New to DIY

[mmudder]

Hello,

I've been doing a ton of research into vaping within the past few months. Finally, I have my first mod in the mail.

This is what I ordered: ProVari Variable Voltage Electronic Cigarette Starter Kit V2
With a 510 Atomizer, 18650 Extension, 2 18650 AW IMR batteries - not sure how relevant this information is.

Now that I have the basics ordered and in the mail, I'm working on the juice part. Since I tend to be thrifty, I'm leaning towards DIY(scared silly of it, though). However, the only experience I have with ecigs includes convenience store types that come premade. I'll have to read the manual for the Provari just to get it put together correctly.

I've read through some of the information on DIY here. Some of it is confusing, though. For instance, is the nicotine contained within the PG/VG stuff, or will I need to purchase that separately? Some information out there seems to be conflicting. I've seen some of the bases that state they have nicotine in them and some don't say anything about it (or I could just be thoroughly confused).

This DIY kit is what I'm currently looking at, yet I don't think it comes with the nicotine? - The "PREMIUM" DIY Kit - This Kit Contains 30ml of 60mg of UnFlavored Mixing E-Liquid In This Kit

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to send private messages to avoid clogging up the forum with silly newbie stuff. I don't want to waste a ton of money on this. Right now, I'm already in for $282, which probably isn't much considering the fact that some of you have dropped a small fortune on it, heh. I'm looking to get an order in today, if possible.

Thanks!

 

[Hoosier]

Nope, you actually have the basics.

Nicotine is suspended in something, PG, VG, PG&VG, in a strength designated as so many mg/ml. (Usually shortened to just mg)
When there is no nicotine in the PG, VG, or PG&VG, it is plain.

So you will see things like:
1ml of 60mg PG
2ml of PG
6ml of VG
1ml of flavoring

Makes a 6mg, 40/60 blend at 10% flavoring.

So the link that says, "Contains 30ml of 60mg" means it includes a 30ml bottle of 60mg/ml nicotine solution. Oddly enough, that is what I used in my example, so I only have 29ml of my 60mg nicotine left in my imaginary bottle.

BTW: A ProVari is a rock-solid platform. It is what I use too.

 

[adeline]

Here goes !!

Good choice on your unit. And you won't need the manual to put it together. If you've ever put a battery in a flashlight, you can get the ProVari set up. Either way, lots of folks to help out with the technical stuff.

As for DIY. The kit you picked out DOES come with nicotine. You can choice nicotine in PG, nic in VG, or nic in a 50/50 mix. I recommend picking one or the other (makes it a little simpler to get your ratios right).

It also comes with 20ml of VG, 20ml of PG, and 20ml of a mix of the two. And a handfull of flavorings.

And ... well, normally I don't recommend starter kits, but this thing looks like it has everything you need, including rubber gloves.

For that price, I'd say feel safe to go for it.

You'll need a DIY calculator:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/diy-e-liquid/169390-ejuice-calculator-roundup.html

And eventually you'll probably want to pick up more flavorings.. And there are numerous threads for that.
My go-tos are Wizard Labs (not currently open/accepting orders), and RTS Vapes (for FlavourArt brand). Ecigexpress has quite the number of different flavoring brands as well.

Good luck!

 

[chrisdaman77]

I too have just decided to jump into the DIY liquid. I ordered all of my stuff from RTS. As for whether or not the kit you posted has nic it does and states it right in the link you posted "This Kit Contains 30ml of 60mg of UnFlavored Mixing E-Liquid In This Kit".

 

[the_vape_nerd]

nicotine comes suspended in either pg or vg or a combination thereof

think of nicotine as a powder...it is dissolved in a base (either pure pg, pure vg or a mix of pg/vg)

this is not to be confused with the non-nicotine versions of pg or vg

my advice to you is to start out with your nic in either 100% pg or 100% vg...it gives you more versatility in the final ratios

 

[glassmanoak]

Read the stickys at the bginning of the DIY forum AND also Hoosiers blog (the 3 under his picture)

 

[mmudder]

Aww, RTS Vapes is out of stock on gallon sizes. Does anyone frequently shop with them and know how often they restock?

 

[the_vape_nerd]

Essential depot is the go to place for gallon sized VG and PG. They sell via Amazon and if you have a prime membership the shipping is 2 days and "free".

