MY FIRST DIY Experience

[jlew]

And I'm Loving It!

Today, I got a small stock in of liquids, flavors, a few mixing tools, and a test kit so I
could stock up in case something stupid happens in all this FDA crap.

I never realized just how easy it is to DIY and have been having fun all day on it...
looking at recipes, mixing flavors and taste testing

I got 330ml of 100mg Nicotine in VG base, a liter of PG, a 120ml of VG and like 10 flavors
including a Sweetener and a Sour.

So far, I made an Irish Coffee flavor that is very similar to the Taylored Coffee from ECX
and when I tested it a few minutes ago, it sits at 23.3mg/ml -- I was shooting for 24mg/ml
so I think for my first mix, I did pretty well

Then I made a Sweet Tarts flavor using the recipe mentioned elsewhere in the forum, and
I made a Cola flavored one. I had to add a little sweetener to that though because it had
a strong, tingly "Pop" type hit to it in the nose and throat so the sweetener made it more
mellow and more like Coca Cola.

Funny thing about the Irish Coffee one though -- when vaping it, the vapor smells a little
like DK tobacco... LOL

All in all, I say I did really well and I can't wait to use this up to make more flavors -

My nicotine liquid (one bottle of it anyway) is a bit low on the Nic though.
It is testing out at 93mg instead of 100mg... which I realize it is supposed to have a margin
of error of +/- 5mg but this is off by 7mg.

Anyhow - This has been a great experience and I think I am going DIY from now on

 

[Eddie.Willers]

Welcome to the great new world of DIY!
Cheaper and, very often, far more satisfying than store-bought!

 

[JusticeKnuckles]

congrats! I've been really interested in trying it out, is the a general guide for beginners on DIY floating around the forums or on a webpage? I just want some general advice on what to buy, how much of it, where to get it and general techniques.

But I'm very happy for you, let us know what you come up with!

 

[Bud Man]

love it yep I am doing the same DIY rocks!

 

[MorpheusPA]

Isn't this fun? I played a lot at first, finally settling into three or four formulae that I really like. Every now and again I get a little zany with it and do something different!

Keep in mind that most inexpensive nicotine testers are...well, the reliability is a bit questionable and depends very much on the reader's ability to interpret the results properly. Your liquid may be just fine, it's just that the test's error band and the normal error band on the liquid are hitting each other badly. Watching P. Busardo try to test liquid's nicotine was a hoot as I kept thinking, "I still see a note of color that needs to be canceled there, add a bit more..."

 

[Caridwen]

And I'm Loving It!

Today, I got a small stock in of liquids, flavors, a few mixing tools, and a test kit so I
could stock up in case something stupid happens in all this FDA crap.

I never realized just how easy it is to DIY and have been having fun all day on it...
looking at recipes, mixing flavors and taste testing

I got 330ml of 100mg Nicotine in VG base, a liter of PG, a 120ml of VG and like 10 flavors
including a Sweetener and a Sour.

So far, I made an Irish Coffee flavor that is very similar to the Taylored Coffee from ECX
and when I tested it a few minutes ago, it sits at 23.3mg/ml -- I was shooting for 24mg/ml
so I think for my first mix, I did pretty well

Then I made a Sweet Tarts flavor using the recipe mentioned elsewhere in the forum, and
I made a Cola flavored one. I had to add a little sweetener to that though because it had
a strong, tingly "Pop" type hit to it in the nose and throat so the sweetener made it more
mellow and more like Coca Cola.

Funny thing about the Irish Coffee one though -- when Vaping it, the vapor smells a little
like DK Tobacco... LOL

All in all, I say I did really well and I can't wait to use this up to make more flavors -

My nicotine liquid (one bottle of it anyway) is a bit low on the Nic though.
It is testing out at 93mg instead of 100mg... which I realize it is supposed to have a margin
of error of +/- 5mg but this is off by 7mg.

Anyhow - This has been a great experience and I think I am going DIY from now on

Did you contact them regarding the nicotine?

