[NatashaTMT]

I have plenty of bottles and disposable pipettes. I never need to wash before I mix. Though I do use clorox wipes to clean work surfaces before & after a mix. Out of sight in my “lab”, I have an ice cream pale I keep about half full of water with a few drops of dish soap. As I finish juice bottles, I pull the labels, remove top and pop out the nipple. Then I dunk and leave bottles, nipples & tops in the water. When I feel I have enough, or dirty beaker(s), I drain into a strainer. Then I pour out remaining water in bottles and rinse well with sprayer while still in the strainer. Then I dump back into now rinsed pale, cover with water and pop in microwave for 2 -4 minutes, depending on how many I’m cleaning. I let those sit in the hot water until it cools almost to room temperature. Strain again, then set to dry to later put away. This takes much less time than it probably sounds. I feel certain they’re clean and I’m not constantly concerned with washing. IDK if it could be any easier unless I threw them away and bought new every time and I’m just not that person (Though, no judgements if you are!)

 

[IDJoel]

Walk me through what you do. For the sake of the OP's learning, yeah that's the ticket.

Sounds like you are content with using syringes; stick with it... no need to change.

For those wanting a good simple explanation of measuring by weight; @Capt.shay created a great tutorial in the original post of this thread: Mixing By Weight: Basics 101

Mixing by weight is no holy grail. It is not "better" or "worse" than mixing by volume (syringes). It is merely different. Some folks find one method easier, more convenient, and/or enjoyable for their own situation. Use what works best for you.

 

[AzPlumber]

I don't remember the name given to it, but I don't wash to remake flavors. The tiny bit of the old liquid cuts the steeping need greatly.

It's sounding like I'd have the same (or more if I used a different sucker for each flavor) clean up with weight, and less assembly line. Although the condom-mint bottles is a great idea (also a good idea for a flavor name).

I have my VG syringe, my nicotine syringe and my flavoring syringe(s). If I'm mixing 3 of the same flavor I measure the nicotine/VG into each bottle. Then I grab a flavor, pull the needed amount into each of the 3 syringes. Wipe each needle with a wet then dry towel before sucking up the next flavor. Do the same with each additional flavor. My total flavoring is never over 10% and water is 10% so 3ml syringes are perfect. I squirt each syringe into each bottle, repeat with the water.

I only really flush the flavoring syringes well. VG/nicotine syringes get a quick flush.

The only syringe I bother to flush is the one used for flavorings. I have a dedicated syringe for VG, one for PG and one for Nic base, these don't get flushed just capped after use. If these liquids are suitable when capped in a bottle they should be just as good capped in a syringe.

 

[Myk]

Sounds like you are content with using syringes; stick with it... no need to change.

That's what I'm thinking. Although if I could find some ketchup/mustard squeeze bottles for the VG to do that part by weight a hybrid might be worth trying.

 

[Nicklemile]

if I could find some ketchup/mustard squeeze bottles for the VG

I got 500ml PG /VG with twist caps at Nicotine River. The twist caps came automatically with the order. If that helps.

 

[classwife]

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

 

[dc99]

That's what I'm thinking. Although if I could find some ketchup/mustard squeeze bottles for the VG to do that part by weight a hybrid might be worth trying.

Cylinder

 

[JCinFLA]

Although if I could find some ketchup/mustard squeeze bottles for the VG to do that part by weight a hybrid might be worth trying.

Walmart sells them usually in the housewares section and/or during summer time in the grilling utensils or tools section. They're translucent and have a little cap attached to the lid by a dangling plastic piece, so you don't lose the little cap. Th larger ones are usually 2/$2.00 in a pack. Others that are smaller, are $.88 or thereabouts singly.

During the late Spring and Summer months, Dollar Tree also usually carries the red and yellow ketchup and mustard empty condiment squeeze bottles.

I also mix by volume with syringes, but I only use them to measure out my flavorings and my nic base. The plain PG and plain VG just get squirted into the bottle I'm making, up to pre-set, specific levels. Rather than post what I do here, (since many have seen my posts explaining it before)...if you'll PM me I'll tell you how I do it. It's easy-peasy, is no mess, and takes only seconds to actually do when making a batch of eliquid.

 

[Myk]

Walmart sells them usually in the housewares section and/or during summer time in the grilling utensils or tools section. They're translucent and have a little cap attached to the lid by a dangling plastic piece, so you don't lose the little cap. Th larger ones are usually 2/$2.00 in a pack. Others that are smaller, are $.88 or thereabouts singly.

During the late Spring and Summer months, Dollar Tree also usually carries the red and yellow ketchup and mustard empty condiment squeeze bottles.

I also mix by volume with syringes, but I only use them to measure out my flavorings and my nic base. The plain PG and plain VG just get squirted into the bottle I'm making, up to pre-set, specific levels. Rather than post what I do here, (since many have seen my posts explaining it before)...if you'll PM me I'll tell you how it's done. It's easy-peasy, is no mess, and takes only seconds to actually do when making a batch of eliquid.