 

[Gr8Scott]

Hello,

I've been doing a ton of research into vaping within the past few months. Finally, I have my first mod in the mail.

This is what I ordered: ProVari Variable Voltage Electronic Cigarette Starter Kit V2
With a 510 Atomizer, 18650 Extension, 2 18650 AW IMR batteries - not sure how relevant this information is.

Now that I have the basics ordered and in the mail, I'm working on the juice part. Since I tend to be thrifty, I'm leaning towards DIY(scared silly of it, though). However, the only experience I have with ecigs includes convenience store types that come premade. I'll have to read the manual for the Provari just to get it put together correctly.

I've read through some of the information on DIY here. Some of it is confusing, though. For instance, is the nicotine contained within the PG/VG stuff, or will I need to purchase that separately? Some information out there seems to be conflicting. I've seen some of the bases that state they have nicotine in them and some don't say anything about it (or I could just be thoroughly confused).

This DIY kit is what I'm currently looking at, yet I don't think it comes with the nicotine? - The "PREMIUM" DIY Kit - This Kit Contains 30ml of 60mg of UnFlavored Mixing E-Liquid In This Kit

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to send private messages to avoid clogging up the forum with silly newbie stuff. I don't want to waste a ton of money on this. Right now, I'm already in for $282, which probably isn't much considering the fact that some of you have dropped a small fortune on it, heh. I'm looking to get an order in today, if possible.

Thanks!

Provari.....awesome and solid, I agree.

Here's where I digress from some of my esteemed colleagues
.
.
.
.

NO NO NO on this so called "premium kit"


It's sickeningly over priced, friend, don't do it

For instance lets just compare the chemicals;
Instead of a measly 30ml of 60mg nic

Double it from Wizard Labs--- 60ml of 60mg nic---$7.00

PG instead of 20ml(way too little) go to Wizard Labs TRIPLE it(60ml)--$2.00

VG 20ml? BAhhhh got to Wal-Mart and get a BIG Bottle(6oz or 177ml for-----------$3.25

Flavors? (who knows where their stuff comes from...

Again, go to Wizard Labs and get 8mlvials of flavors for $1.50 each, so 4 flavors+ ethyl Maltol ----$7.50
(and thats almost three times the quantity)

All the chemicals mentioned this way for under twenty bucks and your at least doubling everything, so it's even less than half of that.

Wizard Labs is the most rock solid,good dealin', very professional, very proficient and "customer-service first" business that you will ever find. Ask anybody here.



The rest of the stuff in that "kit" is easilly acquired from ebay and sunburst bottle or U.S. Plastics. Actually Wizard has more than just chemicals, they could probably handle it as well.


Don't be scared of DIY. Just maintain a healthy respect for nicotine solutions. Rubber gloves, ventilation, EDUCATION, and read read read.
Also, get PG in USP grade only from reputable places like Wizard.

The biggest thing to be wary of are Fly By Night Places that sell rip-off DIY "kits"

Just my opinion.

Some good people in this forum, don't be afraid to ask Lot of good knowledge here

So -------Welcome !

 

[Gr8Scott]

Aww, RTS Vapes is out of stock on gallon sizes. Does anyone frequently shop with them and know how often they restock?

I wouldn't touch essential depot with a 100 foot Ugly stick

Getting the wrong PG is very hazardous health-wise. Read here:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/diy-e-liquid/277267-purity-pg-vg-peg-short-version.html

Go to Wizard or anywhere that specifies USP.

Essential Depot mashes it all together in their description "USP food grade kosher"

That's like saying that the color of something is "Red Yellow Black"

Quoting Rolygate:

"Even Food Grade should not be inhaled, because the digestive system can handle the contaminants in it that the lungs may not be able to. An example of this kind of difference is the flavoring chemical diacetyl, which has a very strong butter popcorn aroma. It is safe for ingestion (eating) as the digestive system can neutralize it; but it can be fatal when inhaled over a period of time as it causes a degenerative lung disease called 'popcorn lung', Bronchiolitis Obliterans."


Stay far away from Essential Depot. They are dishonest. I have had BAD experiences from them.

Notice the big "U.S. Postal Service" logo on the top of their page.

Yeah, they only ship UPS.