 

[jazon1]

i agree DIY is the way to go,you pay less,have stronger tasting juice(if you like) if there is something about the flavor you dont like..easy to fix.also makes a great hobby just be sure you follow all safety protocols when handling that 100mg nic very dangerous stuff one drop on the floor if you have a pet could mean an early grave for your pets,not to mention what it can do to a child of adult.
i use a large cookie sheet for any nic concentration work as well as long sleeves and some good gloves,soon as im done mixing cookie sheet gets washed thoroughly, shirt goes in laundry and gloves go to the outside dumpster.

i also suggest mixing up large batches of the base with the strength you use i pre mix 250ml of 24mg and use it to mix my flavors into smaller bottles,once flavored im between 18-19mg, it cuts down on the risks involved in messing with 100mg nic.
i started doing this after getting a drop on my wrist once it only sat there for like 30 sec before i noticed it i got very sick from it chest hurt and everything ever sense i have been extremely careful with the handling of the 100ml nic.

 

[Renolizzie]

DIY has turned out to be fun.

Do be careful handling that 100mg nic.

I like doing my nic into 28mg, 20mg and 15mg batches from my strong nic. That way I can make approx. 24mg, 18mg and 12mg ejuices easily. I make sure I use my nic calculator and I concentrate during the nic phase of production. I don't answer the phone and I don't go to see what the dog is barking at until I have the nic, pg and vg properly mixed.

 

[Plentyobass]

I use syringes to measure all components, but some flavorings were melting the rubber stopper. I've switched to pipettes for the flavorings now, and have no problems. Enjoy the DIY!

 

[jlew]

Hi all and thanks for the replies

congrats! I've been really interested in trying it out, is the a general guide for beginners on DIY floating around the forums or on a webpage? I just want some general advice on what to buy, how much of it, where to get it and general techniques.

Here at ECF is a great place to start -- here is a whole forum area dedicated to the subject:
DIY E-Liquid

What I started with was the free program called eJuiceMeUp - it is an e-liquid calculator that comes with
quite a bunch of recipes and allows you to create your own as well... It gives exact amounts of what you
need and that is how I figured how to buy.

You can get the "eJuiceMeUp" calculator here

And here are Screen-shots and another link to it.

I figured to make between 1250 and 1400 ml:
If I bought the Nic in 100% VG, that would first eliminate the need for a large amount of VG to add later
and a thicker fluid can mean less chance of "Splashing" or spills.
So... I started with (from EcigExpress):
1 x 215ml 100mg Nic in 100%VG
1 x 115ml 100mg Nic in 100%VG
These both came in small square heavy crystal-clear lab type bottles (I am guessing HDPE) with child-proof
caps.
Note: Be EXTREMELY Careful with 100mg
1 Liter of PG
120ml VG
10 flavors by "Flavor West" - each about $2.99 per 10ml
1 Test Kit
a couple syringes, some gloves, and a bag of pipettes

Total was a little under $140 and with what I use weekly, should be more than enough to make over a
years worth of e-liquids... the only thing I will have to get later are more flavors.

Keep in mind that most inexpensive nicotine testers are...well, the reliability is a bit questionable and depends very much on the reader's ability to interpret the results properly. Your liquid may be just fine, it's just that the test's error band and the normal error band on the liquid are hitting each other badly. Watching P. Busardo try to test liquid's nicotine was a hoot as I kept thinking, "I still see a note of color that needs to be canceled there, add a bit more..."

I noticed that the simple testing kits are pretty accurate if done properly but it is true that the error
margin is higher - the kits do say they are not a replacement for lab testing.

On my first test of the Nic I got, I found it to be around 93mg (92.47/49 to be exact) BUT - when I tested
one of the liquids I made - I was shooting for 24mg, adjusted the calculator to match the Nic content, and
made it exact to the calculator's ml/drops shown for each liquid and flavor and the test of that finished liquid
was 23.4mg - so the test is quite accurate and I figure the Nic is just a bit under the 5mg margin.

Did you contact them regarding the nicotine?

They have been down for a couple days because they are doing some website changing and store work but
they will be back up within a day or so. I did however leave an open support ticket prior to the site going all
the way down yesterday.

