Newbie Questions for beginning DIY

[5vz]

I'm looking at this kit, as I think I will need a kit to get started.

The "ULTIMATE" DIY Kit - This Kit Comes with 30ml of 48mg UnFlavored Mixing E-Liquid In This Kit

Approximately how much eliquid does this make? Is it terribly complicated? Time consuming? Just how hard it is and is the payoff better than buying liquids you find you don't really like so well?

I know I can get more of the nic liquid, pg/vg somewhere cheaper later (which can feel free to tell me now too), but just need some start up help. Any and all advice is welcomed and thank you in advance!

 

[Para]

Easy to do....sometimes difficult to get the flavors the way you want. Trial and error and building a knowledge base and it gets easier. The payoff in savings and having flavors you can't buy depends on your skill as a DIY'er

 

[banjo]

Check out this thread before buying DIY equipment: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/ecf-library-annex/93083-items-you-might-need-diy.html - it is very helpful. Also suggest you check out One Stop DIY Shop.

 

[5vz]

Thank you both for your answers. I am off to check the thread linked above, and thanks for the suggestion of One Stop Diy!

 

[banjo]

Also check out these threads:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/diy-e-liquid/74109-guide-diy-flavoring.html
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...tru-nice-update-e-juice-me-up-calculator.html

Also, that kit you are considering is much smaller than the picture indicates, and you would be better off buying a tackle or tool box to hold your supplies.

 

[5vz]

Oh my, lots of reading to do. Thanks again!

The kit in the lunch box/tackle box, yeah, I was comparing it to the other. Looks like the other one comes with more of what is essential to me.

 

[5vz]

Okay going with the OneStop Artisan kit. Another question for any that have time, I mainly vape at 5v, should I be using PG, VG or what mixture of what? I read the really long DIY thread, but did not see that answer. Thanks yet again!

 

[cskent]

How much juice 30ml of 48mg nic juice makes depends on what your target level is. If you're making 24mg it'll make 60ml, for 12mg it'll make 120ml, 18mg would be 90mg. Personally, when I decided to get into DIY I looked at the kits and decided I could piece together the basic stuff much cheaper. Much of the stuff in the starter kits I just don't need.

I just ordered a few things here and there and probably spent a total of $100, but I got 240mg of 100mg nicquid and about 25 bottles of flavorings. All said and done I can make just under 1000ml for less around $150, assuming I buy a little more PG, VG and flavorings. So, it is cost effective.

Is it complicated or time consuming? No. It's basically like cooking. Follow the recipe, which in this case means use a calculator and add what it tells you. Time consuming? No, the last batch I made took about 30 minutes to get everything together and mix up 2 bottles with 2 different flavors, and that'll keep me vaping for around 2 weeks. The only time consuming part is letting those juices steep for a week or two.

Where to get supplies, check this thread http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/diy-e-liquid/150112-share-your-vendor-links.html. Watch ECF for any sales that might be happening and you can get some good deals. I got my 240ml of 100mg nic juice for less than $45 shipped. I buy my VG from my local Walmart for less than $3 for a 6 oz bottle, Walmart VG.

When you buy nasty premade juice from a vendor there's not much you can do about it other than complain. With DIY you may make a bad batch, but you can only blame yourself, and you can probably make it useable.

 

[5vz]

Wow thanks cskent. I am pretty good at recipes and changing things to my liking so I thought diy eliquid is right up my alley. Sounds easy enough, will look into the calculator and remember all the tips here (or reread them as I foget, lol). Thanks for the links too, I could not find VG at Walmart, guess I was looking in the wrong place, but they can ship it just like everyone else does! Been checking the share your vendors links too. Will have to bookmark these.

 

[Dudeman]

Okay going with the OneStop Artisan kit. Another question for any that have time, I mainly vape at 5v, should I be using PG, VG or what mixture of what? I read the really long DIY thread, but did not see that answer. Thanks yet again!

That is a very good starter kit. You'll be happy with it. That's how I got started in DIY a year ago.

The PG/VG mixture doesn't make much difference at different voltages. It's more a matter of preference. The VG will give more vapor. I vape at 6v and I mix my juice at 80% PG and 20% VG simply because that's how I like it. At lower voltages I prefer to add more VG to increase vapor production. Some people prefer all PG liquids at higher voltage beacuse it's a little more flavorful. You'll have to experimant to see what works best for you but, that's part of the fun of DIY!

 

[cskent]

The VG at my local Walmart's is right above the rubbing alcohol and hydrogen pyroxide. It took a little searching before I saw it, but I found it. And it's cheap and works great.

 

[5vz]

Thanks Dudeman, I thought the PG/VG may just be personal preference, but don't want to burn up everything if not.

cskent, will look there for VG.

Thanks everyone, I can't wait to get cookin'!