New to DIY? Think you need a kit? Simple guide with links

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RocketPuppy

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Guide for beginners, with links


* Disclaimer: There is varying opinion on what is needed, and this is not the Rosetta Stone of what to buy. Please continue to ask questions and seek others for advice. The views here represent those of RocketPuppy.

DIY can be simple & inexpensive. For half the cost of a DIY kit,
you can make twice as much e-liquid.

SUGGESTIONS



  • Don't buy a laboratory worth of supplies.
  • After making a few mls and seeing what would make the process easier/quicker, then buy the lab set up.
  • Order only a few small-sized flavorings from different companies.
  • Other people's praises don't mean that you'll love them, too.
  • Free shipping after so-and-so dollar amount means nothing if you don't like or use the products.
  • DIY KITS are too expensive for what you receive.*

MANY OF US STARTED DIY THINKING THAT WE NEEDED EVERYTHING, ONLY FOR OUR BEAKERS
AND FLASKS TO SIT IDLY BY AS VASES WHILE THE 100'S OF FLAVORINGS ALL TASTED THE SAME.


* DIY Kits are very expensive for what you get and contain unnecessary things. You may be tempted
because of the simplicity of it, but the links below will help you find everything easily in one place.


T
HE ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES



  • Nicotine
  • PG and/or VG (USP Grade)
  • Flavor concentrates
  • Bottles
  • Syringes/Needles or Droppers

*If you're using a nicotine solution over 24 mg 2.4% , buy a box of gloves and use eye protection.

THE NON-ESSENTIALS (that some people find essential)


  • Graduated Cylinders
  • Flasks/Beakers
  • Scale (0.01g)
  • Funnel (I think it's essential)

PRICES - As of 6/26/14

- There are many places to purchase supplies. I only listed a few for cost comparison.

Bull City Vapor - free shipping @ $75

120 ml Nicotine 24mg: $7.24
120 ml PG and VG each: $2.50

Other supplies they carry: Needles/syringes/glass and plastic bottles/concentrated flavorings (FA, INW, TFA, FW, & CAP)

ecigExpress - free shipping @ $85

115 ml Nicotine: 24mg $8.99
120 ml PG and VG each: $5.99

Other supplies they carry: Needles/syringes/glass and plastic bottles/concentrated flavorings (CAP, FA, FE, FW, HS, INW, JF, LA, NF, Sig, TP)

Wizard Labs - free shipping @ $65

120 ml Nicotine 24mg: $7.49
120 ml PG and VG each: $3.19

Other supplies they carry: Needles/syringes/glass and plastic bottles/concentrated flavorings (LA, LAN, SM, TPA)

Vapers Tek

120 ml Nicotine 100mg: $20.00 (UK sourced)
120 ml PG and VG each: $3.75

Other supplies they carry: Needles/syringes/glass and plastic bottles/concentrated flavorings (INW)

One Stop DIY Shop - free shipping @ $75

60 ml Nicotine 36mg: $8.50
120 ml PG and VG each: $4.50


Other supplies they carry: Needles/syringes/glass and plastic bottles/concentrated flavorings (OSF, OSB, TFA, CAP, DKS, HC, LA, FW, SM, FA)

Additional Information

Comprehensive lists of where to buy:

  • Flavor Concentrates: HERE
  • Bottles, flasks, syringes, bulk, etc: HERE
  • Flavor Suppliers Abbreviated List: HERE

Special thanks to HeadInClouds for suggestions!!! When it's time for recipes,
check out:
HeadInClouds - Recipes



Blog version can be found: HERE
 
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RocketPuppy

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Thank you!
The funnel is for me. Often times, the bottle openings are small, and a funnel alleviates needing to make sure everything is aligned perfectly and all liquid goes in the bottle and not down the sides =). I have this one: http://wizardlabs.us/index.php?route=product/product&path=71_76&product_id=470, though it can be purchased at other sites as well.
When I started, I used syringes, but now I use a scale. I found syringes hard to read. My other blog on my process explains it a bit more.
And please, like I said, feel free to ask questions. Hopefully others will chime in too.
 

RocketPuppy

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Great list! I would add a place to keep all your stuff together... I got a fishing tackle box for under $40 that keeps everything nice and tidy and easy to find.

Excellent point! It's taken me a long time to figure out the best method for storing everything. I wish it all fit now in a tackle box. Lol
 

mountaingal

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I agree with the poster, a funnel is essential. I have been making my own juice for a while. I have a great all day vape that I make in a 250ml batch. It's 24%nic and a 50/50 blend with chocolate, hazelnut, tobacco, raspberry and MTS vape wizard to round it all out. The 250ml batch lasts about 45 days. It costs me about $20 dollars. I fill 5-15ml vials at a time and freeze the rest. It works for me and saves me tons of money. I bought one 500ml cylinder, but forgot the funnel. I now have one to fill the little bottles up. I also bought a battery operated milk shake whip to blend it all together nicely. (Ten minutes of whipping it all together, rather than shaking!) I make my next batch when I fill the five bottles up and empty the 250ml bottle. The new batch steeps while I use those up, about 2 weeks. In a way, I am still like a smoker, I stick to the same flavor/brand. Yes, I have tried other flavors, none satisfy me like this blend. I have been thinking about cutting the nic lower and I think I'll try 18% next time. As, I say, to each their own. And this is mine.
 

Wingsfan0310

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I agree with the poster, a funnel is essential. I have been making my own juice for a while. I have a great all day vape that I make in a 250ml batch. It's 24%nic and a 50/50 blend with chocolate, hazelnut, tobacco, raspberry and MTS vape wizard to round it all out. The 250ml batch lasts about 45 days. It costs me about $20 dollars. I fill 5-15ml vials at a time and freeze the rest. It works for me and saves me tons of money. I bought one 500ml cylinder, but forgot the funnel. I now have one to fill the little bottles up. I also bought a battery operated milk shake whip to blend it all together nicely. (Ten minutes of whipping it all together, rather than shaking!) I make my next batch when I fill the five bottles up and empty the 250ml bottle. The new batch steeps while I use those up, about 2 weeks. In a way, I am still like a smoker, I stick to the same flavor/brand. Yes, I have tried other flavors, none satisfy me like this blend. I have been thinking about cutting the nic lower and I think I'll try 18% next time. As, I say, to each their own. And this is mine.

I assume you meant 24mg/ml (2.4%) Nic because 24% would be 240mg/ml. :shock:

Cheers,
Steve
 
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I haven't been DIYing that long, but here's my setup:

100 count boxes of 1, 5 & 10 ml. syringes ($10 - $20/ box @ Amazon)
12 1 oz. amber bottles (~$10 @ Amazon)
A sonic ammunition cleaner because they're bigger and more durable than jewelry cleaners
14 gauge needles that I don't really use
Gloves, glasses, apron.

I haven't seen a need for anything else since I'm not in commercial production.
 
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