I am not too concerned about the 3mg over-site though because 92.5 (93mg) is still well within the 100mg
range... if it was 10 or 15mg low, I would be pitching fits and shouting "things" ... lol

At best, they will probably make it up somehow -- they are very good at making things right

i agree DIY is the way to go,you pay less,have stronger tasting juice(if you like) if there is something about the flavor you dont like..easy to fix.also makes a great hobby just be sure you follow all safety protocols when handling that 100mg nic very dangerous stuff one drop on the floor if you have a pet could mean an early grave for your pets,not to mention what it can do to a child of adult.
i use a large cookie sheet for any nic concentration work as well as long sleeves and some good gloves,soon as im done mixing cookie sheet gets washed thoroughly, shirt goes in laundry and gloves go to the outside dumpster.

i also suggest mixing up large batches of the base with the strength you use i pre mix 250ml of 24mg and use it to mix my flavors into smaller bottles,once flavored im between 18-19mg, it cuts down on the risks involved in messing with 100mg nic.
i started doing this after getting a drop on my wrist once it only sat there for like 30 sec before i noticed it i got very sick from it chest hurt and everything ever sense i have been extremely careful with the handling of the 100ml nic.

I do like the flavors of it so far... they are a bit better than pre-mix purchased
I am quite fond of the Irish Coffee flavor I came up with... it taste very close to the one that ECX sells.

Thanks for the caution... I will be as careful as I possibly can - I know this stuff can be very dangerous...
even just allowing it to touch skin can cause problems as you noted.

Glad you are ok from that incident

I realize the bottles can tip over so I am going to make a stand for them and I mixed my first ones on
a very clean and clutter free kitchen counter right next to the sink in case.

I am quite comfortable working with such materials as I have worked with dangerous liquids and medical
equipment but I do respect it and do not take chances.

Good thing about it being in all VG base though, it is much thicker and won't "Splash" as easily so that
helps in case it tips or a drop were to get free... and I absolutely DO NOT work with it around my kid or
dog - won't even let them in the kitchen when I am mixing it.

I have also been mixing 10ml at a time it in a 30 or 50ml bottle so it has a very small top opening and if
it tips with the nic in it, it won't spill out. I measure out my nic first then make sure the bottle is capped
and put aside before I even get the PG or VG out.

My Suggestion To Everyone -- Take jazon1's accident into very serious consideration!
Nicotine Liquid may look like water and you may want to let your guard down simply because of that ---

DON'T!

Nicotine is measured as mg per ml -- 1 ml is about 20 drops so -- if 100mg/ml has 5mg per drop.
The average E-Liquid is 12mg to 24mg per ml so at 18mg/ml, you are only getting 0.9mg per drop.

One drop of 100mg on the skin can make you quite ill - one drop in the eye or mouth could land you in
the hospital and can even cause heart problems.

I would therefore suggest buying 36mg to 60mg for those who may not be comfortable with the dangers.

The Last Thing the vaping community needs is someone getting deathly ill or even killed while
making DIY e-liquids -- the FDA, CDC, and a bunch of others would have a field day with that one
for certain!!!

I use syringes to measure all components, but some flavorings were melting the rubber stopper. I've switched to pipettes for the flavorings now, and have no problems. Enjoy the DIY!

Wow! I had no idea flavors could melt the syringe plunger! Those are made to withstand that kind of
thing... lol
Thanks for the heads up - I got some pipettes but I have been just adding the flavors according to
the amount of "Drops" the calculator says to add.

I am really wanting to get some other tools like Lab tools and glassware -- especially a graduated cylinder.
I have a Balling Scale and Cylinder for my wine making (yes, I do that too ) but it is not graduated and
is Lexan so I am afraid that won't work for my needs in DIY.


Thanks everyone for the replies and cautions... I will heed them well

 

[williebb123]

yeah jumped band on the ole diy band wagon myself got about 4 samples while i decide to brave the on slaught of flavors and vendors whew what a task thanks to all the experienced girls and guys here on ecf that helped me thru reading an endless supply of responses thank you all so much and to jlew if you still like using syringes i found some glass pyrex syringes at NTTworldwide they work great never have to worry about the numbers rubbing off

 

[jlew]

Thanks williebb123, can you give me a link to where you found them because searching Google came up
with mostly NTT Telecommunications and Electrical companies.

Last night, I was thinking about the old Glass syringes I had seen years ago and was even thinking of
one of the stainless syringe holders that used the tubes and had a large thumb hold/ring in the plunger.

I want to find a place to get some lab glassware - Graduated Cylinders, Flasks, beaker stand, etc.