I think I understand from what you said here.
Since I have the scale and sometimes I'm mixing into a bottle with a ml or so or not of previous liquid tare and weigh might work better. I figured Walmart or even Dollar General would have them.

 

[Nicklemile]

Back to NOT making FUNK. I'm taking the advice to make single flavors. I made a 100ml Flavor Art "Jack" Strawberry. I thought a (One Shot) was a shake and vape. I put 11ml in and shook it for 15 min. let it set for 3 hours and gave it a try. No flavor at all. I thought I didn't add enough. I added 15ml more. Shook it another 15 min. There were so many tiny bubbles in it it was almost white. lol.
I let it sit over night and most of the next day. Took it and gave it a try. Almost totally clear. NOTHING!!! but good smell from the bottle. I expected to have a strawberry that needed sweetener and what ever.
I found on ecigexpress site Jack Strawberry. It said Recommended Percentage: 8%.
Now I have 26ml Jack Strawberry in a 100ml pg vg mix. What ever percentage that makes.
And what does that make? I'll tell you what it makes....... FUNK!!!
I assume 8% is 8ml added to 100ml pg vg mix?... lol..Stupid

So now. How do I figure out how much pg vg to add to get the correct percentage? Or is there something else I should or could do?

Discouraged....

 

[NatashaTMT]

Back to NOT making FUNK. I'm taking the advice to make single flavors. I made a 100ml Flavor Art "Jack" Strawberry. I thought a (One Shot) was a shake and vape. I put 11ml in and shook it for 15 min. let it set for 3 hours and gave it a try. No flavor at all. I thought I didn't add enough. I added 15ml more. Shook it another 15 min. There were so many tiny bubbles in it it was almost white. lol.
I let it sit over night and most of the next day. Took it and gave it a try. Almost totally clear. NOTHING!!! but good smell from the bottle. I expected to have a strawberry that needed sweetener and what ever.
I found on ecigexpress site Jack Strawberry. It said Recommended Percentage: 8%.
Now I have 26ml Jack Strawberry in a 100ml pg vg mix. What ever percentage that makes.
And what does that make? I'll tell you what it makes....... FUNK!!!
I assume 8% is 8ml added to 100ml pg vg mix?... lol..Stupid

So now. How do I figure out how much pg vg to add to get the correct percentage? Or is there something else I should or could do?

Discouraged....

Because you used approximately 3 times the suggested percentage. I’d divide it as so to keep it simple. Divide it by 3 and then add back your PG/VG & nic base to make them each 100 mls. OR you could take 1/3 off (34ml - because strength is a bit over 3x, I rounded up from 33.3) and add your base to make it 100mls. OR if you wanna try an even smaller amount before making 100mls, to be sure you like it first, do the same thing on a smaller scale. Hope this helps!
To Make
100 - use 34ml
75 - 25.5
50ml - 17
25ml - 8.5

 

[bwh79]

I assume 8% is 8ml added to 100ml pg vg mix?

8% is 8ml in 100ml total volume, so it would be 8ml flavor and 92ml base.

So now. How do I figure out how much pg vg to add to get the correct percentage?

26 is 8% of what?

26 = .08 * x
26 / .08 = x
x = 325

You want 325ml total volume. You have got 126ml currently. If you add 199ml additional base (200ml is probably close enough) you should achieve 8%.

 

[mcduffy]

I came across a long thread in another forum about people who have trouble tasting strawberry flavors in their vapes. Could that be your problem?

 

[NatashaTMT]

Wait, @Nicklemile what is your current total volume? 100, 111, 115 or 126? After seeing @bwh79 I’m now seeing I misread.
You’re initial 100ml you mixed with the first 11ml one shot, was it 100mls including the 11mls or 111mls total volume?
I don’t mind helping, to the best of my ability, but I want to be sure I understand correctly first before I start throwing numbers again.

 

[Nicklemile]

You want 325ml total volume. You have got 126ml currently. If you add 199ml additional base (200ml is probably close enough) you should achieve 8%.

I think that is what i'm going to do. Add 200ml and have a lot of strawberry.

Wait, @Nicklemile what is your current total volume? 100 or 126? After seeing @bwh79 I’m now thinking maybe I misread?

100ml and 26ml strawberry "funk"
If I ever get a liquid that tastes good I am calling it "Funky" Strawberry Or mabe "Funk-n Strawberry"

 

[Nicklemile]

I came across a long thread in another forum about people who have trouble tasting strawberry flavors in their vapes. Could that be your problem?

Thank you for posting. I haven't any problems with store bought strawberry liquids. This is my first effort at DIY. It is MUCH harder than going to the vape shop and buying a few bottles.

 

[NatashaTMT]

I think that is what i'm going to do. Add 200ml and have a lot of strawberry.

100ml and 26ml strawberry "funk"
If I ever get a liquid that tastes good I am calling it "Funky" Strawberry Or mabe "Funk-n Strawberry"

I agree 100% with @bwh79 Glad you found your answer and hope you like this one!