EDIT/ADD:

Camden Grey sells a gallon of PG for $23.80 and it is certified USP.

http://www.camdengrey.com/essential-oils/propylene-glycol-bulk.html




and smaller sizes
http://www.camdengrey.com/essential-oils/propylene-glycol.html


The shipping on the bulk is expensive but if you just want to start with a quart, it's about 19 bucks, shipped (to Tennesee)

 

[Hoosier]

Essential Depot mashes it all together in their description "USP food grade kosher"

That's like saying that the color of something is "Red Yellow Black"

Sigh, kosher is a religious thing and if you confuse it with Black, I'm still OK with that, but I do take issue with the Red and Yellow.

USP is above food grade, so you can say USP, Food Grade. If something is purer than food grade requires, it can still be food. Just because something is pure enough to be classified as USP does not mean it is too pure for food purposes.

The rest of the issues you have with Essential Depot, I have no problem with your feelings on the subject or telling folks to avoid them for that reason. I'm just trying to avoid more confusion on the purity and what means what.

 

[Gr8Scott]

Sigh, kosher is a religious thing and if you confuse it with Black, I'm still OK with that, but I do take issue with the Red and Yellow.

USP is above food grade, so you can say USP, Food Grade. If something is purer than food grade requires, it can still be food. Just because something is pure enough to be classified as USP does not mean it is too pure for food purposes.

The rest of the issues you have with Essential Depot, I have no problem with your feelings on the subject or telling folks to avoid them for that reason. I'm just trying to avoid more confusion on the purity and what means what.

What I am saying is they are intentionally nebulous here. My metaphor was on the fly and perhaps it didn't nail it down specifically. They lie about having USPS to get folks excited about those incredibly low prices. Then when you're all "whoopee" about it and thinking,perhaps, "Okay, little bit of PG, USPS might get it with 5 or 10 bucks" then they go surprise with the ridiculous UPS charges.

What else are they lying about? Are you getting PG made for rubbin' ole Bessie the cow's sore udders or worse the stuff made for Jimmy Joe's Tractor?

There billing PG as "USP food grade Kosher" (and yes,I am aware of the subtle differences) smells of "just get the crap where ever it's cheapest by the drum and label it 'USP, food grade and Kosher. The average ding dong ordering the stuff isn't going to check, so who cares?"

When I inquired about this a while back to essential depot ( about shipping) that very attitude was what I got in reply of my totally non-confrontational inquiry.

So here we got somebody wanting to jump into DIY.

I would rather recommend the absolute best and safest route when it comes to chemicals. Err to the side of caution when the option to do so avails itself . Especially when those options are not singular.

 

[Hoosier]

I understand your issues with ED's customer service and their website's lack of updates since they stopped using USPS. I think it is a great service to the mixing community that you point this stuff out.

But, I see you still have a lack of understanding of what USP on the label means so we will clash on this again in the future. I have no problem with giving folks a variety of options for obtaining their supplies. I will continue to point out that USP is a standard of purity that covers the manufacture, testing, bottling, and handling so that the designation USP can be used on the label legally and the rest of the label is provided by the vendor/distributor. Plus these manufacturers are putting the exact same stuff in bottles, and barrels, with labels ranging from Country Co-Op to Scientific Lab Supply.

If you are more comfortable buying the same stuff from Scientific Lab Supply, that's fine by me. I'm just trying to keep things from taking an unreasonable twist and will continue to do so. The readers of these exchanges can decide for themselves and go the the way they are comfortable with and that is a great thing.

 

[xbassman]

I understand your issues with ED's customer service and their website's lack of updates since they stopped using USPS. I think it is a great service to the mixing community that you point this stuff out.

But, I see you still have a lack of understanding of what USP on the label means so we will clash on this again in the future. I have no problem with giving folks a variety of options for obtaining their supplies. I will continue to point out that USP is a standard of purity that covers the manufacture, testing, bottling, and handling so that the designation USP can be used on the label legally and the rest of the label is provided by the vendor/distributor. Plus these manufacturers are putting the exact same stuff in bottles, and barrels, with labels ranging from Country Co-Op to Scientific Lab Supply.

If you are more comfortable buying the same stuff from Scientific Lab Supply, that's fine by me. I'm just trying to keep things from taking an unreasonable twist and will continue to do so. The readers of these exchanges can decide for themselves and go the the way they are comfortable with and that is a great thing.