 

[Plentyobass]

NTT HOME PAGE - INDEPENDENT LAB SERVICES DEDICATED TO THE ELECTRICAL POWER INDUSTRY

 

[Plentyobass]

Graduated Cylinders, and Test Tubes

 

[Orobas]

I'm accumulating DIY gear slowly and surely while i wait for wizard labs to start taking orders again. I got my graduated cylinders, bouffant caps, and funnels yesterday. I have bottles from specialtybottles in route. gloves, face mask, splash sleeves, beakers, syringes incoming. Going to get a cookie sheet from wally world to work on this weekend.

I'm ready, I'm excited.

 

[Plentyobass]

...bouffant caps...gloves, face mask, splash sleeves...cookie sheet...

Holy schnikey! You mixin' jooses or muratic acids?!

 

[williebb123]

oh sorry Jlew forgot the link my bad

NTT - Glass Syringes

 

[jlew]

Thanks Plentyobass... I saw that site and thought it was for something else... lol
GOOD GOOGA MOOGA! Those things are Expensive! 8-o $12 for a 2ml 8-o
I also plan on getting some stuff from Wizard Labs soon... Thanks again.


Now - here is something really crazy - maybe someone can help me on this one.

As I mentioned, the Nic I got was a bit low on the nic level - Supposed to be 100mg VG base and
my first test of it used the 2ml test method and the result was roughly 93mg (92.49 to be exact).
I adjusted my calculator for that and made a 10ml of 24mg e-liquid and when I tested it, it was
23.4mg... so the testing was accurate on the nic too (at least that is my guess).

Now - I called to inform the company and they said to try this -- that because it was a 100% VG
base which is very thick, the nicotine can get "held" in suspension in it and takes a lot of mixing
to blend it well. They suggested I allow it to warm to an appropriate temp in my hands while shaking
it and then retest...

So I did that... held it and shook it for about 10 minutes - to the point it has so many tiny bubbles,
it looked like thin milk... lol
When I tested it this time, it came out to 93.4 -- So it was still low and I called them back to alert
them and was told that what probably happened was the person who mixed and tested it probably
did it "Cold" and didn't allow the liquids to warm to a decent working temperature and that they would
make sure that was noted.

Now here is where it gets really goofy --

The first 10ml I made with the adjustment in the calculator tested at 23.4mg and was 70/30 PG/VG
I made 2 more 10ml's of a different flavor:
One was an accident and I got it 50/50 so I made the second one which was 70/30 -- Neither of these
were adjusted to 93mg and left in the calc at 100mg...
When I tested them, they were both above 30mg - one was 35 and the other was 32 - so I added PG
and VG to bring them down to 26/27mg.

I made a 30ml without the adjustment and it came to around 27mg -- Then, to top that off, I added the
remainder of the first 10ml I made (same flavor) and Get This Craziness ---

The first one at 23.4
The 30ml at 27mg
Mixed together without adding anything else
Tested at over 37mg!!!!!

How did I do that?

Blending those 2 should have averaged around 25mg but somehow, I got 37+mg and had to bring it down
to 27 by adding PG and VG...
I did each test exactly like the one before it using 1ml liquid.


Can someone explain this goofiness to me



@Orobas... Wally World - Everyone Loves Wally World
Wow!, I am inclined to agree with Plentyobass -- but I was just saying to the wife earlier that you know those
companies must be using some pretty heavy duty stuff to be able to mic down into a base of PG or VG at 100mg...
They must be wearing Haz-May suits working with that stuff...

I swear this is fun... and I was never much into chemistry either - always loved biology though... but it is fun
learning about mixing a useable product from such fluids and it is much cheaper than buying Pre-made all the time.

One thing I have to go back and retrace my steps in is the Quantities I was using... I was having so much fun with it,
I forgot to keep a log and I have to rough estimate how much stuff I am using so I can keep track of cost.

 

[Orobas]

Well i would rather overkill it than make myself sick with a spill or splash. The mask is because a mucous membrane (mouth and nose) will absorb a nic splash that much quicker.

The caps are because i have have dandruff and dont want it in my juice

Im a biology major too but ive been refreshing my chem for just this occasion.

 

[JusticeKnuckles]

Xserve sw sw saq