I made my first DIY e-liquid purchase yesterday.
While researching, I saw a comment on Amazon about food grade in the reviews on the Essential Depot Glycerin along with Gr8Scott's comment.
I figured I should check this out.

So I checked the data sheets on CVS USP glycerin and Essential Depot's glycerin.

This is what I found......
CVS - 99.5% pure
Essential Depot - 99.7% pure

 

[eHuman]

I wouldn't touch essential depot with a 100 foot Ugly stick
Essential Depot mashes it all together in their description "USP food grade kosher"
Stay far away from Essential Depot. They are dishonest. I have had BAD experiences from them.

Notice the big "U.S. Postal Service" logo on the top of their page.

Yeah, they only ship UPS.

So let's weed out that you are mistaken about Essential Depot's USP/purity/grade (check their MSDS and CofA), causes lung disease, and chalk that up to ignorance or shoddy investigative reporting.

What else in your rant (or "advice" as you'd probably have it referred to as), equates to THEM being dishonest and YOU having a bad experience with them? Let's see, the only thing in your post that caused you dis-satisfaction..... Oh there it is, because they only ship stateside.

So because they only ship to the US they are dishonest and give you a bad experience? Rather an unfounded cheap shot don't you think?

 

[MikeMoo]

2 questions if anyone is still reading
If they tag the product as UPS and it isn't, can't they get sued?
Is there any way to test the grade?

 

[Hoosier]

Still reading.

UPS is a shipping company...not sure what that has to do with grade or testing.

USP is a standard, and yes, if it is labeled USP and the proper procedures and testing isn't done there are legal consequences. Yes, there are tests.

One poster was/is upset that the site says USPS, United States Postal Service, but actually ships UPS. Which given the USPS's latest paranoia about liquids is pretty reasonable and I'm thinking it has more to do with a lack of website updates since the USPS changed its policy. But it may be like shipping with DHL to my area. DHL closed everything in this state so anything shipped through them as to handed off to different carriers and that makes shipping with DHL to me means increased costs and longer delays for me. (Mostly because it seems DHL keeps screwing up the hand-off.)

 

[Iffy]

So I checked the data sheets on CVS USP glycerin and Essential Depot's glycerin.

This is what I found......
CVS - 99.5% pure
Essential Depot - 99.7%

BINGO!!! ED PG & VG is all I use.

 

[BassPlayersWife]

This has been an informative thread folks. Thank you!

 

[Gr8Scott]

So let's weed out that you are mistaken about Essential Depot's USP/purity/grade (check their MSDS and CofA), causes lung disease, and chalk that up to ignorance or shoddy investigative reporting.

What else in your rant (or "advice" as you'd probably have it referred to as), equates to THEM being dishonest and YOU having a bad experience with them? Let's see, the only thing in your post that caused you dis-satisfaction..... Oh there it is, because they only ship stateside.

So because they only ship to the US they are dishonest and give you a bad experience? Rather an unfounded cheap shot don't you think?

Uhhh...

Phut da Wuck?

Where did I mention anything about them shipping anywhere in particular?
S'aright.
Makes no sense, but I don't care to expend anymore energy beating a dead horse that's only stuffed full of polyfill anyway.

I do not like merchants that misrepresent shipping methods. Period. Essential Depot does this with their United States Postal Service banner on their front page.

Essential Depot only ships United Parcel Service.

When I called them on it, face to face, they blew me off in an unprofessional manner. This has been quite a while ago, and I am glad the thread was revived for other reasons than this same old "E.D./deception about shipping" aspect of it. If you care about your company you don't hire ...... on the frontline of customer service to just run and hide when you ask a legitimate question about shipping(or anything). That costs money. Money from a ticked off customer that wont ever do business with your company and money wasted paying same ..... not to do their job.

The bottom line is "do what you do", if you like the way it feels to get jerked around, then be my guest, do business with a company obviously irresponsible on two counts: Fals/mis advertising and poor hiring practices and/or company policy re: customer service.

Hey, if it's a rant, so be it. Advice, whatever. Just words to describe other words.

This is a big life we live that goes by quicker than it should.

I don't enjoy misery, anger, frustration and wasting time and money. E.D. is that . There are a lot of vendors find one that you're happy with and then...."NEXT?" Life goes on.

Nuff said about it from me.